Be Alert
Government agencies will always contact you in writing
helpful tips To Keep in Mind
Research
Do your research! Don't open accounts or make donations without vetting the company
Be Smart
Never answer questions or give personal information during a robocall
Verify
Confirm the caller claims to represent a company or government agency
Beware
Even a legitimate looking number could be scam call
Ignore
Don’t answer calls from unknown callers/numbers
Ghost
Hang up if you accidentally answer a scam call
Disregard
Avoid hitting any buttons especially if the caller instructs you to do so
Common scams
Fake Charity
Charity scams are common after a natural disaster or other tragedy. Caller will ask for illegitimate donations to a charity, local police or fire departments. Always check to make sure the charity is legitimate.
Health & Insurance Scam
Caller is selling fradulent health insurance or health care devices. It’s best to just hang up on these callers whether they’re offering free medical systems, discounted prescriptions, or making threats.
IRS Call
Caller claims to be someone from the IRS, asking for payment of money owed in taxes. No government or federal agency will ever contact you via phone and demand payment.
Warrant Threat
Threatening arrest or fines for missing jury duty or for other claimed infractions. Typically, the caller may seek payment over the phone, through a wire transfer or through a prepaid debit card.
Bank Fraud
Caller claims suspicious activity on your social security number or financial accounts. Don't provide any personal details to someone calling you. Hang up and call your bank or institution directly instead.
Spoofing and how to protect yourself!
Spoofing is when a caller disguises their identity by deliberately misrepresenting the name or number that appears on your caller ID display. Most often these callers try to trick you into providing valuable personal information such as your Social Security, credit card number or bank account.
Dos
- DO take advantage of call blocking and labeling services provided by your service provider
- DO register with the FTC's Do-Not-Call list and file complaints with them
- DO contact your bank using the number on their website if you recieve a call asking for confidential info
- DO educate yourself about common scams
- DO hang up on illegal robocalls
- DO check the FCC's website for resources about blocking robocalls
Don'ts
- DON'T answer calls from an unfamiliar number or are labeled as spam
- DON'T call back a number provided in a voicemail unless it is the same number found on their website
- DON'T push any buttons especially if the caller instructs you to do so
- DON'T engage with the robocaller making the call
- DON'T ever share personal and financial information
- DON'T ever pay for anything over the phone with things like gift cards
Take Action
RELY ON CALL BLOCKING OR LABELING SERVICES
offered by your phone provider, some of which may be included by default
CONTACT THE AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline at 877.908.3360
REGISTER YOUR NUMBER with the National Do Not Call Registry
FILE A COMPLAINT with the FCC at 1 888 CALL FCC or 1.888.225.5322
or FTC at 1 877 FTC HELP or 1.877.382.4357