Bahrain

Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior has warned citizens and residents about the risks of answering certain calls from unknown numbers, explaining that such calls may be used as an initial method to confirm whether a phone number is active and linked to a real user. Once a number is identified as active, it may become more vulnerable to spam messages, nuisance marketing calls, or fraud attempts targeting its owner.

The warning was issued on Thursday, 8 October 2026, by the Directorate responsible for combating cyber and economic crime. According to the awareness message, some automated systems or suspicious operators place short or repeated calls simply to test phone numbers. If the user answers, the number may be marked as active, while numbers that do not respond may be considered less useful for future targeting.

Authorities explained that the danger of such calls does not stop at inconvenience. Once a number is confirmed as active, it may later be used for fraudulent text messages, deceptive calls, or other more serious scam attempts. In some cases, the number may also be added to shared databases or circulated among untrusted parties, increasing the likelihood of repeated targeting over time.

The Ministry of Interior urged the public not to answer unknown numbers or call them back without verification. It also stressed the importance of caution when receiving unexpected calls that request personal, financial, or banking information, or attempt to pressure the recipient into taking quick action. Residents and citizens were encouraged to report suspicious numbers and to follow safe digital practices in order to reduce their exposure to fraud and abuse.

This warning comes as part of wider national efforts to strengthen cybersecurity awareness in Bahrain. At the beginning of October, the National Cyber Security Center launched the 2026 national awareness campaign under the slogan “Don’t Make It Easy for Them,” in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior and the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority. The campaign focuses on preventing cyber fraud, protecting online accounts, and safeguarding personal data and digital privacy.

The message is especially important for both citizens and expatriate residents who rely on digital government services, banking applications, and online communication tools. A quick or careless response to suspicious calls or messages can sometimes lead to financial loss, privacy violations, or wider fraud exposure. For that reason, following official guidance and avoiding interaction with questionable contacts has become an essential part of everyday digital safety.

The warning also highlights that merely answering certain unknown calls may be enough for a number to be categorized as valid and active. This can increase the chance of future targeting. As a result, users are advised not to share verification codes, private account details, or any sensitive information with unverified callers, even if the contact appears convincing or claims to be official.