Phone fraud is becoming more common, with scammers using various tricks to steal personal information, money, or even identity. It's important to be aware of these tactics and know how to protect yourself. In this article, we’ll cover some simple steps you can take to safeguard against phone fraud, along with practical advice to stay safe.
Recognize Common Types of Phone Scams
Understanding the types of phone fraud is the first step toward protecting yourself. Scammers often use different tactics to trick people into giving out sensitive information or making payments. Here are some of the most common types:
Phishing Calls: Scammers pose as legitimate companies or government agencies and ask for personal information like your Social Security number, bank account details, or passwords.
Robocalls: These automated calls may promise a free prize, a loan, or some other offer, but they often ask for upfront fees or sensitive data.
Tech Support Scams: Fraudsters claim to be tech support from big companies, such as Microsoft or Apple, and say there’s a problem with your device that they can "fix" by gaining remote access to your computer.
Pro tip: Never give out personal information over the phone unless you’re 100% sure of the caller's identity. If in doubt, hang up and contact the company directly.
Don’t Trust Caller ID
One of the ways scammers trick people is by spoofing caller IDs, making it look like a call is coming from a legitimate source. They can manipulate the number to display the name of your bank, a government agency, or even a local business.
Why It Happens: Spoofing technology allows scammers to hide their real number and appear as someone you trust.
What You Can Do: Don’t trust the caller ID alone. If someone calls you asking for personal or financial information, tell them you’ll call them back and use the official contact information from the company’s website.
Interesting fact: According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), scammers can even make it look like you’re calling yourself, using your own phone number as the spoofed caller ID.
Be Cautious About Sharing Information
Another important way to protect yourself from phone fraud is to be cautious about what information you share over the phone. Scammers often try to create a sense of urgency to make you feel pressured into giving them details.
Common Tricks: They may tell you there’s a problem with your bank account, that you owe taxes, or that a loved one is in trouble. These are designed to make you panic and hand over personal information.
What You Should Do: Always verify who you are speaking to before sharing anything. A legitimate company or government agency will never ask for sensitive information like passwords or Social Security numbers over the phone.
Pro tip: If the call feels suspicious, it’s better to hang up and verify the claim through official channels. Scammers rely on pressure tactics to catch you off guard, so stay calm and take your time.
Stay Alert for New Scams
Phone fraud is constantly evolving, and scammers are always finding new ways to deceive people. Staying informed about the latest scam trends can help you recognize potential fraud before it happens.
What to Watch For: Be cautious if you receive calls claiming that you’ve won something, need to pay a fine, or that a relative is in urgent need. These are common themes in new phone scams.
Stay Updated: Keep an eye on news or government websites that report on recent fraud activities, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the U.S. They regularly update their list of known scams and give tips on how to avoid them.
Interesting fact: According to a report by Truecaller, phone scams led to $10.5 billion in losses in the U.S. in 2022 alone.
Just as you want to protect yourself from phone fraud, it’s important to keep your home secure. Having the contact details of a 24/7 locksmith service can help you quickly secure your home if you lose your keys, face a lockout, or need to upgrade your security system.
In the same way that phone frauds can catch you off guard, a sudden lock issue can leave you vulnerable. A reliable locksmith can ensure your home is secure at any time.
Make sure to choose a locksmith service that offers emergency services around the clock, and store their contact information in your phone for easy access. Being prepared will give you peace of mind, knowing that help is always available when needed.
A client from FindLocksmith.org shared how their quick response helped them feel more secure after a potential scam incident:
"I received a suspicious call claiming someone had tampered with my home security. To be safe, I contacted a locksmith from FindLocksmith.org, and they were at my house within the hour to inspect and upgrade my locks. Their fast service gave me peace of mind and helped me feel safe from both physical and phone-based threats."
Use Call-Blocking Features
Many phones now offer call-blocking features that can prevent unwanted calls from reaching you. This is an effective way to stop potential scam calls before they even begin.
How It Works: Most smartphones have built-in options to block specific numbers or automatically send calls from unknown or suspicious numbers to voicemail.
Third-Party Apps: You can also use third-party apps to filter calls and prevent robocalls or scam calls. These apps analyze the numbers and block those identified as fraudulent.
Pro tip: Look into call-blocking options with your phone provider. Many carriers offer free or low-cost services to block scam calls.
Conclusion
Phone fraud can happen to anyone, but being prepared can significantly reduce the risk. By recognizing common scams, being cautious about sharing personal information, and staying updated on new threats, you can protect yourself from falling victim. Don’t forget to make use of your phone’s call-blocking features and have the contact of a 24/7 locksmith for extra security in the real world. Stay alert and take your time when answering unknown calls—it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
