Phone scams have become increasingly sophisticated, targeting individuals through various tactics designed to deceive and steal personal information or money. Protecting yourself from these scams requires awareness, vigilance, and proactive measures. Here’s a guide on how to defend against phone scams and stay safe.

1. Recognize Common Phone Scams

Scammers often use different strategies to trick people. Being familiar with common types of phone scams can help you identify suspicious calls. Some prevalent scams include:

• IRS/Tax Scams: The caller claims to be from a government agency like the IRS, saying you owe back taxes and threatening legal action if you don’t pay immediately.
• Tech Support Scams: Scammers pose as tech support agents, claiming your computer is infected with malware and offering to “fix” it for a fee.
• Lottery/Prize Scams: The scammer tells you that you've won a lottery or prize, but you need to pay a fee or provide personal information to claim it.
• Grandparent Scams: The caller pretends to be a grandchild or relative in urgent need of money, often due to an emergency.
• Robocalls: Automated calls often promoting fake services, such as insurance or debt relief, or trying to sell you something you didn’t ask for.

2. Don’t Answer Calls from Unknown Numbers

One of the simplest ways to protect yourself is to avoid answering calls from unknown or suspicious numbers. If it’s important, the caller will leave a voicemail, and you can decide whether to return the call.

If you do answer and suspect the call might be a scam, hang up immediately.

3. Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Calls

Scammers often create a sense of urgency, pressure, or fear to manipulate you into making quick decisions. If you receive an unsolicited call asking for personal information, money, or action, be skeptical. Always verify the legitimacy of the caller by:

• Asking for a callback number and confirming their identity through official channels.
• Double-checking with the organization or person they claim to represent by using contact information you find independently, not the number they provide.

4. Never Share Personal Information

Legitimate organizations will never ask for sensitive information, such as Social Security numbers, credit card details, or bank account numbers, over the phone unless you initiated the call. If a caller requests this information, it’s a red flag.

5. Use Call Blocking Features

Many smartphones and mobile carriers offer built-in call-blocking features that help you avoid robocalls and known scam numbers. You can:

• Enable your phone’s built-in spam filter.
• Download third-party apps like Truecaller or Hiya, which help identify and block scam calls.
• Sign up for your carrier’s call-blocking service if available.

6. Register with the National Do Not Call Registry

In the U.S., registering your phone number with the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) National Do Not Call Registry can reduce the number of telemarketing calls you receive. While it won’t stop all scam calls, it can help you identify which calls are likely to be fraudulent, as legitimate telemarketers are required to respect the registry.

You can register at DoNotCall.gov.

7. Verify Caller ID

Scammers can spoof phone numbers to make it look like the call is coming from a legitimate source, such as a government agency or a local business. Caller ID is not always reliable, so be cautious even if the number appears trustworthy. Verify the caller’s identity through other means before taking any action.

8. Report Suspicious Calls

If you receive a scam call, report it to the appropriate authorities:

• In the U.S.: You can file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) at ConsumerComplaints.fcc.gov.
• In the U.K.: You can report scam calls to Action Fraud, the UK’s national reporting center for fraud and cybercrime.
• In Canada: You can report phone scams to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC).

Reporting helps authorities track scams and potentially prevent others from falling victim to them.

9. Educate Yourself and Others

Staying informed about the latest scam tactics is essential. Scammers continuously evolve their strategies, so regular education is important. Share your knowledge with friends and family, especially older adults who are often targeted by these schemes.

10. Trust Your Instincts

If something feels off or too good to be true, trust your instincts. Scammers rely on creating confusion and urgency. Take a moment to pause, assess the situation, and verify any claims before acting.

Conclusion

Protecting yourself from phone scams requires a combination of awareness, caution, and proactive actions. By familiarizing yourself with common scam tactics, using call-blocking tools, and remaining skeptical of unsolicited calls, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to these schemes. Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry—if in doubt, hang up, verify, and report.