Phone scams happen every day, but you can avoid them with these tips.
Phone scams, at first, you will think is unlikely for you and very difficult to imagine. However, scammers are manipulative, and most people let their guard down when comfortable in their own homes. You might not think there's anything a stranger could say to convince you to divulge any personal information, but it happens every day.
Don't be a victim
Never give out personal information unless you initiate a call with intent; personal information such as credit card number, date of birth, or ID number.
If the phone call is about a purchase and you don't want to purchase, immediately ask them to send you a catalog or other information via email.
If you feel uncomfortable about the call, hang up.
Never allow yourself too easily and quickly over the phone. Don't be scared; hang up if the caller is pressuring you.
If an offer seems too good to be true, that's because it may be seducing and defrauding you.
Common Phone Scams and Telemarketing Frauds
Free Gifts, Holidays, Prizes - If the offer is free, the caller doesn't need your credit card number. They will say they need your credit card number to hold your gift or vacation, but this is a lie.
Jury duty - The caller will call and claim to work for your local court and say you didn't show up for jury duty, and a warrant for your arrest is being issued. When you claim to have never received a jury duty notice, the caller will ask for your ID number and date of birth to stop the order. Those are also lying.
Charitable donations - Charitable donations to help fund research or the lives of the less fortunate can make your heart flutter, but be wary before you agree to donate. Affectionate pleas designed to evoke feelings of guilt might tempt you to donate a few thousand. Instead, tell callers that you will check with the charities before donating.
