Scammers are trickier than ever, however, a lot of them are still using the old tried and true scam tactics to get you to give up your personal information. Scammers will try to reach you in as many ways as possible, including your phone. The more you answer the calls of scammers, the more likely they are to call you. Scammers can even manipulate Caller ID through something called spoofing to make you think it’s a local number or the number of someone you know when it’s really not.

Some common scam tactics they’ll use to try to get to you include:

  • Too good to be true deals that only last a limited time
  • Robocalls/extended warranty scams
  • Tech support representatives
  • Government agency impersonation
  • Fake fraud alerts from your ‘bank’
  • Missing jury duty and having a warrant for your arrest
  • Grandparent Scams

Keep reading for more information on spotting scam calls.

Using the words “only” or “act now”

By using words that imply urgency, they’re forcing you to act without thinking. Never let anyone scare you into revealing personal information or financial details just because it won’t last long. This can apply to credit card deals, debt reduction offers, even lottery or prize winnings. Always be cautious when answering these kinds of calls.

Utilizing Pre-Recorded Messaging

If there’s a long pause before the other person answers the phone, or if they leave a recorded message on your voicemail, it is likely a scam. Some common robocalls include offering a better deal on your auto warranty or warning that your warranty is about to expire. Calls can be rushed or vague and leave out key details about the offer or policy. Most first-time outreach attempts are labeled as urgent “last chance” offers.

Unexpected Phone Call from Major Organization or Company

Scammers love to claim they’re the IRS, DMV, CDC, or even Medicare. None of these companies are likely to call you unless you specify that they should. Research their real number and call back. They won’t be mad at you for double checking if they’re the real organization. Scammers will ask to confirm common things that these government organizations should already know, like driver’s license numbers, date of birth, social security numbers, tax identification numbers, and home addresses, etc.

If someone calls and says that they’re your bank, notifying you about a fraud alert, be cautious and ask questions. For example, banks will never ask you to move funds between accounts over the phone or put pressure on you to use third-party payment apps like Zelle or PayPal to fix a fraud issue. Banks also never ask for an authorization code, PIN or other personal financial information over the phone. If you can, go to your bank directly to speak with someone face to face. If that’s not an option, hang up the phone, research the right phone number for your bank and give them a call separately to ask about your account. Never give up your account information until you are 100% sure the person on the other end is a bank associate.

Caller Uses Threats of Jail Time or Fines

A common phone scam is telling people they’re in trouble with the law. Often you may be accused of missing jury duty or having late loan payments. Signs it’s a scammer can include the caller issuing ultimatums or threats of imprisonment if you don’t act now, urging you that it’s your last chance to make things right, etc. Scammers may even pretend to be the sheriff or deputy to get you to comply with their wishes, however they are just utilizing spoofing techniques to trick your caller ID. If you haven’t received anything in the mail or an in-person visit from law enforcement, it’s highly likely it’s a scam.

Caller Claims Malware or Viruses on Your Computer

If someone’s calling to convince you that your computer has a virus or needs repairs, it’s likely a scam. Nobody can know if your computer has a virus unless they have direct access to it.  Remember, if they are a legitimate computer repair company, they would not call you first, you would need to contact their store or company to start any repair services. If they ask you for access to the device over the phone so they can fix it, that’s definitely a red flag. Additionally, requesting payment through gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrencies is another big red flag that they’re not actually tech support representatives.

If you get a pop-up about viruses on your computer, this is also likely a scam, deployed by fraudsters to get you to click on their malicious link and give them access to your computer. Learn more about this type of scam here.

What To Do Next?

If you find yourself the victim of one of these kinds of scams, you should:

  • Document the incident.
  • Contact your financial institution.
  • Freeze your credit.
  • Check your credit report.
  • File a report with the FTC.
  • Report the incident to the police.
  • Update your passwords and enable two factor authentication on as many accounts as you can.

To avoid issues in the future:

  • Don’t answer calls if you don’t know who’s calling. The more you answer a scammer’s calls, the more likely they are to call you.
  • Register any suspicious texts and phone calls as spam in your phone and block the number. Do not engage with the scammer.
  • Register your phone number on the Do Not Call registry.
  • Call Availa Bank or your local police department if you are unsure that something is a scam. These two entities see fraud on a daily basis and are knowledgeable enough to recognize when someone is trying to scam you. Reaching out to local resources is always your best bet in a fraud situation because you can talk to them face to face to resolve the issue.