Steps you can take to avoid communication scams.

Phone scams, like spoofing, where a caller disguises their identity or appears as another caller ID, are a growing problem. In fact, 56 million Americans lost nearly $19.7 billion from phone scams in 2020. Here are a few steps you can take to make sure you don’t fall victim.

• Don’t answer calls from unknown numbers.
• Hang up if you accidentally answer the phone.
• Do not hit any buttons if the caller or message instructs you to do so, even if they tell you to press a button to stop receiving these calls.
• Don’t answer any questions.
• Never provide any personal information in response to a robocall.
• Verify when the caller claims to represent a company you know or a government agency. You can always call the company or agency using the number found on their website.
• File a complaint online with the FTC or call 1-877-FTC-HELP or FCC or call 1-888-CALL-FCC
• Register your number with the National Do Not Call Registry

Be aware that scammers want to play on an emotional response, like fear or even compassion. They may ask you to donate to a phony or illegitimate charity, try to sell you fraudulent health insurance or devices, claim to be collecting for the IRS, claim suspicious activity on your social security or financial accounts, or even threaten your arrest for unpaid fines or infractions.

Be sure to protect yourself by remembering these things.

• Remember, legitimate government agencies will always contact you in writing.
• Research legitimate banks and charities before opening accounts or making donations.
• Beware, even a number that looks legitimate could be spoofed.

• Rely on call blocking or labeling services your phone provider offers, some of which may be included by default.

The key to not getting scammed is to be aware of the indicators. Take the steps listed here to make sure you don’t become the next victim of a scam.

Learn more by viewing these helpful documents.

Take Action Against Illegal Robocalls

Protect Yourself From Illegal Robocalls

What Is Spoofing?

5 Steps to Protect Against Robocalls