Already have an account?
Get back to the
Home

4 Ways to Spot a Telephone Scam

Scammers are becoming increasingly smart when it comes to spamming people. From out of the blue calls to suspicious texts, here are five ways you can tell the difference between a scam and a genuine call.

Calls From Your Bank

Scammers will sometimes pose as your bank or the police to alert you about fraudulent usage of your debit card, credit card or bank account and they will sometimes ask for your PIN number. Your bank nor the police would ever do this so say no.

Scammers will also send texts to your phone with links that you can click on. Don’t click on the link if you think it could be suspicious. Instead, block the call by pressing the information icon on your phone, and scrolling down to the bottom and pressing the block button.

Pushy Calls

Scammers can often be very pushy on the phone when trying to sell you something or get information out of you – if they’re making you feel uncomfortable, you should hang up. If you choose to hang up, check the line. Scammers can keep your phone line open even after you have hung up. You can block these calls by registering your number on the national Do Not Call list at no cost or call 1-888-382-1222 (voice) or 1-866-290-4236 (TTY) from the phone number you wish to register.

Calls About Your Computer

Sometimes, scammers will pose as technology companies and call to say that your computer or laptop has a virus and ask you to download software to fix it. This software is in fact spyware that will give them access to all your online information. If you get a call like this hang-up and block the number.

Unrecognizable Numbers

Always be wary when accepting calls from unrecognized numbers, especially if they’re offering products or services such as pension or life insurance plans. If you’re unsure about a number, let the call go to voicemail and see if they leave a message, using it to screen your calls.

This article originally appeared on our sister site, Yours.co.uk

Use left and right arrow keys to navigate between menu items. Use right arrow key to move into submenus. Use escape to exit the menu. Use up and down arrow keys to explore. Use left arrow key to move back to the parent list.