Phone Scammers: How to recognize and avoid fraud

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In today's world, phone scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and anyone can fall victim to them. This is especially true for elderly people, who can be more trusting and less vigilant. Here, we’ll explain how to recognize phone scammers and what to do to avoid unpleasant consequences.

Main Signs of Scam Calls

  1. Talks about Money and Personal Data
    Scammers often ask for your bank card details or your online banking password. Be extremely cautious if someone asks you to transfer money to a "safe" account or offers a "profitable" investment opportunity.

  2. Attempts to Elicit Strong Emotions
    Scammers try to unsettle their victims to extract confidential information. They may scare you, rush you, or share exciting news, like winning a lottery.

  3. Calls from Hidden Numbers
    If the caller's number is not displayed, it's a red flag. Scammers often hide their numbers to avoid being traced. It's important to know that scammers can spoof numbers, including those of banks. If you have any doubts, hang up and call the bank directly.

  4. Sequential Calls
    Scammers might first build trust and gather personal information, then use it for fraud a few days later.

  5. Calls from Numbers with Non-Existent Operator Codes
    Scammers use virtual operators. Do not answer calls from numbers longer than 10 digits or with operator codes that don't exist in your country.

  6. Calls from a "Robot" in a Single Language
    If a bank's automated system calls and provides information, wait for the message in another language. Scammers often operate from abroad and record messages in only one language.

Common Fraud Schemes

  1. Call from the "Bank"
    They pose as bank employees, talk about suspicious transactions, or ask you to transfer money to a "safe" account.

    What to do: Do not share any data over the phone. Call the bank back using its official number or visit a branch.

  2. Call from the "Police"
    They pose as law enforcement officers and talk about involvement in a criminal case or illegal activity on your account.

    What to do: Ask for the caller's rank, position, phone number, and department. Verify the information by calling the official numbers on the agency's website.

  3. Call from the "Pension Fund"
    They offer to recalculate your pension or provide additional payments, asking for your bank card details or passport information.

    What to do: Pension Fund employees never ask for such information over the phone. Verify by calling the Pension Fund using official numbers.

  4. Call from a "Relative"
    They pretend to be a family member in trouble, urgently asking for money.

    What to do: Call your real relative at a known number. Ask the caller questions only the real family member would know.

  5. Call about a "Lottery Win"
    They inform you of a win that requires a deposit to claim.

    What to do: Do not send money. Gather detailed information about the lottery and call the organization where you supposedly won.

  6. "Missed Call" Scams
    The call lasts a few seconds and then ends, prompting you to call back a premium-rate number.

    What to do: Do not call back unknown numbers. Inform friends and family of your rule not to answer unknown calls.

If You Become a Victim of Fraud

  1. Contact the Police
    File a report detailing the conversation and the phone numbers involved. This can be done orally or in writing.

  2. Do Not Share Suspicious Data Over the Phone
    Government bodies and banks do not handle important matters over the phone. If you have any doubts, end the call and call the bank using its official number.

Above all, remember: the best way to protect yourself from scammers is to be vigilant and cautious. Don’t fall for their tricks, always verify information, and stay calm.

Simple Ways to Protect Your Money

Scammers are scaling their operations today, affecting many lives through phone calls. These criminals aim to get your money, and the best protection measures are awareness and caution. Below we review the most common signs of fraud and how to avoid their traps.

How to Identify if the Caller is from a Bank or a Scammer

The first thing to remember is that bank employees are unlikely to call you over trivial matters. If there are security issues with your accounts, they usually just block them.

If you receive a call from the bank with an amazing offer or a request for credit information over the phone, be sure it’s a scam. Bank employees do not ask for such details, and calls offering loans are most likely fraudulent.

Signs of a Scammer:

  1. Calls from unknown numbers with loan offers
  2. Attempts to keep you on the line as long as possible
  3. Requests for personal data and card details
  4. Vague answers to your questions

Scammers may also pose as police officers or prosecutors, giving you no time to think and forcing you to act quickly. Be vigilant and do not share your data over the phone.

If you suspect that a call may be a scam, hang up and call the organization or agency back using official numbers listed on their website.

Remember: your main defense is your vigilance and prudence. Protect yourself and your finances, and don't let any scammers deceive you.