Salisbury Bancorp : Scammers are out there, and they’re targeting your phone!

Scammers are out there, and they're targeting your phone!

November 29, 2021

Remember the days when anytime your phone rang, you could expect to know the person at the other end? Today, you may get more calls from strangers than friends - and they're all looking for the same thing: to steal something from you. One thing you can count on is that a phone scammer will try to get your money or your personal information to commit identity theft.

Callers may present themselves as being helpful and pleasant, or they might try to threaten and scare you. Sometimes it's a carrot ("Congratulations, you've won!"), sometimes the stick ("If you don't act now, you'll be arrested!"). Here's how to recognize them:

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), these are the most common types of phone scams:

1. Imposter scams

The caller pretends to be someone you trust - a government agency, a family member, love interest, or a technician who wants to help you solve a problem with your computer. In reality, they have more sinister intent.

2. Offers of debt relief and credit repair

Scammers will offer to lower your credit card interest rates, fix your credit, or get your student loans forgiven - as long as you pay their company a fee, first.

3. Business and investment opportunities

Callers might promise to help you start your own business and give you business coaching, or guarantee big profits from an investment. Don't fall for it.

4. Fake charities

Scammers like to pose as charities, often soliciting "donations" for disaster relief efforts. That's why you should always investigate a charity before you give.

5. Extended car warranties

This come-on is used so frequently that it's become commonplace! Scammers find out what kind of car you drive and try to sell you overpriced - or worthless - service contracts.

6. "Free" trials

This scammer promises a free trial, then signs you up for a 'service' that shows up on your credit card bill every month until you cancel. Often the amount is so small, people don't notice or bother with it - but it adds up for the scammer.

7. Loan scams

Some scammers target people with poor credit histories, guaranteeing loans or credit cards for an up-front fee. Legitimate lenders don't do that, especially if you have bad credit, no credit, or a bankruptcy.

8. Prizes and lotteries

Typically, the caller will announce you've won something, but then say you need to pay taxes, fees, or shipping charges to claim the prize, which doesn't exist.

9. Travel and timeshares

Who couldn't use a free (or low-cost) vacation? These come-ons stick you with lots of hidden costs - or no vacation at all. In timeshare resale schemes, scammers offer to sell your timeshare for you, if you pay them first. Hint: there is no buyer.

A word to the wise

Here are a few things you should keep in mind if you do answer a call from a possible scammer:

• There's no payoff. That special offer you weren't aware of, or lottery you don't remember entering, it's not real. If someone offers you something for nothing, it's likely a scam. If you have to pay to get a prize, it's no prize.
• No one is going to arrest you. You might be told that you're in violation of tax codes or some other law, and you will be fined, arrested or even deported if you don't pay right away. These people aren't cops or federal agents. Actual law enforcement agencies never do this.
• There's no rush. Anyone who doesn't give you time to think things over is probably scamming you.
• Money should have a trace. Scammers will demand that you furnish money via wire transfer, money transfer app, gift card, prepaid card or cash reload card - or other irreversible means.
• Government agencies don't ask for sensitive information over the phone. Don't give out information like your Social Security Number to anyone who calls unexpectedly, even if they say they're with the Social Security Administration (SSA) or the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

How to cope with fraudulent calls

Take a moment to register your number on the National Do Not Call Registry. If you answer a call you think is a scam, hang up without saying anything. Don't press any numbers. And don't trust your caller ID, because scammers can easily fake it.

If it's a persistent annoyance, consider call blocking, which can stop incoming calls before your phone rings. The type of blocking varies according to whether you have a cell phone, landline or VoIP (Internet calling). Your provider can give you details.

Finally, you can report these scams. If you've lost money or have information about the company or scammer, report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If you didn't lose money and just want to report a call, you can use the FTC's reporting form at DoNotCall.gov. Give them the number that appears on your caller ID, even if you think it might be fake, as well as any number you're told to call back.

This article is designed to provide informative material and is distributed with the understanding that it does not constitute legal or other professional advice. Opinions expressed herein are subject to change without notice. Information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but its accuracy and interpretation are not guaranteed.

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