Are Scam Calls Getting on Your Nerves? Here's What You Can Do

Scammers will not stop at anything when there is a chance to steal money. While most methods they use are obvious, others are hard to spot. Therefore, understanding and knowing how to prevent them is essential. 

This article will discuss what you can do about scam calls.

Scam Calls Explained

People continue to lose their money and personal details through scam calls. Today, it is difficult to identify these tricks due to new technologies, and access to people’s information allows criminals to commit identity theft or fraud. 

Spoofing phone numbers helps them appear like your bank or a legitimate company you are familiar with is calling you. Additionally, they can access your personal details from data breaches.

There are various forms of such scams, but the following are the most common ones:

• Impersonation scams: You can receive an unexpected call from your bank. They may alert you about your compromised account and advise you to transfer money into a specific bank account for safety. Once you do the bank transfer, they disappear with your money. 

• Investment fraud: A fraudster contacts you about a fake investment opportunity. They will promise you significant profits from fake investments, such as investing in cryptocurrency.

• Prize and lottery scams: A scammer may talk to you about a prize or the lottery you won. Claiming the prize or money requires you to provide them with your personal information such as login credentials or bank account details.

• Charity fraud: Some people use deception to steal money from individuals who think it is for a legitimate cause. For instance, a fraudster might ask for money to support veterans or people with cancer. They can also exploit a recent natural disaster to collect money. They then use the cash for other activities instead of channeling it to its intended cause.

Taking Action Against Scammers

Spotting scammers’ tricks requires you to have the necessary knowledge. Besides understanding their tactics, you should also take the following proactive measures:

Verify the Caller’s Identity 

You should be cautious with all unwelcome callers. If the number appears unfamiliar, do not answer it. Answering it and hanging up alerts criminals that your line is active. However, letting it go unanswered shows that it is passive, and you will most likely not be targeted anymore. 

Scammers are good manipulators. They use manipulation techniques that may force you to act quickly, so take your time before making any decisions. Instead, identity verification is crucial as it will help you determine if you are dealing with someone with good intentions. 

Ask the caller their name and company. After that, pay attention to the number’s area code, as this is an effective way to identify scam callers. Among the common scam area codes are 216 (Cleveland, Ohio), 218 (Northern Minnesota), 332 (New York City), 469 (Dallas, Texas), and more. 

If the number raises suspicion, reverse search it. You can even do it by area code. For example, if you are contacted by a number that starts with 216, then, as we have mentioned, its owner is from Ohio. You will also find their real name, address, social media profiles, and much more.

Don’t Divulge Your Personal Information

Even if you trust or know the person, do not reveal your sensitive information to anyone over the phone. Reputable companies, such as banks, insurance companies, and more, will not ask for such information through a phone conversation. 

Treat all unfamiliar numbers or even those you recognize with caution. Some people calling you will claim to be representatives of any reputable company to gain your trust, but be wary of them. Hang up and dial the phone number from the company’s website to confirm their legitimacy. 

Cybercriminals can sometimes use voicemails to con unsuspecting individuals, too. Voicemails from strange numbers that ask for your personal information are not genuine requests. Rather than giving them your information, verify their legitimacy.

Add Your Number to the National Do Not Call Registry

The National Do Not Call Registry website allows people to stop spam and telemarketing calls from reaching them. Once you register, telemarketers and other spammers will fail to contact you.

You should note that some calls from scammers can still go through, so it’s still necessary to be careful. 

Use Call Filtering and Blocking Apps

You can use filtering services in several ways depending on your phone type and features. Finding the right one will take mixing or trying different methods. Here’s how to employ call filtering and blocking apps: 

• Utilize built-in filtering features: Most smartphones have built-in call filtering features to help you silence numbers from unknown callers. They are available in the phone settings. 

• Install blocking apps: Use call-blocking apps for smartphones. Some of them utilize crowdsourced databases to spot and block scam numbers. RoboKiller and Hiya are some of the apps you can install.

• Use screening services: Some phone companies provide call-screening services to check all phone numbers before reaching you. They can check whether it is a scam or not. They will then block or let it pass through with a warning.

• Set up custom call rules: Setting up custom rules will help you filter calls. For example, you can block numbers from certain area codes or send through calls with specific phone numbers to voicemail.

Conclusion

Staying vigilant and understanding the tactics used by cyber criminals helps you to protect yourself from scams. You should also be proactive by verifying the caller’s identity, protecting your personal information, adding your number to the National Do Not Call Registry, and using filtering and blocking apps.

Following the above tips will significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to scammers. That way, you can regain control over your phone experiences and create a safer digital environment.