Scam phone calls involve fraudsters pretending to be from trusted sources, most often with the goal of stealing your money or personal information. These deceptive calls can lead to serious financial losses and identity theft. Keep on reading to learn everything you need to know about scam calls and how to avoid them.

4 Common Types of Scam Calls

Scam phone calls come in various forms, most often designed to trick you into handing over your money or personal information. Here are some of the most common types:

1. IRS or tax scams: These calls involve scammers posing as IRS agents or other tax authorities. They often claim that you owe unpaid taxes and must pay immediately or face serious penalties, including arrest. These scammers typically demand payment through untraceable methods like gift cards.
2. Tech support scams: In these scams, the caller pretends to be a technician from a well-known tech company, such as Microsoft or Apple. They might claim that your computer has a serious virus that poses an immediate threat, and they can fix it for a fee. They aim to gain remote access to your computer to steal sensitive information or install malicious software.
3. Lottery or prize scams: Here, you’re told you’ve won a large sum of money or a valuable prize in a sweepstake or lottery — one that you likely never entered. To claim your prize, you’re instructed to pay a fee or provide your bank account details, supposedly to cover taxes or processing charges.
4. Charity scams: These calls occur particularly during times of natural disasters or humanitarian crises. Scammers impersonate charities to solicit donations, relying on the urgency of the situation to pressure you into quick payments. Often, the charity they mention doesn’t exist or has no affiliation with them.

How to Identify Scam Phone Calls (Red Flags)

Being able to recognize scam phone calls can save you from potential losses and stress. Here are key red flags to watch out for:

• Unsolicited calls claiming you owe money: Be wary of any unexpected phone calls asserting that you owe money, especially if the caller is demanding immediate payment.
• Calls asking for personal information: Legitimate companies will not call you out of the blue to ask for sensitive personal information, such as your Social Security number, bank account details, or credit card numbers.
• High-pressure tactics and urgency: Scammers often try to create a sense of urgency to push you into making a decision without thinking it through, like claiming that you need to act quickly to avoid legal action or to secure a prize.

Tips to Avoid Scam Phone Calls

Protect yourself from scam calls with these straightforward strategies:

• Hang up immediately: If a call seems suspicious or if the caller uses high-pressure tactics, it’s safest to simply hang up.
• Use Caller ID: Most phones come with a built-in Caller ID feature that helps you see who is calling before you answer.
• Verify numbers: Don’t always trust Caller ID. If you’re suspicious, look up the official contact number online and call back.
• Research caller claims: Use the internet to verify any unexpected or unusual claims. Look for official statements or news articles about what the caller claimed.
• Register with the National Do Not Call Registry: Reduce telemarketing calls by registering your number for free at www.donotcall.gov, although please note that it won’t block all scam calls.
• Use ScamCheck: The newly updated Trend Micro ScamCheck can automatically block phone calls from known scammers, spammers, telemarketers, and robocallers. Check below for more information about ScamCheck.

Protect Yourself Against Scam Calls with ScamCheck

With the sheer number of scams and scammers that are out there, staying one step ahead is more crucial than ever. Introducing the newly updated Trend Micro ScamCheck! Available for both Android and iOS, ScamCheck offers comprehensive protection from scam phone calls, scam and spam text messages, deepfakes, and more:

• SMS Filter & Call Block: Say goodbye to unwanted spam and scam calls and messages. Minimize daily disruptions and reinforce your defenses against phishing.
• Scam Check: Instantly analyze emails, texts, URLs, screenshots, and phone numbers with our AI-powered scam detection technology. Stay secure and scam-free.
• Deepfake Scan: Detect deepfakes in real-time during video calls, alerting you if anyone is using AI face-swapping technology to alter their appearance.
• Web Guard: Surf the web safely, protected from malicious websites and annoying ads.

To download ScamCheck or to learn more, click the button below.

Think You’ve Fallen for a Scam Call?

If you think you’ve been tricked by a scam call, taking swift action can help mitigate the damage:

• Contact local law enforcement and file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) via its website or by phone.
• If you disclosed any financial details, inform your bank or credit card issuer immediately to help prevent unauthorized transactions.
• Keep an eye on your bank and credit card statements for any unusual activity.
• To prevent credit fraud, consider placing a freeze on your credit reports, which stops any new credit accounts from being created in your name.

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