Scams and Scammers – Phones

by Billy J Long Guidance, PSA Articles

Article (PSA‑0025)

Why Phone Scams Are a Big Deal

Scammers use the phone to steal personal information—identity data, bank‑account numbers, credit‑card details—or to extort money directly. Because a voice can sound professional, friendly, and urgent, it’s easy to let your guard down.

Typical Phone‑Scam Tactics

  • Impersonating a trusted source – they claim to be from Microsoft, your bank, the IRS, or a government agency.
  • Urgent “security” alerts – “Your account has been compromised, call us now!”
  • Requests for personal data – passwords, Social‑Security numbers, credit‑card codes.
  • Directing you to a fake website – they’ll ask you to type a URL or click a link while on the call.

Red Flags to Spot a Phone Scam

  • They ask for any personal or financial information over the phone.
  • They claim “we’ll never call you” if they *are* a legitimate company (the opposite is true).
  • They create a sense of urgency: “You must act now or you’ll lose money.”
  • The caller ID shows a suspicious, foreign, or “spoofed” number.

Simple, Effective Defense: Hang Up

  1. When you suspect a scam, end the call immediately. Do not answer follow‑up questions.
  2. If the caller claims to be from a company you do business with, look up the official phone number on the company’s website or on your billing statement, then call that number yourself.
  3. Never provide passwords, credit‑card numbers, or Social‑Security numbers to unsolicited callers.

Quick Phone‑Scam Checklist

  • ✔️ Never give personal data** to an unexpected caller.
  • ✔️ Hang up** as soon as something feels off or you feel pressured.
  • ✔️ Verify by calling the organization’s official number** (don’t use the number the caller gave you).
  • ✔️ Register your mobile number on the National Do‑Not‑Call Registry** (if available in your country).
  • ✔️ Report the call** to the FTC (reportfraud.ftc.gov) or your local consumer‑protection agency.

If You Think You’ve Already Given Information

  • Contact your bank or credit‑card issuer immediately and explain the situation.
  • Change passwords for any accounts that may have been compromised.
  • Place a fraud alert on your credit reports (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion).
  • Monitor your accounts for unusual activity over the next 30‑60 days.

What’s Next?

The next post will dive into **email scams (phishing)**—another common way attackers try to steal your data. The same principles—skepticism, verification, and not engaging—apply.

Need More Help?

If you have any questions about a recent call or want a quick security review, call PSA Computer Services at (707) 506‑6802.