Phone scams are always a danger when you answer the phone, and they’re becoming more and more common. It seems like there’s a new phone scam every week, and it can be hard to keep up. Here are some of the top phone scams that are hitting consumers today:
Business scams
Business phone scams can be difficult to spot, but there are some warning signs that indicate that you might be a victim. Several scammers use telesales techniques to conceal warning signs and deceive unsuspecting victims. These tactics can involve expensive or long-term contracts or a call from a number you don’t recognize.
If you’ve been scammed by a company, it’s important to file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. This agency will follow up on reported scams and help others avoid them. It’s also a good idea to do some background research on the company you’re dealing with before making a final decision.
Many of these scams involve phony businesses posing as legitimate suppliers. The scammers often use contact details obtained from legitimate companies and publications. Once they get their victims’ trust, they transfer the call to another person who may not be familiar with the business. They may convince victims to place an advertisement or purchase a product. The victims often fall for this tactic because they think they’re dealing with a familiar company. However, when an invoice arrives in the mail, they begin to suspect that they’ve been scammed.
The best way to avoid business scams is to be cautious when dealing with unfamiliar companies. If you’re contacted by a company you don’t know, do some research before doing business with them. Be sure to get everything in writing, and don’t pay for anything until you’re sure it’s legitimate.
Charity scams
Charity scams are becoming more common, especially in the wake of natural disasters. Scammers often take advantage of peoples’ generosity by claiming to be collecting donations for a legitimate charity. However, the money never reaches the intended charity.
Some charity scams are easy to spot, but others can be quite convincing. Be sure to research any charity you’re thinking about donating to before giving any money. Check to see if the charity is registered with the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance. This organization provides information on over 1,000 charities and can help you determine if a charity is legitimate.
You should also be aware of fake charities that use similar names to legitimate organizations. Be sure to donate directly to the charity rather than giving money to someone who claims to be collecting donations.
IRS phone scams
Be on the lookout for IRS phone scams. Criminals will often fake caller ID to make their call look as if it is from the IRS. The real IRS does not leave voicemails or leave prerecorded messages. Callers should also be wary of IRS texts since they are not authorized to send them.
Scammers will try to frighten you into divulging information. They may have accessed your personal information through a security breach and use this information to bully you into revealing more personal information than is necessary. You should hang up immediately and call the IRS back to confirm whether the call is legitimate.
Fortunately, the IRS and the TIGTA have been making some headway in combating IRS phone scams. The two agencies recently announced the arrests of five individuals in Miami, FL, who are accused of committing more than $2 million worth of schemes to defraud more than 1,500 people. Unfortunately, due to the international nature of these phone scams, enforcement has proven to be extremely difficult.
Reverse phone lookup sites can help you avoid these scams by providing information on who is really calling you.
Sim swapping scams
Sim swapping scams are on the rise, and they can be very costly for consumers.
Sim swapping is a scam in which the thief gets access to your phone number and uses it to receive calls and texts. This allows them to reset your passwords and take over your accounts. They may also be able to get access to your financial information.
Thieves often use this scam to steal identities or gain access to financial information. They may also try to blackmail you, threatening to release sensitive information if you don’t cooperate.
The best way to avoid sim-swapping scams is by being vigilant about who has access to your personal information. Be sure not to share your passwords or PINs with anyone, and keep an eye on your bank statements for any unauthorized charges. You should also report any suspicious activity immediately.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the many scams that criminals use to try and take advantage of people. Be sure to stay alert and never give out personal information or money to someone you don’t know. If you think you may have been a victim of a scam, contact your local law enforcement agency.