Phone Scams

Phone scams have only become more sophisticated over time, with new technologies and the relative lack of regulatory protection of cell phone numbers compared to landlines.

Scam phone numbers are one of the most common forms, as scam operations will use spoofing technology to generate a false phone number that you might trust, as opposed to a phone number you definitely won’t. 

Senior phone scams are prevalent, targeting elders with tempting benefits in exchange for personal information. Luckily, you can now stop robocalls easily – see HERE how.

 

Phone Scams: List Below

Phone scams involving the IRS and tax refunds are also common. Anyone calling from the IRS is not from the IRS; they only send letters.

Robocalling and many other phone scams are out there. Learn about what they are and how they operate below.

iPhone Cases Recall: A Glittery Scam

Recall Glitter iPhone Case Scam: How It Works Whenever a major manufacturer recalls faulty products – such as the Samsung Note 7 or the Toyota cars – toll-free numbers are set up for customers to call and proceed with their claim. Nowadays, the latest item in the discussion is the liquid glitter iPhone case, sold … iPhone Cases Recall: A Glittery Scam Read More »

iPhone Cases Recall: A Glittery Scam Read More

Police/FBI Set Up

How the scam works: You receive a phone call from somebody proposing a deal looking for help with depositing a check into your account; sending the caller back less money and keeping a fee for yourself. It sounds fishy, their English is not that great, and because you are smart you are not falling for it. You hang … Police/FBI Set Up Read More »

Police/FBI Set Up Read More

Jamaican Area Codes

How the scam works: If you are a US citizen, be very careful when you are required to call certain numbers, in order to complete a deal, transaction, or redeem a prize. As close as these might sound to US area codes, numbers like 809, 876, or 284 are actually the Caribbean. The whole scam … Jamaican Area Codes Read More »

Jamaican Area Codes Read More

Prisoner’s Treasure

How the scam works: This is probably one of the first scams ever invented and is also known as The Spanish Prisoner scam. In the past, prisoners used to call or send letters to all the addresses that they could find, explaining that there is a well-hidden treasure, somewhere. They also mention they’re willing to … Prisoner’s Treasure Read More »

Prisoner’s Treasure Read More

Jury Duty Absence

Missing Jury Duty Scam: How It Works What happens if you miss jury duty? A lot of bad things, indeed, if you are familiar with the legislation. However, beware of a new scam circulating via email and phone call, addressing the issue of ignoring jury summons. Beware, the Missing Jury Duty Scam is prevalent these … Jury Duty Absence Read More »

Jury Duty Absence Read More

Red Light Tickets

Red Light Ticket Scam: How It Works The traffic infringement scams are back, in both the United States and Australia. Let’s take a look. In the US, scammers call households claiming to be representatives of the local Department of Public Safety (DPS) or the police. They inform the owners they have a red light traffic fine … Red Light Tickets Read More »

Red Light Tickets Read More

Living in Mexico

How The Living in Mexico Scam Works: Scammers target North-American citizens living in Mexico by looking in the phone book. Once they have formulated a list, they will do in-depth research and find out the victims’ info, such as the names of their best friends, nicknames, former clients, etc. Most of the details are collected from … Living in Mexico Read More »

Living in Mexico Read More

International Calling Cards Fraud

International Calling Call Cards Fraud: How It Works You probably don’t use international calling cards much, since technology now allows us to make long distance calls through computers or mobile apps. However, if you consider buying an interneational calling card, you want to know that some reports show that the average prepaid cards offer only … International Calling Cards Fraud Read More »

International Calling Cards Fraud Read More

Lower Interest Rate

Lower Interest Rate Scam: How It Works (with recording of a real scammer below) The phone rings. You answer. An automated voice mentions the burden of high-interest rates and asks if you’re interested in a lower interest rate for your credit card or mortgage. If you are, you are required to “press 1”, or any … Lower Interest Rate Read More »

Lower Interest Rate Read More

Microsoft Tech Support

Microsoft Tech Scam aka Free Security Check: How It Works (with scam caught on camera video below) The growing number of computers per household all over the world has offered scammers a variety of fraud ideas. One of the latest telephone scams reveals criminals calling house numbers, claiming to be Microsoft technicians providing “free security … Microsoft Tech Support Read More »

Microsoft Tech Support Read More

Customer Appreciation Call

Customer Appreciation Call Scam: How It Works (with video below) Creating customer loyalty has always been one of the most important marketing tools for companies. Whether is about customized business gifts or appreciation for service, little gestures always lead to customer retention. But how about customer appreciation calls? Let’s say the phone rings and as … Customer Appreciation Call Read More »

Customer Appreciation Call Read More

DEA Call

DEA Call: How The Scam Works (with video below) DEA stands for the United States’ Drug Enforcement Administration. If you watched movies like Breaking Bad you are probably familiar with the term. However, be careful about a scam happening this week. Callers phone homeowners – you could be next, so beware – and present themselves … DEA Call Read More »

DEA Call Read More

Economic Stimulus

Economic Stimulus: How The Scam Works This scam has been making a comeback this month, due to the insanely COVID-19 crisis. Typically, you receive a message, text or a voicemail informing that the country’s economy finally recorded a surplus at the end of last year, well-deserved after the crisis – and there is money to … Economic Stimulus Read More »

Economic Stimulus Read More

Fax Back

How the scam works: (with video below) This scam is targeted at business owners so if you’re one of them watch out! Criminals send you a fax requiring info on your company’s prices, services, or catalogs. It could be anything that requires you to send a fax back. Their request looks very legitimate. Scammers want … Fax Back Read More »

Fax Back Read More

Free Gift Delivery

Free Gift Delivery Scam: How It Works (with video below) You receive a voicemail or letter in the mail informing you that you’ve won a free gift for being part of some well-known association (e.g. Red Cross). The gift isn’t bad, either: it could be a couple free nights at a five star hotel in New York … Free Gift Delivery Read More »

Free Gift Delivery Read More

Funeral Home Balance

How the scam works: You are going through a rough time after losing one of your family members. The funeral was yesterday and today you are trying to clean everything up and start dealing with various arrangements. The phone rings: “Hi Mrs. Smith, I am Aidan Luciw, from the funeral home. Sorry to bother you, … Funeral Home Balance Read More »

Funeral Home Balance Read More