No matter how digitally savvy you are or how aware you may be, everyone is at risk of potential phone scams. Here are a few simple tips to help reduce that risk.
Get on no-call lists
Registering your number on the National Do Not Call Registry is a good first step. After it takes effect (typically within a month), political fundraising calls and charity solicitations may continue, but telemarketing calls should cease—and any that come through are likely bogus.
Don’t trust caller ID
Standard on most cellphones and many land-line services, caller ID is handy for identifying calls from friends and family members. However, be aware that criminals can falsify, or “spoof,” caller ID easily. It’s wise to have a healthy distrust of caller ID, and to beware unexpected calls identified as coming from Medicare, Social Security, the IRS or financial institutions (especially ones you don’t use).
A good default option is to let unsolicited calls coming from businesses and government agencies go to voicemail. If the caller leaves a message and you want to check on it, call back using a phone number from a trusted source, such as account paperwork or the organization’s website.
Do not share personal information
While many phone scams seek bogus payments, some also aim at capturing personal information that can be used for purposes of identity theft, bank fraud or credit fraud. Never disclose account numbers, Social Security numbers or passwords over the phone unless you are on a call you made yourself to a known agency or institution. If a caller asks to supply such personal information for “verification” or other purposes, the safest response is to end the call and contact the organization in question yourself.
Beware of common scare tactics
A common approach from scammers is to use fear as a weapon. Remember that:
- Any caller ordering immediate action to avoid cancellation of coverage, closing of an account or other financial catastrophe should be treated as suspicious
- A caller claiming to represent a bank, insurance company or government agency will not demand immediate payment over the phone
- If a caller claims to need funds because a family member needs emergency care, the best thing to do is to call the family member to verify
Legitimate businesses and government agencies will generally notify you in writing if there are financial matters that need attention—and they will allow a reasonable amount of time for taking care of them.
Do not pay to collect money
A common phone scam promises intended victims a chance to collect a vast sum in sweepstakes or lottery winnings, unclaimed bank deposits or inheritances—but only after paying a transfer fee or otherwise making a payment to get the process rolling. Remember that news of legitimate prizes and windfalls typically comes by mail, and that there are never payments required to collect them.
For more information on identity theft and fraud, see the following articles: