Scammers have developed advanced methods which enable them to use psychological techniques together with prearranged dialogues, so they can overcome your innate defense mechanism and experts warn that certain specific phrases are red flags designed to trigger fear or a sense of urgency, the safest response to any of the following statements during an unexpected phone call is to end the call immediately.
There is a warrant for your arrest
Legal authorities and police departments never call individuals to threaten them with immediate arrest. This phrase is a common tactic used to scare you into making a quick payment to “clear” your name.
Your Social Security number has been suspended
The government does not suspend Social Security numbers. The caller who claims your ID is deactivated because of suspicious activity intends to obtain your personal details and banking information.
You must pay using a gift card
Legitimate businesses and government agencies will never ask for payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers. The request for untraceable payment methods by the caller indicates that a scam operation is taking place.
I am calling from the tech support department
Major tech companies do not monitor your individual computer for viruses and call you about them. Scammers use this strategy to acquire your device control which allows them to obtain your passwords and financial information.
Don’t hang up or tell anyone about this
Scammers want to isolate you so you cannot consult a friend or family member who might spot the fraud and any request for secrecy is a major warning sign of a criminal operation.
You have won a lottery you didn’t enter
You cannot win a contest that you never signed up for. The caller who claims you won a prize but requires upfront payment for “processing fee” or “taxes” is trying to scam you.
I need to verify your bank account details
A legitimate bank will already have your information on file and will not ask for your full account number or PIN over the phone. You should never disclose important financial information to someone who calls you without prior contact.
There is an issue with your recent package delivery
This tactic involves claiming a delivery failed and asking for a “redelivery fee.” The scam operation uses this method to acquire your credit card details by pretending to deliver an imaginary package.
I’m a family member in legal trouble
The “grandparent scam” involves someone pretending to be a relative who has been jailed or hospitalized, the people who contact you for money depend on your emotional state to send them funds without confirming their authenticity.
We have detected suspicious activity on your Amazon account
Fraudsters often impersonate large retailers to claim there is a problem with a high-value order. The organization wants you to visit phony websites which ask for your credit card information.
Can you hear me?
This is a trick to get you to say the word “Yes.” Scammers use voice recordings to obtain your consent which enables them to make unauthorized charges and change your account details in the future.
