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.

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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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, […]

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Grandparents Call

Grandmother Scam: How It Works (with video below) Picture this: your 90-year old grandmother receives a phone call, which goes like this: “Hi Grandma, it's me!” She tries to recognize the voice and says: “… Paul?” “Of course! I have a big problem, Grandma.” “What's wrong, sweetie?” “I got in a bit of trouble, but please […]

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Civic Recognition Award Scam

Civic Recognition Award Scam: How It Works (with video below) Imagine this scenario: You receive a congratulatory phone call or an email from somebody who works in your industry. You are told that you just won a “Civic Recognition Award”, or an honorary title related to your industry. They have found your business on Facebook, […]

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Air Miles/WestJet/Expedia Fake Points

Frequent Flyer Rewards Scam: How It Works (with video below) Who wouldn't like more points and rewards with loyalty programs such as Delta SkyMiles, American AAdvantage, Southwest Rapid Rewards, Air Miles, Aeroplan, British Airways oneworld, Qantas or JetBlue TruBlue? If you are an avid traveler, you know all these and how to accumulate more to […]

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