The Scam Call Playbook: Dos and Don'ts for Protecting Yourself
- Other Scams
The phone rings. You glance at the unfamiliar number and wonder if you should answer, which is more than a fair thought. In today's world, where phone scams are rampant, that seemingly simple decision can have significant consequences.
From robocalls promising free cruises to sophisticated schemes involving identity theft and financial fraud, scam calls have become a pervasive and annoying threat. So, the question is, what do you do when that scam call comes through?
Recognizing the Red Flags: Identifying a Scam Call
When it comes to phone scams, your first line of defense should be knowledge. By learning to recognize the telltale signs of a scam, you can avoid falling victim and protect yourself from potential harm.
So let's go over some of the red flags of scam calls.
Suspicious Numbers:
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Unfamiliar area codes: Be wary of calls from area codes you don't recognize, especially if you're not expecting a call from that region. Scammers often use spoofing technology to disguise their true location.
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Spoofed numbers: Scammers can manipulate caller ID to make it appear as if they're calling from a legitimate organization or a local number. Don't rely solely on caller ID to verify the caller's identity.
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Unknown international numbers: Don't trust calls from international numbers you don't recognize. These calls could be part of the "one-ring" scam, where scammers try to get you to call back and incur hefty charges.
The "Too Good to Be True" Offers:
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Free prizes and giveaways: If you receive a call congratulating you on winning a prize you never entered, be skeptical. Scammers sometimes use this tactic to lure people in and then ask for personal information or upfront fees to claim the "prize."
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Debt relief or loan offers: Be wary of calls offering debt relief or easy loan approvals, especially if they require upfront payments or personal financial information.
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Investment opportunities: Be cautious of unsolicited calls promoting investment opportunities, especially if they promise high returns with little or no risk.
Pressure Tactics:
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Sense of urgency: Scammers often create a sense of urgency to pressure you into making a quick decision without thinking. They might claim that the offer is only valid for a limited time or that you need to act immediately to avoid negative consequences.
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Threats and intimidation: Some scammers resort to threats or intimidation to scare you into complying with their demands. They might threaten legal action, arrest, or other negative consequences if you don't cooperate.
Requests for Personal Information:
- Social Security number, bank account details, passwords: Legitimate organizations will rarely ask for sensitive information like your Social Security number, bank account details, or passwords over the phone. So don't trust callers who ask for this kind of personal information.
Other Red Flags:
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The caller doesn't know your name: If the caller claims to be from a legitimate organization but doesn't know your name or other basic information, it's a red flag.
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The caller asks you to pay with gift cards: Scammers often ask for payment in the form of gift cards, as these are difficult to trace and recover.
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The call is pre-recorded or comes from a noisy call center: If the call sounds pre-recorded or comes from a noisy call center, it's likely a scam.
By being aware of these red flags, you can be more vigilant in identifying scam calls and protecting yourself from their deceptive tactics.
The Dos: How to Handle a Scam Call Effectively
While the best way to avoid falling victim to a scam call is to simply hang up, sometimes curiosity, concern, or even a bit of defiance might lead you to engage with the caller. If you find yourself in this situation, here are some "Dos" to keep in mind:
1. Stay Calm and Collected
Scammers often prey on emotions like fear, anxiety, or excitement. Take a deep breath and remind yourself that you're in control of the conversation. The calmer you are, the better equipped you'll be to handle the situation effectively.
2. Don't Engage in Conversation
Keep your answers short and to the point. Avoid providing any personal information or engaging in lengthy conversations that could give the scammer more opportunities to manipulate you or gather information.
3. Ask Probing Questions
Turn the tables and ask the caller questions to verify their identity and intentions. Ask for their name, company name, phone number, and why they're calling. If they hesitate or provide vague answers, it's a red flag.
4. Document the Call
If you suspect it's a scam, take notes during the call or immediately afterward. Document the caller's number, their name (if provided), the date and time of the call, and the nature of the scam. This information can be helpful if you need to report the scam to the authorities.
5. End the Call Politely but Firmly
If you're convinced it's a scam, don't hesitate to end the call. You can say something like, "I'm not interested," or "I'm going to report this call to the authorities." Then, hang up. You don't owe the scammer any explanation or courtesy.
The Don'ts: What to Avoid When Responding to a Scam Call
While it might be tempting to engage with a scammer, you should know that curiosity or a desire to "outsmart" them can often backfire. To protect yourself from becoming a scam victim, here are some crucial "Don'ts" to keep in mind when responding to a suspicious phone call:
1. Don't Answer Unknown Numbers
Whenever possible, avoid answering calls from numbers you don't recognize, especially if you're not expecting a call. If it's important, the caller will usually leave a message. This simple step can significantly reduce your exposure to scam calls.
2. Don't Engage in Conversation
If you do answer a suspicious call, keep your answers short and to the point. Don't engage in lengthy conversations or provide any personal information. The more you engage, the more opportunities the scammer has to manipulate you or gather information.
3. Don't Give Out Personal Information
Never provide personal or financial information over the phone, even if the caller seems legitimate or claims to be from a trusted organization. Remember, scammers can spoof phone numbers and use convincing language to gain your trust.
4. Don't Fall for Pressure Tactics
Scammers often use pressure tactics, such as threats, intimidation, or creating a sense of urgency, to coerce you into complying with their demands. Don't let them rush you into making a decision. Take your time, think critically, and remember that you have the right to end the call at any time.
5. Don't Click on Links or Download Attachments
Some scammers might try to send you text messages with links or attachments during or after a call. Never click on these links or download attachments from unknown sources, as they could lead to phishing websites or install malware on your device.
6. Don't Say "Yes"
Scammers might record your voice saying "yes" and use it to authorize fraudulent charges or agreements. Be mindful of your responses and avoid saying the word "yes" unless you're absolutely certain of the context.
7. Don't Try to "Outsmart" the Scammer
While it might be tempting to try to outsmart the scammer or waste their time, this can sometimes backfire. They might become aggressive or use your engagement as an opportunity to gather more information about you.
Final Thoughts
Scam calls are an unavoidable reality but learning how to follow the dos and don'ts of these suspicious calls can help you reclaim control and minimize your risk of falling victim. And if you do fall victim to a scam, just know that Payback is here to help.
We here at Payback are dedicated to spreading awareness and helping people avoid falling victim to scams but we also offer investigative services to those who have lost money to scammers. With our help, you'll have all the tools you need to get back what was taken from you.