Common Phone Scams
There are many Common Phone Scams, and they are constantly changing. The common thread in these scams is the need for immediate action. These scammers will often push you to act immediately, but you should always question their sense of urgency. You should also avoid being drawn into an emotional situation. These scams are not uncommon, but they are best avoided if you are aware of them.
Natural disasters
Natural disasters are a perfect opportunity for scam artists to target unsuspecting victims. They pose as government officials and promise to secure assistance for a fee. Never give out personal information or give money up front to anyone offering assistance. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) offers tips on how to avoid scams related to natural disasters.
To prevent falling victim to phone scams related to natural disasters, only donate to trusted charities. Beware of scammers who create fake charities during disasters. Always verify the charity's legitimacy through its official website. You can also verify its registration status with the Better Business Bureau, Charity Navigator, Charity Watch, or GuideStar. Furthermore, check with the National Association of State Charity Officials to ensure that the charity is registered in your state.
COVID-19
One of the most common phone scams associated with the COVID-19 outbreak is a request to donate money to help victims of the virus. Scammers often pose as representatives of FEMA and request personal information to register for a COVID-19 funeral program. The program is real, but you should not be contacted by unsolicited phone calls about it. Rather, contact FEMA directly for information on the virus.
The Better Business Bureau advises consumers to be suspicious of phone scammers who ask for personal information. You can use your caller ID to verify whether a caller is legitimate. In some cases, the caller ID may indicate that the call is coming from the health department, but this is not the case in all cases.
IRS scam
This scam has been affecting people's lives since March 2014. It's a phone scam where an unscrupulous caller pretends to be the IRS and demands money right away. If you don't pay, they will threaten arrest and court action. They will also try to convince you to use your credit or debit card. The number they are calling from is probably "spoofing" caller-ID displays so that you think the number is from the IRS.
The IRS warns people about this phone scam and offers tips to avoid being a victim. These thieves use a range of methods, including using bogus IRS emails and changing caller ID to look like the IRS. If you receive such a call, it's important to report it to the IRS immediately.