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.

 

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.

Pet Found Reward

Lost Your Pet? Beware of the Reward Scam! Your beloved dog Churchill got out under the fence again–but this time, he didn’t come back the next day. You put up posters throughout the neighborhood for weeks and finally get a call back. Scenario 1: The person on the other end of the line says he’s … Pet Found Reward Read More »

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Phone Interview Request: One of the Most Clever Scams You’ll Ever See

Interview Request Scam: How It Works Here is a sneaky scam preying on people’s naivety when it comes to vanity and freebies. It is happening these days and might come your way sooner than you think. You receive an email or a voicemail from somebody claiming to be either a well-known blogger with tens of thousands … Phone Interview Request: One of the Most Clever Scams You’ll Ever See Read More »

Phone Interview Request: One of the Most Clever Scams You’ll Ever See Read More

Pills Bought Illegal

How the scam works: If you live in the USA and just bought prescription pills online, you might receive a phone call from somebody claiming to be from the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) saying you violated the law and are being charged. Over the phone, the crooks inform you that purchasing drugs over the Internet is illegal … Pills Bought Illegal Read More »

Pills Bought Illegal Read More

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

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

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 »

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BBB Fake Employees

Fake Better Business Bureau Call: How It Works (with video below) As you probably know, the Better Business Bureau is a reputable organization that offers consumers and businesses resources including business and charity reviews, stats, ratings, and complaints. While BBB is a barometer in evaluating businesses against standards, scammers call or email business owners claiming to … BBB Fake Employees Read More »

BBB Fake Employees Read More

Calamity Victim Waiting List

How the scam works: If you live in an area that has just been hit by a natural disaster (Hurricane Sandy, fire, earthquake, etc), in the days following you might receive a text message that seems very important. The message, which is sent to telephone prefixes assigned to your area, states that if the recipient’s … Calamity Victim Waiting List Read More »

Calamity Victim Waiting List Read More

Card Inactive or Frozen

How the scam works: Scammers set non-stop phone calls, in the form of automated voice messages, alerting recipients that their debit cards are inactive, frozen or locked. The automated system prompts listeners to press 1 to re-activate the card and, once the key is pressed, the robot asks for their card number and PIN. How … Card Inactive or Frozen Read More »

Card Inactive or Frozen Read More

Cell Phone Radiation Protection Scam

How the scam works: (with video below) Watch out for the Cell Phone Radiation Protection scam happening these days. While health studies about the radiation that cell phones emit are still going strong, scammers sell devices that allegedly shield the electromagnetic waves. They “guarantee” the emissions are stopped from hurting your health and sell the … Cell Phone Radiation Protection Scam Read More »

Cell Phone Radiation Protection Scam Read More

Collect Call from Prison

Collect Call From Prison: How The Scam Works (with video below) If you ever receive a phone call from your local prison and the operator tells you to press 1 to receive a collect call, don’t accept it – unless your buddy is arrested on a regular basis and you know he always calls. Many victims … Collect Call from Prison Read More »

Collect Call from Prison Read More

Collection Call: Phone Bill Not Paid

Collection Call – Phone Bill Scam: How it Works (with video) You might ask yourself “Who called me from this number”? after this crazy fake collection call. Beware of the Landline Bill Payment Scam happening these days! Let’s take a look at it. It is one of the most common phone scams. The scammer calls … Collection Call: Phone Bill Not Paid Read More »

Collection Call: Phone Bill Not Paid Read More

Collection Call: Subscription

How the scam works: You’re having your ritual post-work winding down session in front of the tube when you receive a call from a lawyer. He says he’s representing a company you apparently subscribed to two years ago, but you never paid the money that was due. He lets you know you could be on the … Collection Call: Subscription Read More »

Collection Call: Subscription 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 »

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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 »

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