What Are Scam Calls?
Scam calls come in various forms, each using different tactics to trick you. Here are some common types:
- Phishing Scam Calls: Pretending to be from legitimate organizations, such as banks or government agencies, to extract sensitive information.
- Tech Support Scam Calls: Fraudsters claim to be technical support from well-known companies, convincing victims to provide access to their computers or personal data.
- Lottery or Prize Scam Calls: Callers inform you that you’ve won a prize or lottery, but you need to pay a fee or provide personal information to claim it.
- Impersonation Scam Calls: Scammers pretend to be a family member or friend in urgent need of financial help.
- Robocalls: Automated calls with pre-recorded messages designed to mislead or coerce you into taking action.
How to Identify a Scam Call
Spotting scam calls can be challenging, but several red flags can help you identify them:
- Unsolicited Calls from Unknown Numbers
Be cautious of calls from unknown numbers, especially if you weren’t expecting any calls from that area or organization. Use call screening apps to identify potential scams.
- Urgent and Unexpected Calls
Scammers often create a sense of urgency, pressuring you to act quickly to avoid a supposed penalty or to claim a reward. Legitimate organizations will not pressure you into immediate action.
- Requests for Personal Information
Legitimate organizations rarely ask for sensitive information over the phone. Be cautious if the caller requests your Social Security number, bank details, or other personal data.
- Too Good to Be True Offers
If the offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Be skeptical of calls claiming you’ve won a prize or lottery you didn’t enter.
- Caller ID Spoofing
Scammers can manipulate caller ID to make it appear as though the call is coming from a trusted source. Don’t rely solely on caller ID to verify the caller’s identity.
- Unfamiliar Accents or Poor Grammar
Be cautious if the caller has an unfamiliar accent or uses poor grammar, which can be indicators of a scam.
- Requests for Computer Access
Your telecom provider will never call out of the blue asking for access to your computer. Scammers may claim they need remote access to fix a problem or remove a virus. If you didn’t initiate contact about a technical issue, hang up. Legitimate companies will ask you to describe the problem or send a screenshot, not give remote access.
- Repeated Calls
Scammers often call multiple times to create a sense of urgency. Legitimate companies won’t hassle you if you’ve declined an offer or asked to end the call. Block the number and contact your service provider if you think there’s a real issue.
- Weird Requests
Bills cannot be paid with gift cards, bitcoin, or wire transfers. If a caller asks you to purchase and provide gift cards, it’s a scam. Hang up immediately.
Quick Tips to Protect Yourself from Scam Calls
- Don’t Answer Unknown Calls: If you don’t recognize the number, let it go to voicemail. Legitimate callers will leave a message.
- Verify the Caller: Hang up and contact the organization directly using a trusted phone number to verify the caller’s identity.
- Use Call Blocking: Many phones and telecom providers offer call-blocking features that can help reduce unwanted calls.
- Report Scam Calls: Report scam calls to your telecom provider and relevant authorities, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
- Educate Yourself: Stay informed about the latest scam tactics and share this information with friends and family to help protect them as well.
Advanced Strategies to Avoid Scam Calls
- Use Call Screening Services
Many telecom providers offer call screening services that can help identify and block potential scam calls before they reach you.
- Enable Do Not Disturb Mode
Use your phone’s Do Not Disturb feature to block calls from unknown numbers while still allowing calls from your contacts to come through.
- Regularly Update Your Phone’s Software
Keeping your phone’s software up to date ensures you have the latest security features to protect against scam calls.
- Utilize Third-Party Apps
Consider using third-party apps designed to identify and block scam calls. Apps like Truecaller and Hiya can provide an additional layer of protection.
Scam calls are more than just a nuisance; they pose a significant threat to your personal and financial security. By being vigilant and knowing the signs of a scam call, you can better protect yourself and your loved ones. Remember, when in doubt, always verify the caller’s identity and never share personal information over the phone.
Stay safe and stay informed!
Report It
Have you received a suspicious call at 11pm asking for your email address? Report it! The ACC provides an online form to report such calls. You can also report the number to the DoNotCall register.
If the caller was pretending to be from one of your service providers, make sure to inform them as well.