Phone scams are increasingly sophisticated and common, affecting millions of people each year. Whether it’s a fake bank call, a false prize notification, or a “tech support” hoax, scammers aim to trick you into giving away personal information or money. This article outlines how to recognize, avoid, and respond to fraudulent calls.
Recognize Common Types of Phone Scams
Knowing what to expect helps you stay alert. Common phone scam formats include:
1. Impersonation Scams
The caller claims to be from a known institution (bank, IRS, police, tech company).
- “There’s a problem with your account…”
- “You owe money and must pay immediately…”
2. Prize or Lottery Scams
They tell you you’ve won something—but need to pay a “processing” or “shipping” fee.
- “You’ve won a free cruise!”
- “Claim your prize by providing your credit card info.”
3. Tech Support Scams
Scammers pretend to be from Microsoft, Apple, or another company.
- They claim your computer has a virus.
- They try to convince you to give them remote access.
4. Grandparent or Family Scams
Callers pose as a family member in distress needing immediate help or money.
- “Grandma, it’s me—I was in an accident and need help…”
Use Call Blocking and Spam Detection Features
Technology can be your ally in stopping phone scams.
- Enable caller ID and spam protection on your smartphone.
- Use apps like Hiya, Truecaller, or Robokiller.
- Consider blocking unknown or private numbers automatically.
Don’t Trust Caller ID
Scammers can spoof numbers to make them look legitimate.
- Don’t trust the number displayed—always verify.
- If the caller claims to be from your bank or a government agency, hang up and call the number from the official website.
Never Share Personal Info Over the Phone
Unless you’re 100% sure of who’s calling, don’t provide:
- Social Security Number
- Bank account or credit card numbers
- Passwords or verification codes
- PINs or one-time login codes
Be Skeptical of Urgency and Threats
Scammers want to trigger panic so you act without thinking.
- Don’t believe threats like “You’ll be arrested if you don’t pay.”
- Legitimate organizations will never pressure you over the phone.
Hang Up and Call Back Using Official Numbers
If a call seems suspicious:
- Hang up immediately—even mid-sentence.
- Call the organization directly using a trusted number.
- Report the suspicious call to local authorities or a fraud center.
Report Scam Calls
Reporting helps authorities track and stop scams.
- In the U.S., report to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
- Use your phone’s call log to block and report the number.
- Some mobile carriers offer fraud reporting features via SMS.
Be Aware of Voicemail and Text Scams Too
Scammers also use voice messages and text messages to deceive.
- Never call back unknown numbers from vague voicemails.
- Avoid clicking links in suspicious text messages.
Educate Family Members, Especially Seniors
Older adults are often targeted by phone scams. Share these tips with them:
- Never act out of fear or urgency.
- Confirm any story by calling a trusted number.
- If in doubt, talk to a family member before responding.
Keep Your Guard Up—Scammers Count on You Letting It Down
Fraudulent calls can happen to anyone. But if you stay skeptical, use call protection tools, and know how to verify and report scams, you’ll be far better prepared. Your phone is a tool of connection—don’t let scammers turn it into a weapon.
