We’ve all heard about the “Nigerian” email scam, but how much do you know about phone scams? Scam artists keep perfecting their game to the point where it can be increasingly difficult to distinguish the truth from a hustle. How can you protect yourself from being duped? Here are 5 signs of phone scams that you should be aware of:
Getting Personal
If any unknown caller asks for any type of personal information, this should set off a red flag! Scammers are looking to get access to your accounts by asking you to confirm personal information like your Social Security number, date of birth, mother’s maiden name, etc. Do not fall victim to this trick.
Sending Gifts
Another tactic phone scammers use to obtain money is to ask for payment in the form of a gift card. No legitimate business would ask you to remit payment via gift card. This is just a way for them to get quick money that is basically cash and is untraceable.
Threats
This type of approach can be quite scary and unsettling. Callers will threaten to send the police to your home with a warrant for your arrest. This form of scare tactic can catch many people off guard and lead to lapses in judgment. These threats of arrest are just another way to extort money from you and are baseless bluffs. Don’t allow yourself to be intimidated.
Scare tactics
In the same vein as the outright threats, scam artists will come up with all sorts of intimidation tricks to make you feel vulnerable. Inciting fear is a formidable strategy as it causes panic to set in and people react irrationally. Unless you are in debt to a bookie, no reputable business would resort to this method of collection.
It’s the IRS!
Please know that the neither the IRS nor any other government agency would contact you via phone. They NEVER call! The moment you hear them use this approach, hang up immediately.
Unexpected Solicitation
Be wary of any unknown number or unexpected call demanding money. Legitimate companies will use mail as their form of correspondence. Disregard any random calls requiring you pay via phone.
Summary of 5 Signs of Phone Scams
We hope this list has been insightful and make you prepared for the next time the phone rings! Don’t allow yourself to be duped by of any one of these 5 signs of phone scams. If you get these types of calls, simply hang up. It’s best not to engage with scam callers.
