You’ve probably experienced it: the phone rings, and on the other end is a voice that seems just a little too eager. It’s likely a scammer, spinning a tale to extract your hard-earned money. The world of scams is ever-evolving, with perpetrators weaving increasingly convincing stories. But there are telltale signs, phrases, and tones of voice that can help you identify when it’s time to hang up. Here are 13 things scammers say that should send up red flags and have you ending the call without a second thought.
1. “You’ve Won A Free Vacation!”
When you hear these words, it’s tempting to let your imagination run wild with thoughts of sandy beaches and tropical drinks. However, the reality is that most unsolicited offers of free vacations are scams. According to a study by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), travel-related frauds are among the most common types of scams, preying on people’s desire for a getaway. Scammers will often ask for an upfront “processing fee” or personal information to “claim” your prize. If you didn’t enter a contest or the details are vague, hang up and protect yourself.
These types of scams often rely on a sense of urgency to entice you to act quickly without thinking. The idea is to catch you off guard and excited, making you less likely to question the legitimacy of the offer. Remember, legitimate prizes never require you to pay money upfront. If something sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Always verify the authenticity of such offers through official channels before proceeding.
2. “Your Computer Has A Virus!”
The call often starts with an “IT technician” claiming your computer has been compromised. They might say they’ve detected a virus and offer to fix it remotely. This is nothing more than a scam to gain access to your personal files and financial information. In reality, reputable tech companies like Microsoft don’t make unsolicited calls about your computer’s security. If you’re genuinely concerned about your computer’s health, contact a trusted local technician instead.
The scammer’s goal is to trick you into downloading software that gives them control over your computer. They might also ask for credit card details to pay for their “services.” Once they have access, they can steal data or even lock you out of your own system for a ransom. Remember, never give out personal information or allow remote access to your computer unless you’ve initiated the contact and trust the source. Trust your instincts and end the call without hesitation if something feels off.
3. “I’m Calling From The IRS/Your Tax Office.”
This is a classic scam that’s been around for a while, yet continues to trap many people. Scammers pretend to be from the IRS or your local tax office, claiming you owe back taxes. According to a report by the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, tax scams are a persistent threat, with thousands of people falling victim each year. The scammer’s goal is to scare you into paying immediately using threatening language about arrest or legal action. Remember, real tax agencies will never call you demanding immediate payment over the phone.
These scammers often use sophisticated techniques, including spoofing phone numbers, to make it appear as though the call is legitimate. They might also demand payment through unconventional methods like gift cards or wire transfers, which should always raise alarm bells. If you receive such a call, hang up and contact the tax agency directly using a number you know is genuine. Being informed about their tactics can help protect you from being another statistic in tax scam reports.
4. “You’ve Been Selected For A Government Grant!”
The excitement of receiving a government grant would make anyone’s day. But when the offer comes out of the blue, it’s likely a scam. Real government grants are not awarded to random people just for being nice citizens. Scammers dangle the promise of “free” money to lure you into providing personal and banking information. Remember, legitimate government communications come through official letters, not unexpected phone calls.
Scammers often create a false sense of urgency, insisting you must act immediately to claim your grant. They may also ask for a “processing fee” to secure your funds, a classic red flag of financial scams. Legitimate grants never require upfront payments or personal information over the phone. Always verify any offers through official government websites or agencies. Protect your finances by staying skeptical of unsolicited grant offers.
5. “A Family Member Is In Trouble.”
This call can be particularly distressing as it preys on your emotions and concern for loved ones. The scammer claims a family member is in danger or in legal trouble and needs money urgently. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, such “emergency scams” are designed to create panic and prompt immediate action. They often ask for money through unconventional means like wire transfers or gift cards. Always verify the story by contacting your family directly before taking any action.
Scammers often scour social media for details about your family to make the story more convincing. They might mention names or details that make you believe the situation is genuine. However, no matter how convincing the story seems, it’s crucial to stay calm and not rush into transferring money. Reach out to the family member directly or speak with other family members who can confirm their safety. Trust but verify, and don’t get caught up in the scammer’s urgency.
6. “You’ve Won The Lottery!”
A call announcing you’ve won the lottery when you didn’t even buy a ticket is a major red flag. Scammers use this tactic to tempt you with the allure of a sudden windfall. They often say you need to pay taxes or fees upfront to claim your winnings. Remember, legitimate lotteries do not require payment upfront; taxes are deducted from your prize. Hang up immediately if you never entered the lottery in question.
This scam preys on the dream of financial freedom, making it easy to fall into the trap if you’re not cautious. Scammers play on your excitement and hope, urging you to act quickly so you don’t miss out. If you’re ever in doubt, research the lottery using official channels or contact the lottery commission directly. Protect yourself by remembering that if you didn’t enter, you can’t win. Avoid sharing personal information or sending money to claim fictitious prizes.
7. “Can You Hear Me?”
This seemingly innocent question is more than just a malfunctioning call; it’s a scam in disguise. Scammers record your response, typically “yes,” to use it as verbal consent for unauthorized charges on your accounts. According to cybersecurity expert Scott Schober, these scams are designed to manipulate voice recognition software to commit fraud. It’s essential to be cautious when answering unknown calls, especially if you’re asked leading questions. The best course of action is to hang up if you suspect foul play.
Scammers rely on the fact that people naturally respond affirmatively to questions like “Can you hear me?” It’s a common phrase, so they bank on catching you off guard. Once they have your recorded “yes,” they might claim you agreed to purchase a product or service. To protect yourself, avoid answering with “yes” when you receive a suspicious call. Instead, let unknown calls go to voicemail or hang up if something seems amiss.
8. “There’s A Problem With Your Bank Account.”
Receiving a call about issues with your bank account can be alarming, but it’s essential to remain calm. Scammers often pose as bank representatives, claiming there’s been suspicious activity on your account. Their goal is to coax personal and banking information out of you to commit fraud. Remember, legitimate banks will never ask for sensitive information over the phone. Always contact your bank directly using official contact information to verify any claims.
Scammers use urgency and fear tactics to pressure you into acting without thinking. They might threaten that your account will be suspended or funds will be lost if you don’t act immediately. However, responding hastily to such threats can lead to serious financial consequences. Take a moment to pause, hang up, and verify the situation with your bank directly. Protecting your personal information is crucial when faced with these types of scams.
9. “You Owe A Debt You Don’t Remember.”
A call about an unfamiliar debt can be unnerving, especially when the caller is forceful or aggressive. Scammers often use this tactic to instill fear and prompt immediate payment. They might claim to be from a collections agency and demand money for a debt you’re not aware of. The key is to remain skeptical and not provide any personal information. Verify the legitimacy of the claim by contacting the creditor directly using known contact information.
Scammers might use threats of legal action or damage to your credit score to scare you into compliance. They rely on the hope that you’ll pay up to avoid potential consequences. However, legitimate debt collectors must provide written validation of a debt upon request. Protect yourself by never confirming or paying an unfamiliar debt over the phone. Instead, take steps to verify the claim through official channels.
10. “Donate To This Cause Right Now.”
Emotional appeal is a powerful tool used by scammers seeking donations. They might pose as representatives of a charity, asking for money to support a noble cause. While giving to charity is commendable, doing so under pressure from an unknown caller can lead to fraud. Legitimate charities don’t demand immediate payment over the phone. Verify the charity’s authenticity through research and donate through official channels.
Scammers often exploit current events or disasters to enhance their credibility. They create a sense of urgency, insisting that your donation is needed immediately for relief efforts. However, donating without verifying the charity’s legitimacy can result in funds being diverted from genuine causes. Protect yourself by pausing before acting on emotional appeals. Conduct thorough research and contribute directly through trusted organizations to ensure your donation makes a difference.
11. “Your Social Security Number Has Been Suspended.”
Hearing that your Social Security number (SSN) has been suspended can be alarming, but it’s a well-known scam tactic. Scammers use this line to create panic and prompt you to provide personal information. Real government agencies, like the Social Security Administration, do not suspend SSNs or call you demanding immediate action. If you receive such a call, hang up and report the incident to the authorities. Keeping your SSN secure is vital to protecting your identity.
The scammer’s goal is to obtain sensitive information that can be used for identity theft. They might try to scare you with threats of arrest or legal trouble if you don’t comply. However, these are merely scare tactics designed to make you act without thinking. Stay calm, end the call, and verify any claims through official government websites or contacts. Protecting your personal information is the best defense against these types of scams.
12. “Act Now Or Miss Out!”
Creating urgency is a classic scammer strategy to catch you off guard. They might claim you need to act immediately to secure a deal or offer. This tactic is designed to prevent you from thinking through the situation and verifying the legitimacy of the offer. Legitimate companies will give you time to make a decision without pressure. If you feel rushed or pressured, hang up and take time to assess the situation.
Scammers rely on psychological tactics to make you feel like you’re on the verge of missing out on something valuable. They might offer limited-time deals or special promotions that sound too good to pass up. However, acting without verifying the legitimacy of the offer can lead to financial loss. Protect yourself by resisting the urge to act on impulse. Take a step back and do your research to ensure you’re making informed decisions.
13. “Confirm Your Identity To Continue.”
A call asking you to confirm your identity to proceed with a transaction can feel legitimate, but it’s often a scam. Scammers use this tactic to obtain sensitive information under the guise of verification. Legitimate businesses will not ask for personal information like passwords or Social Security numbers over the phone. If you receive such a call, hang up and contact the company directly to inquire about the issue. Protecting your identity is crucial to avoiding fraudulent activities.
Scammers use official-sounding language and convincing scripts to make their requests seem genuine. They might claim your account is at risk and needs immediate verification. However, providing personal information over the phone can lead to identity theft and financial fraud. Stay vigilant and never share sensitive information with unknown callers. Verify any claims through trusted channels to safeguard your identity and financial well-being.
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. Consult a financial professional before making investment or other financial decisions. The author and publisher make no warranties of any kind.
