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 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.
How the scam works: Scammers call households pretending to be IRS (Internal Revenue Service in US) employees conducting telephone surveys. Alternatively, they may use a flyer, an e-mail, a text message or even a tweet to make contact with the victims. All they need first is to gain trust, sometimes using some information they may already […]
How the scam works: (with video below) Many iPhone users have reported receiving a text message or a pop-up on the screens that states Apple needs 1,000 testers for text messages on the new iPhone 6. Those interested are required to go to a website provided, to register for a panel. Just like during any […]
Beware of fake Veterans Outreach Center representatives, calling at dinner time and asking for donations. Here is how the scam works:
How the scam works: Scammers call you posing as legitimate workers offering a rebate for their services, in exchange for personal information including account numbers and a social security number to start. Such scams include offers for plumbing, electricity, and water/air purifiers. How to avoid: Tell the caller you appreciate the offer and say you'll […]
How the scam works: Scammers call thousands of people every day, claiming to reimburse bank fees that were withdrawn recently from the recipient’s account. They pose themselves as “reclaim experts” working for banks and say they are dedicated to loyal customers. However, before calling, the scammers have somehow got info about the victims, knowing what […]
Cell Phone Ringtone Download Scam: How It Works You receive a text message inviting you to download a new ringtone. It could be a fashionable theme song or a tone tailored to recent world events, such as a famous quote, sound, or modern catchy beat. Alternatively, you might be invited to call a toll-free telephone number to […]
How the scam works: This would have probably seemed exaggerated a couple of years ago, but because 2011 recorded an 800% increase from 2009 in this scam, we thought it was worth mentioning. Victims receive phone calls from strangers demanding ransom for their relative who is visiting Singapore (or any other exotic place such as Jamaica, Cambodia, […]
How the scam works: This is another scam that you might consider too easy to detect, but seniors usually don’t. The scammers call their victims and have an approach similar to this: “Sorry to bother you. Today I hit your car by mistake and I want to be honest. I don’t want police coming after […]
Traffic Ticket Sticker Scam: How It Works Scammers call claiming to be from the local Department of Public Safety (DPS) or a similar organization in your state or country – eg. Public Safety Canada, Public Safety and Law (Australia) or UK Public Safety Dept. They are calling to say the organization is now offering a […]
How the scam works: This scam occurs regularly in states where corporations are required by law to submit annual reports. It could come your way via telephone or…lime-green envelopes. Scenario 1. Scammers call companies claiming to be government representatives and inquire about the submission of corporate minutes, sometimes using the expression “Compliance services”. Not knowing […]
How the scam works: You might receive a phone call from somebody claiming to be a technician with your telephone line provider. He will say they are running a test for a given reason and require you to cooperate, for a minute or so. The caller will ask you to press a couple of keys […]
How the scam works: TTY stands for Teletypewriter and is a phone service intended to allow the hearing-impaired to communicate via telephone, relying on an operator who relays a typed message from the caller to the business. By law, the operator is not allowed to disclose the origin of the call. Unfortunately, TTY scams are […]
How the scam works: (with video below) Wouldn't it be great if one day we just get the right phone call, with some really great news? Well, beware of the Wrong Voicemail scam, happening these days. How does the scam work? Watch the video below to see in action the Wrong Voicemail Scam exposed: Wrong […]
How the scam works: Using the Yellow Pages’ logo and a fake registration form, scammers are trying to sell fake ads in the trusted publication. First, they approach all the businesses by phone, and whoever might be interested will receive a follow-up email with the form and some great deals. The crooks take the client’s […]
How the scam works: You run a small business.Your workers are like family and you'd hate to hear of anything happening to them. One day, you receive a call from a sergeant with the local police. He tells you your employee Stephen Grayson is in custody for driving under the influence. He's a young guy, […]
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 […]
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 […]
Verify Another website
Are you just about to make a purchase online? See if the website is legit with our validator:
vldtr®
K-pop scams include fake tickets, merch, photocards, and celebrity impersonation. Learn how to spot and...
Read More
Fake shop scam targeting Samsung buyers? Learn the warning signs and how to avoid these...
Read More
Rental deposit scams promote beautiful, cheap apartments or homes, but demand upfront deposits for viewings...
Read More
Learn how to spot reservation hijacking scams and avoid making payments to criminals by only...
Read More
Got a scary call or voicemail about your taxes? We take a look at the...
Read More
Avoid FIFA recruitment scams by learning how to identify fake job offers and protect your...
Read More
Learn how the PayPal 1-cent scam works, why scammers send small deposits, and how to...
Read More
The PayPal Invoice scam uses PayPal’s own invoicing structure to trick users into giving away...
Read More
Learn essential cybersecurity tips for small businesses to protect your data, prevent phishing, and strengthen...
Read More
A recent Roblox database leak has reportedly exposed up to 50 million accounts to malicious...
Read More
Protect yourself from Netflix phishing scams by never clicking links in SMS and emails and...
Read More
