Expert Tips for Avoiding Common Phone Scams

 

As modern technology advances, it can be a blessing or a curse. There are new radar signs that help discourage speeding, but also online hackers and cybercriminals. You may have heard about people who’ve fallen prey to phone scams or have experienced some of these first-hand.

If you’re looking for some expert tips to protect you from scammers and their common tricks, that’s what this article is all about.

 

Use Reverse Phone Lookup

This tool allows you to enter a phone number and see the name and address associated with it. This can help you determine if the call is actually coming from who they say they are, or if it’s someone trying to scam you. By using reverse phone lookup you can access subscriber information from several sources that include carrier databases. There are also specialist websites that can explain such terminology as area codes, prefix codes, phone search services and VoIP numbers.

Whilst the reverse phone lookup option can often help, it can’t prevent all scams. For example, someone could call claiming to represent the IRS or another agency that doesn’t use reverse phone search. Although this is true, checking reverse phone lookup before you speak to someone can certainly reduce your risk of becoming a victim of a scammer.

 

Don’t Answer Calls From Unfamiliar Numbers

This is one of the best ways to avoid getting scammed over the phone. If you don’t recognize the phone number or caller ID, it’s best to hang up. This way, you won’t be tempted to answer any questions or provide any personal information.

If your friends’ numbers are stored on your phone, it will tell you who’s calling when it rings. This is an important practice – and you may decide to enter other numbers onto your phone for the same reason.

 

Report It To The Authorities

If you receive a call from an illegitimate source, this is important. Whilst you may have become prey to a scammer, you may be able to prevent it from happening to somebody else. In the case of automated scripts, report them on both FTC Complaint Assistant and Scam Tracker. For live calls from scammers, you can also report them directly to your local Police department or FBI field office.

If you’ve already lost money to fraudulent activity contact your local Police department or The Internet Crime Complaint Center. Take screenshots of all communications between you and those attempting to defraud you so that the law enforcement officials have as much evidence as possible when investigating this crime. It’s important not to confront the scammers directly – you could be putting yourself in danger.

 

Warn Others

Tell family members and friends what type of scams are out there so they can protect themselves also – this includes grandparents who are more likely targets for these types of schemes. This is because they’re often home during the day when many scammers are trying to call people.

It’s never too early to start teaching your kids what a scam is because they’re more likely targets and are easier to manipulate.

 

Protect Your Personal Information

Avoid giving out your credit card number or any other financial data unless you started the conversation. Never give out such things as your Social Security number or bank account details to someone you don’t know.

Be suspicious of unsolicited calls from people asking for money or sensitive information. Don’t be fooled by convincing disguises or pleas for help.

 

Be Aware Of The Scams

Here are some major examples:

1. People who call asking for donations for an important cause like cancer research. These requests may occur even though there is no link between the caller and the charity/beneficiary.
2. A telemarketing scam is a type of fraud where the caller tries to make money by using unethical methods. They use things like deception, pressure and manipulation in order to sell products or services. In most cases, they try selling additional products/services when you have already agreed on one product or service (e.g. insurance).
3. Some scammers impersonate government agencies such as IRS, FBI, Social Security Administration, and other local authorities. There are also instances when offenders use an existing business name but will not provide any information about their company’s identity – except for a contact number which they could later change.
4. Some scammers will try selling you a business opportunity for as low as $200, without advising you that there will be additional costs which can be from hundreds of dollars up to thousands.
5. The caller may claim they need some financial help urgently and then asks you to send them money through Western Union or any other money transfer services.

 

Understand The Scenarios

Here are some for you to consider:

1. A scammer may pose as your grandson or granddaughter and request money because they are in some sort of trouble while traveling overseas. They will try to make it more believable by adding emotional appeal to their story like crying or begging for help.
2. The IRS Scam is where someone calls pretending to be from the IRS and tries to get you to pay taxes that you don’t owe. They may threaten legal action or arrest if you don’t comply.
3. Some scammers pretend you have won a lottery – but what you need to do before claiming the prize is to send some money for taxes, handling fees or insurance.
4. Scammers pretending to be from a legit company may ask for your credit card number and other personal information like your name, address and contact details or organization. They may even create fake websites which look very similar to the real ones in order to get what they want.
5. Tech support scams – the caller says you’re having computer problems and asks for your login credentials. Alternatively, someone ”from Microsoft Tech Support” requests remote access to your computer.

By being aware in advance and knowing what to do if it happens, you’ll gain maximum protection from potential scammers. Your personal details will remain private and your friends and family will be well-informed as well.

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