How to Recognize a Scam Phone Call

Scammers often pose as IRS agents, law enforcement officers, or bank representatives, claiming there is an issue with your taxes, account, or identity.

Fraudsters may say you owe money, have won a prize, or your account is at risk, pushing you to act immediately.

Legitimate organizations will never ask for your Social Security number, credit card details, or passwords over the phone.

Scammers often demand payment through gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency, which are difficult to trace.

Scam calls may appear to come from a local number, a well-known company, or even your own phone number using caller ID spoofing.

If you don’t recognize a number, allow it to go to voicemail. Scammers rarely leave legitimate messages.

If a caller claims to be from a company or government agency, hang up and contact them directly using their official number.

Do not press any numbers or respond to automated prompts, as this can confirm your number is active.

While scammers often ignore these lists, registering can reduce legitimate telemarketing calls.

Many smartphones and mobile carriers offer call filtering and blocking options to help reduce scam calls.

If you provided financial details, immediately inform your bank to secure your accounts.

Watch for suspicious transactions or identity theft and consider placing a fraud alert on your credit report.

Report fraudulent calls to authorities such as the FTC, FCC, or your local consumer protection agency.

Let others know about the scam to prevent them from falling victim to the same scheme.

Scam phone calls are a persistent threat, but knowing the warning signs can help you avoid becoming a victim. Always verify unknown callers, never share personal information over the phone, and report suspicious calls to help stop fraudsters.