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Recognizing the red flags of a phone call scam will help safeguard your information from being stolen and abused : Internet Scambusters #1,128
Unfortunately, we live in a time where we receive calls from an impersonator claiming you are in trouble with the law, your credit card information has been exploited, or your bank is telling you a fraud alert was placed on your account.
In this week’s issue we’ll give you prevention and safety tips to show you ways to recognize their deceitful tactics and to protect yourself from being a victim of these phone call scams.
Let's get started…
Phone Call Scam Tactics Designed to Get Your Personal Information
An impersonator is someone who pretends to be another person, usually to deceive or defraud. They are nothing more than scammers. These scammers often pose as a trusted figure with a title that leads you to believe the caller is legit.
They could be posing as a family member, government entity, law enforcement officer, or bank official. The phone call scammers’ goal is to trick you into revealing sensitive information or taking your money. Understanding the basics of phone call scams/impersonations and the tactics they use will help you be more alert and aware to avoid these fraudulent schemes.
Impersonators are very skilled at mimicking voices, using convincing language, and creating a believable incident to tug at your emotions. The scammer may tell you your bank account has been compromised, you owe back taxes, missed a jury assignment, or a family member is in trouble and needs money immediately.
Being aware of the many ways impersonators operate is the first step in safeguarding yourself against these types of scams.
What are Impersonators/Scam Callers Looking For?
Scammers have specific goals and objectives in mind when they call you. Scammers often target vulnerable people. Typically, the caller is after:
- Personal information: Social Security number, date of birth, or other personal information that identifies you.
- Financial Information: They may request your bank account number(s), credit card details, or online banking information like username and password.
- Money: Scammers often use high-pressure tactics to convince you to transfer money or purchase gift cards.
Scammers are skilled at sounding legitimate when making their request for your information. They use official-sounding language and specific details about your life and job (often gathered from public sources), creating a sense of urgency to get you to take immediate action. Recognizing these patterns can help you stay vigilant.
By knowing what the scammer is after, you can better guard your personal and financial information. Always question unexpected requests and inquiries, and verify the identity of the call before giving them any personal information.
Signs of a Suspicious Phone Call
Some red flags of a suspicious phone call are subtle, others are more obvious and blatant. Identifying them can be challenging, especially when the scammers are highly convincing. Here are some major red flags and indicators that should raise your suspicions immediately and help you identify a potential fraudulent call:
- Unsolicited Contact: If you receive a call out of the blue, especially from someone claiming to be an authority figure, be cautious.
- Urgency and Pressure: Scammers often create a sense of urgency, insisting you take action to avoid any bad consequences. Scammers use fear as a driving force to get you to react.
- Requests for Personal Information: Legitimate organizations rarely ask for sensitive information over the phone. Never give anyone your Social Security number, bank details, or passwords.
- Questions Asking for Confirmation: Watch out for questions like "can you hear me," "is this [your name]," or anything else that you would normally answer with "yes." They are looking to record you saying yes, which they can later use to verify transactions on the phone. Never say "yes" or "no" in answer to a question on an unsolicited phone call; say "uh huh" or "uh uh" instead.
- Caller ID Spoofing: Scammers can manipulate caller ID to display a legitimate company's name and/or phone number.
- Request for Payment Methods: Say no and hang up if you are asked to transfer money, pay with gift cards, or provide your bank account details.
- Threats and Intimidation: The scammer might threaten legal action, arrest, or other severe consequences if you do not comply with them immediately.
These signs are not complete but can certainly serve as initial red flags. Be extremely skeptical and trust your gut feeling – if something feels off, it probably is. Taking a moment to pause and think about responding. It can save you from falling victim to a scam.
Suspicious phone calls often follow a pattern of unsolicited contact, urgency in the matter, and requests for personal information. Being aware of these signs can help you recognize and avoid potential scams against you.
Remember, it is always better to be safe and verify the caller’s identity before taking any action.
How Can I Protect Myself?
Protecting yourself from an impersonator who is trying to scam you requires vigilance and proactive measures.
Here are some steps you can take to safeguard your personal and financial information:
- Verify the Caller: If you receive an unsolicited call, do not hesitate to hang up and call the organization directly using a verified number from the organization's official website. If the caller wants to give you a phone number to call to verify their legitimacy, do not call that number; do a web search for that organization's actual website, and call the number listed there.
- Do Not Share Personal Information: Never provide sensitive details over the phone unless you are 100% certain of the caller's identity.
- Report the Call: If you suspect a call is fraudulent, report it to the FTC or the FCC and your local law enforcement agency.
Taking these steps can help you avoid becoming a victim of impersonation scams.
Verification is key – always double-check the authenticity of the call before sharing any information. Additionally, reporting suspicious calls can help authorities track and combat these scams.
Stay Safe and Informed!
Impersonators/scammers are a growing threat, but by staying informed and vigilant, you can protect yourself from these scams. Recognize the signs and red flags, and take proactive measures to safeguard your personal and financial information.
Often people are embarrassed when they become a victim of a scam and do not make a report. The scammers are getting good at what they do and keeping yourself informed and educated makes it harder for the impersonator/scammer to succeed.
That's it for today -- we hope you enjoy your week!