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.

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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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 »

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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, … Funeral Home Balance Read More »

Funeral Home Balance Read More

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 … Grandparents Call Read More »

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Health Official Inspection

How The Health Inspection Scam Works: If you own a restaurant or any other business that sells food, you are a potential target of scammers who call and recommend themselves as health inspectors from the national authority that deals with food quality control. Depending on your country, state or province, these could be FSIS – … Health Official Inspection Read More »

Health Official Inspection Read More

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

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 … Air Miles/WestJet/Expedia Fake Points Read More »

Air Miles/WestJet/Expedia Fake Points Read More

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, … Civic Recognition Award Scam Read More »

Civic Recognition Award Scam Read More