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Scammers are not just online; they’re also making phone calls to trick you. Here’s how to identify and protect yourself from scam calls.

How Can I Tell if a Call is a Scam?

Watch for these warning signs:

  • Unknown Numbers: Be cautious of calls from numbers you don’t recognize, especially if they have strange area codes.
  • Urgent Language: Scammers often use urgent or threatening words, saying you must act quickly.
  • Requests for Personal Information: Never give out sensitive information like your Social Security number, bank details, or passwords.
  • Unsolicited Offers: Be wary of unexpected offers for prizes, money, or services.
  • Caller ID Spoofing: Sometimes, the caller ID shows a familiar number, but the call feels suspicious.
  • Pressure to Pay: If someone demands immediate payment using gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency, it's likely a scam.

What Are Common Phone Call Scams?

Here are some scams to be aware of:

  • Support Scam Calls: Calls pretending to be from tech support, claiming you are owed a refund or need to renew a license.
  • Impersonation Scams: Scammers may pretend to be from trusted organizations or government agencies.
  • Utility Scams: Calls threatening to cut off your utilities unless you pay immediately.
  • Collect Call Scams: Calls from someone pretending to be in distress, asking you to accept and pay for a collect call.
  • Financial Scams: Unsolicited calls offering business loans with upfront fees or promises of quick money.

Why Am I Getting These Scam Phone Calls?

Scammers use several methods to target people, including:

  • Data Breaches: Information from hacked databases can be sold to scammers.
  • Auto-Dialers: Automated systems that call random numbers.
  • Public Listings: Information from public directories or social media.

What Should I Do If I Receive a Scam Phone Call?

  • Do Not Engage: Avoid answering calls from unknown numbers. If you do answer, don’t share personal information.
  • Hang Up: If the call feels suspicious, hang up right away.
  • Verify the Caller: If they claim to be from a legitimate organization, hang up and call that organization directly using a verified number.
  • Report the Call: Report the scam call to your phone carrier and authorities like the FTC or your local consumer protection agency.
  • Block the Number: Use your phone’s blocking feature to stop future calls from that number.
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