With the rise of technology, phone scams have become increasingly sophisticated.
Scammers often use a variety of tactics to trick unsuspecting individuals into handing over personal information or money.
Here are five common phone scams that you should be aware of to protect yourself.
1. RS Tax scams: Scammers pretend to be from the IRS, claiming you owe taxes or face legal action. They often threaten arrest or deportation to pressure you into paying quickly, usually through untraceable methods like gift cards or wire transfers.
2. Tech support scams: In these scams, callers claim to be from well-known tech companies like Microsoft or Apple, stating that your computer is infected with a virus. They then ask for remote access to your device or payment for unnecessary repairs.
3. Lottery or prize scams: Scammers inform you that you’ve won a lottery or a large prize, but to claim it, you need to pay taxes or fees upfront. This is a trick to steal your money or personal information.
4. Social security scams: Scammers impersonate Social Security Administration (SSA) representatives and warn you that your Social Security number is compromised or involved in illegal activities. They may ask for sensitive information to “resolve” the issue.
5. Bank fraud scams: Fraudsters pose as bank representatives and claim suspicious activity on your account. They ask you to confirm your account details or provide login credentials to “secure” your funds, but their goal is to steal your money.
Always be cautious about unsolicited calls and verify the identity of the caller before providing any personal information.
