Published: Aug 27, 2024

Phone scams are becoming more and more common, and it’s getting harder to tell the difference between a legitimate call and a scam. I’ve had my fair share of suspicious calls, and over time, I’ve learned a few ways to spot the red flags. Here’s my personal guide to identifying a scam call before it’s too late.

My First Encounter with a Scam Call

I’ll never forget the first time I got a scam call. The person on the other end claimed to be from a bank that I had an account open with, saying I owed large fees and needed to pay immediately or face arrest. The caller was aggressive, didn’t sound professional, and kept pushing me to pay using a debit or gift card. Thankfully, I hung up and did some research, only to find out it was a common scam. Since then, I’ve become more cautious and learned how to identify these tricky calls.

Red Flags That a Phone Call Might Be a Scam

Here are some of the warning signs I’ve learned to watch out for:

Unsolicited Calls from Unknown Numbers

If you receive a call from a number you don’t recognize, especially from an unfamiliar area code or a “No Caller ID” number, be cautious. Scammers often use spoofed numbers to hide their identity.

Pressure to Act Immediately

Scammers rely on fear and urgency to get you to act without thinking. If the caller is pushing you to make a quick decision—like paying a debt, claiming a prize, or resolving a supposed legal issue—it’s likely a scam. Legitimate businesses or government agencies won’t pressure you like this.

Request for Personal Information

Be wary if the caller asks for sensitive information, like your Social Security number, bank account details, or passwords. Legitimate organizations won’t ask for this information over the phone. If they claim they need it to verify your identity, hang up and call the official number of the organization to confirm.

Strange Payment Methods

One of the biggest red flags is if the caller asks for payment through unconventional methods, like gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. No legitimate company or government agency will ask for payment this way.

Caller Claims to Be from a Government Agency

Scammers often impersonate government agencies like the IRS, Social Security Administration, or law enforcement to scare you into compliance. Remember, these agencies will never threaten you with arrest over the phone or demand immediate payment. If you’re unsure, hang up and call the agency directly using a verified number.

Too Good to Be True Offers

If the caller promises you something that sounds too good to be true, like winning a prize or a huge discount on something you didn’t sign up for, it’s probably a scam. Scammers often dangle attractive offers to lure you in.

Poor Call Quality or Unprofessional Behavior

If the call quality is poor, the caller is rude, or their behavior is unprofessional, these are signs you might be dealing with a scammer. Legitimate businesses train their employees to maintain a certain standard of professionalism.

What to Do If You Think It’s a Scam Call

If you suspect you’re on the phone with a scammer, here’s what I do:

• Hang Up Immediately: Don’t engage with the caller. The longer you stay on the line, the more they might try to manipulate you.
• Don’t Share Any Information: Never give out personal or financial information over the phone to an unsolicited caller.
• Block the Number: After hanging up, block the number to prevent future calls from the same source.
• Report the Call: You can report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your local authorities. This helps prevent others from falling victim.

Final Thoughts

Scammers are getting craftier, but by staying vigilant and knowing the signs, you can protect yourself from their schemes. Always trust your instincts—if something feels off, it probably is.