Phone fraud is on the rise, and it’s important to be aware of the risks and know how to protect yourself. Phone fraud is when someone uses a phone to commit a crime, such as stealing money or personal information. It can take many forms, from impersonating a legitimate business to using a fake caller ID to disguise their identity.
Phone fraudsters often target vulnerable people, such as the elderly or those who are not tech-savvy. They may use high-pressure tactics to get people to give out personal information or to make a payment. They may also use automated calls to try to get people to answer questions or to provide personal information.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect yourself from phone fraud. First, never give out personal information over the phone, such as your Social Security number or bank account information. If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from a legitimate business, hang up and call the company directly to verify the caller’s identity.
Second, be wary of calls from unfamiliar numbers. If you don’t recognize the number, don’t answer the call. If you do answer, don’t provide any personal information.
Third, be aware of “spoofing”, which is when a fraudster uses a fake caller ID to disguise their identity. If you receive a call from a number that looks familiar, but you’re not sure if it’s legitimate, hang up and call the company directly to verify the caller’s identity.
Finally, if you receive a call from someone claiming to be from a government agency, hang up and call the agency directly to verify the caller’s identity. Government agencies will never call you and ask for personal information or money.
By following these tips, you can help protect yourself from phone fraud. Remember, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Be aware of the risks and take steps to protect yourself.
