Phone Scams

Protect yourself from robocalls, vishing attacks, and telephone fraud. Learn to identify and avoid phone-based scams.

Warning: Phone scammers use caller ID spoofing to appear as trusted organizations. Government agencies and legitimate companies will never demand immediate payment over the phone.

How Phone Scams Work

Phone scammers use various tactics to steal money and personal information. They often impersonate government agencies, tech companies, or financial institutions to build trust. Many use "caller ID spoofing" to make their calls appear to come from legitimate organizations.

These scams rely on creating urgency and fear, pressuring victims to act quickly without time to think or verify the caller's identity. Scammers often target elderly individuals who may be more trusting of phone calls and less familiar with modern scam tactics.

Common Examples

IRS Impersonation Scams

Scammers pose as IRS agents threatening arrest for unpaid taxes, demanding immediate payment via gift cards.

Tech Support Scams

Callers claim your computer is infected and offer to fix it for a fee, often gaining remote access to steal data.

Medicare/Health Insurance Scams

Fraudsters call about Medicare benefits or health insurance, seeking personal information for identity theft.

Charity Scams

Fake charity calls, especially after disasters, asking for donations that never reach legitimate causes.

Warning Signs

Caller demands immediate payment or action
Threats of arrest, legal action, or account closure
Requests for personal information like SSN or passwords
Caller ID shows government agency or familiar company
High-pressure tactics with no time to think
Requests for payment via gift cards or wire transfers
Caller claims you've won a prize you didn't enter

How to Protect Yourself

Don't answer calls from unknown numbers
Never give personal information to unsolicited callers
Hang up on high-pressure or threatening calls
Verify caller identity by calling official numbers
Register your number on the National Do Not Call Registry
Use call blocking features on your phone
Be skeptical of caller ID - it can be spoofed

What to Do If You've Been Scammed

Hang up immediately if you realize it's a scam
Don't call back numbers left by suspicious callers
Contact your bank if you provided financial information
Report to your phone carrier to help block future calls
File complaints with FTC, FCC, and local authorities
Monitor your accounts for unauthorized activity
Consider credit monitoring if personal information was shared

How to Report Phone Scams

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

Report unwanted calls and phone scams

Report to FTC

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

Report robocalls and unwanted calls

Report to FCC

Remember: When in Doubt, Hang Up

Legitimate organizations will never pressure you for immediate payment or personal information over the phone. If someone claims to be from a company or agency, hang up and call their official number to verify.

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