How to Avoid Phone Scammers!

The amount of reported phone scams have increased this year- use this information to identify potential scammers and out an end to scam calls once and for all!

Common Scams:

1. A government agency demanding action with threat of arrest.
2. Bank Fraud alerts requesting personal information over the phone.
3. Free cruise or vacation offers
4. Free medical test kits or treatments
5. Debt relief or credit repair.

Calls from Unknown Numbers:

1. Do Not Pick Up! Legitimate callers will leave a voicemail or send a text. Answering robocalls or spam calls increases your chances of receiving even more.
2. Search the number on the web along with the word “scam” to see if it’s been reported before.
3. Do Not respond to questions like, “Can you hear me?” A recored “yes” from you voice can be twisted to mean you agreed to purchase or charge.

Caller ID can be deceiving

1. Spoofing – the call appears to be coming from a number you recognize, like a bank customer service line, insurance office, or in some cases, your own phone number.
2. Neighbor spoofing- The call come a number in your area code in hopes that you’ll be more likely to answer.

Reporting Unwanted Calls

1. Telephone Scams: File a complaint on the Federal Trade Commission website for suspected telephone scams.
2. Sales Call/ RoboCalls: Sign up for the National Do Not Call Registry, a free service blocking you from receiving sale calls. If unwanted calls continue after 31 days on the registry, they are probably scams and should be reported at www.donotcall.gov
3. Caller ID SpoofingL Report caller ID spoofing to the Federal Communications Commission at www.consumercomplaints.fcc.gov