In the modern world, where technology increasingly permeates our lives, phone scams have become one of the most common types of fraud.
It is important to be aware of the main schemes and methods of protection. Mobile phones have become an integral part of life - they are connected not only to accounts and email but also to confidential banking information, which is the main target for scammers.
Having a phone number, scammers often manage to extract the necessary data and gain access to secret information.
Main Types of Phone Scams
Common phone scam schemes include fraud from financial institutions, fake calls from non-existent relatives under the pretext of a "person in distress", data verification by support services, and unexpected winnings.
Many phone scams are quite difficult to recognize. It is necessary to stay updated in this area to know how not to become a victim of a scam call. Proactive actions are better than recovering stolen accounts.
Phone Scams
Various methods are used to deceive victims and obtain their personal data:
- Fraudulent calls from "representatives" of banks - typically, they claim that suspicious transactions have been detected on the client's account or that the card is blocked. Under the pretext of protecting the funds on the balance, scammers try to obtain information about the card's PIN codes or CVV codes.
It is important to know that banks never call asking for confidential information over the phone. Pay attention to the numbers from which the call is coming. Numbers can be spoofed, but banks always use official communication channels.
- Fake news. A popular scheme is when scammers pose as relatives or friends who are allegedly in trouble. This may be a call requesting urgent money for treatment, solving legal problems, or help in a difficult situation. Scammers often call at night or early in the morning to catch the victim off guard.
The main rule is to verify the information. Before sending money, try to contact the relative or friend directly.
How Scams are Conducted by Phone
Among the options for phone fraud, there are also fake calls from support services. This scheme uses supposed technical support from popular services (internet providers, mobile operators, or IT companies). During the conversation, the client is convinced that the device is infected with viruses or that technical problems have arisen, and they are asked to provide access to the PC or phone. It is important to know that support services never call without a prior request from the client. If they suggest installing software for remote access to the computer, it is most likely a scam.
Pseudo-prizes and contests - another "duck": scammers may call with "news" about winning a lottery or contest in which there wasn't even participation. Typically, to receive the prize, a commission must be paid.
There are frequent cases of fabricated stories about participation in raffles. Scammers make this up to deceitfully obtain coveted profits. But without trying one's luck in lottery programs, one cannot win. No one has the right to demand payment for receiving a prize, especially without its existence.
There is also another scheme where it involves supposed police officers or other law enforcement agencies, who call and claim a case has been opened or involvement in fraudulent activities. Scammers may demand money transfers or threaten legal proceedings if their demands are not met.
But police or other government services never ask for money transfers over the phone. What is recommended in such cases? It is worth calling the police independently to verify the information.
Protection from Phone Scammers
To avoid falling into a trap, it is important to use common sense and not succumb to emotions. Scammers often play on emotions, instilling fear. What to do if you become a victim of scammers? Initially, you should immediately contact the bank to block the account and card.
Additionally, it is not superfluous to contact the police and report the incident. It is important to react quickly to minimize potential losses. By following the rules of protection against phone scammers, you can protect yourself from losing funds:
- Do not share bank card details with anyone - any requests for personal data, details, and access codes should be met with suspicion. Legitimate companies will not ask for such information over the phone;
- It is not recommended to disclose codes from bank notifications received on the phone;
- Do not call back to unfamiliar numbers - if someone claims to be a representative of a bank or another organization, request contact details and call back through the official number to verify the truth of the information;
- Set up spam protection and blocking - protective programs can save the situation. Installing apps on the phone that block calls from suspicious numbers will immediately cut off scam calls. Many modern smartphones have built-in features for protection against scam calls;
- Upon receiving a call identified by the mobile operator as SPAM, immediately hang up;
- Enable notifications for each transaction and changes in credit history.
Phone scams are becoming more sophisticated, and even experienced individuals can fall victim to them. The main thing is to remain vigilant, not rush decisions, and always verify information. Modern technologies allow scammers to act cleverly and cunningly, but by arming yourself with knowledge about the most common schemes and knowing the main measures of protection against phone scammers, you can protect yourself and your funds.