Phone scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, but they often share common characteristics. Knowing what to look for is your first line of defense.
1. The Sense of Urgency
Scammers often try to create panic. They might claim your bank account has been compromised or that you owe immediate taxes. Legitimate organizations rarely demand immediate action over the phone.
2. Request for Unusual Payment Methods
If a caller asks for payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency, hang up immediately. This is a sure sign of a scam.
3. Spoofed Numbers
Don't trust the caller ID blindly. Scammers can make it look like they are calling from a local number or a known business. If you're unsure, hang up and call the official number.
4. Asking for Sensitive Information
Banks and government agencies will never ask for your PIN, password, or full social security number over an unsolicited call.
5. The "Yes" Trap
Some scammers try to get you to say "Yes" to a simple question like "Can you hear me?" to record your voice and authorize fraudulent charges.