Phone scams are a growing problem, with scammers using increasingly sophisticated tactics to trick people out of their money. In 2021, Americans lost an estimated $39.5 billion to phone scams, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
One common phone scam involves scammers pretending to be from a legitimate organization, such as the IRS, Social Security Administration, or a utility company. Scammers may call and demand immediate payment, threaten legal action, or offer a refund.
If you receive a phone call from someone claiming to be from a legitimate organization, never give out your personal information, such as your Social Security number, bank account number, or credit card number. Always verify the caller's identity by calling the organization back at the number listed on their official website.
Another common phone scam involves scammers calling and posing as family members or friends in distress. Scammers may claim that they have been arrested, injured, or kidnapped, and need money to be released.
Never send money to someone you do not know. Always verify the caller's identity by calling them back at the number you have on record.
If you believe you have been the victim of a phone scam, you should report it to the FTC at 1-877-382-4357. You can also file a complaint online at www.ftc.gov/complaint.
Here are some tips to help you protect yourself from phone scams:
By following these tips, you can help protect yourself from phone scams and keep your personal information safe.
Phone scams can be difficult to spot, but there are some common signs that can help you identify them.
If you receive a phone call that has any of these red flags, it is likely a scam. Do not give out your personal information and hang up the phone.
If you believe you have been the victim of a phone scam, you should take the following steps:
By taking these steps, you can help protect yourself from further financial losses and identity theft.
Phone scams are a serious problem, but you can protect yourself by being aware of the common signs and taking steps to avoid them. If you believe you have been the victim of a phone scam, contact your bank or credit card company and file a complaint with the FTC.
Scam Type | How it Works | Example |
---|---|---|
Impersonation scams | Scammers pretend to be from a legitimate organization, such as the IRS, Social Security Administration, or a utility company, and demand immediate payment or threaten legal action. | "This is the IRS. We have a warrant for your arrest if you do not pay your taxes immediately." |
Family and friend scams | Scammers call and pose as family members or friends in distress, claiming that they have been arrested, injured, or kidnapped, and need money to be released. | "I'm your daughter. I've been arrested and I need you to send me $5,000 to bail me out." |
Refund scams | Scammers call and offer a refund for a product or service that you never ordered. They may ask for your bank account number or credit card number to process the refund. | "We're calling from [company name]. We're offering a refund for the subscription that you never ordered." |
Phishing scams | Scammers send text messages or emails that appear to be from a legitimate organization, such as your bank or credit card company. They may contain links to websites that look like the real thing, but are actually fake websites designed to steal your personal information. | "Your account has been compromised. Please click on the link below to reset your password." |
Organization | Phone Number | Website |
---|---|---|
Federal Trade Commission (FTC) | 1-877-382-4357 | www.ftc.gov/complaint |
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) | 1-888-225-5322 | www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/dont-fall-prey-phone-scams |
Your state attorney general's office | Varies | Varies |
Tip | Description |
---|---|
Never give out your personal information over the phone, unless you are sure who you are talking to. | Scammers can use your personal information to steal your identity or commit fraud. |
Always verify the caller's identity by calling the organization back at the number listed on their official website. | This is the best way to make sure that the caller is who they say they are. |
Never send money to someone you do not know. | Scammers will often pressure you to send money immediately. Never do this. |
Be suspicious of any caller who demands immediate payment, threatens legal action, or offers a refund. | These are all common signs of a phone scam. |
If you believe you have been the victim of a phone scam, report it to the FTC at 1-877-382-4357. | Reporting phone scams helps the FTC track down and stop scammers. |
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