Phone Scam Tactics & Defense: Handle Suspicious Calls

Quick Answer

When in doubt, hang up. Legitimate organizations won't pressure you to act immediately or ask for payment via gift cards. If it's important, they'll send official mail or you can call them back using verified numbers.

Common Phone Scam Types

1. IRS/Tax Scams

Scammer says: "This is the IRS. You owe back taxes. Pay now or we'll issue a warrant for your arrest."

Reality: The IRS NEVER calls about taxes owed. They send letters first. They never threaten arrest or demand immediate payment.

2. Social Security Scams

Scammer says: "Your Social Security number has been suspended due to suspicious activity."

Reality: Social Security numbers can't be "suspended." SSA doesn't call about this.

3. Grandparent Scams

Scammer says: "Grandma, it's me! I'm in jail and need bail money. Don't tell mom and dad!"

Reality: Scammers research social media to find names. Always verify by calling the person directly or asking questions only they would know.

4. Warranty Expiration Scams

Scammer says: "Your car's extended warranty is about to expire."

Reality: If you don't have an extended warranty, this is obviously fake. Check with your dealer directly.

5. Tech Support Scams

Scammer says: "We've detected viruses on your computer. We need remote access to fix it."

Reality: Microsoft, Apple, and antivirus companies NEVER make unsolicited calls.

Red Flags of Phone Scams

Urgency and threats - "Act now or face arrest/fines/account closure"
Requests for immediate payment - Especially via gift cards, wire transfer, cryptocurrency
Asks for personal information - SSN, bank account numbers, passwords
Caller ID spoofing - Number appears local or from government agency
Won't let you verify - Pressures you not to hang up or call back
Too good to be true - "You've won a prize!" (that you didn't enter)
Robocall with callback number - Pre-recorded message asking you to call back

How to Handle Suspicious Calls

Don't Engage

Don't answer questions, don't press buttons, don't confirm your name. Even saying "yes" can be recorded and used fraudulently.

Hang Up

It's okay to hang up on suspicious calls. You don't owe strangers an explanation.

Verify Independently

Look up the organization's official number (don't use the number they gave you). Call them directly to verify if the call was legitimate.

Block the Number

Block the number on your phone to prevent repeat calls.

Report It

Report to FTC at donotcall.gov or reportfraud.ftc.gov

What Legitimate Organizations Do

❌ SCAMMERS

Demand immediate payment
Ask for gift cards/wire transfers
Threaten arrest or legal action
Request personal info over phone
Pressure you not to hang up
Spoof caller ID

✅ LEGITIMATE

Send official written notices
Accept standard payment methods
Give you time to respond
Verify YOUR identity (not give theirs)
Let you call back on official numbers
Have verifiable contact info

Protection Tips

Register for Do Not Call List: donotcall.gov (reduces legitimate telemarketing)
Don't answer unknown numbers - Let them go to voicemail
Use call blocking apps - RoboKiller, Nomorobo, Truecaller
Never give personal info to unsolicited callers
Verify before acting - Look up official numbers independently
Educate family members - Especially elderly relatives
Be skeptical of urgency - Legitimate issues allow time to verify

How to Report Phone Scams

FTC: reportfraud.ftc.gov
Do Not Call Registry: donotcall.gov/report.html
FBI IC3: ic3.gov (for significant financial loss)
Your phone carrier: Most have scam reporting features
IRS (for IRS scams): treasury.gov/tigta
SSA (for Social Security scams): oig.ssa.gov

Phone Scam Tactics & Defense