How to Avoid Phone Scams to Protect Personal Information

In an increasingly connected world, phone scams continue to threaten consumers. Scammers often employ sophisticated techniques and misleading approaches to convince people to provide personal information.  
 

Use these Tips to Avoid Phone Scams

1. Verify the Caller: If you receive an unexpected call (especially one requesting personal information or money), try to verify the caller's identity or legitimacy of the call before providing any information. If the caller provides a company name or the company is included on the caller ID, hang up and call back. Check the company website for official contact numbers to verify the caller identity and/or validate the reason for the contact. Note: some companies will not provide callers with employee names.
2. Do Not Share Personal Information: Legitimate organizations will not ask for personal information such as your Social Security number, bank account details, or passwords over the phone. If you did not initiate the call, do not provide personal information.
3. Be Suspicious of Urgency or Threats: Scammers often create a sense of urgency or use threats to pressure you into providing information or taking immediate action. Consider that a big red flag and hang up.
4. Leverage Technology to Shield Yourself and Others from Scams:

• Caller ID and Blocking: Use caller ID to screen calls and block numbers that appear suspicious or are known scams.
• Spam Call Alerts: Many smartphones and apps provide spam call alerts and allow you to report scam numbers.
  
  Remember, scammers can manipulate caller ID information to make it appear as though they are calling from a trusted organization. Even if the caller ID looks familiar, proceed with caution if you are not expecting the call.

Report Suspicious Calls: If you receive a scam call, report it to the appropriate authorities to help track down, stop, and prevent future scams. Caller ID and Blocking: Use caller ID to screen calls and block numbers that appear suspicious or are known scams. Spam Call Alerts: Many smartphones and apps provide spam call alerts and allow you to report scam numbers.

If you have been contacted by a suspicious caller, contact ReportFraud.ftc.gov.