It starts with a ring. Maybe it’s an unknown number - or worse, it looks like someone you do know. On the other end? A scammer with a clever story and a goal: to get your personal and financial information.
Phone scams are getting sneakier, but don’t worry – you can outsmart them. Whether it’s a robocall, a fake delivery notification, or someone pretending to be the IRS, we’ve got a few tips you need to hang up with confidence.
Common Phone Scams
Phone scams come in many forms, but their goal is always the same: trick you into giving up your information or money. These are some of the scams making the rounds right now:
-
- Robocalls. These pre-recorded calls aren’t just annoying, they’re dangerous. Some might offer you a “free vacation” or “exclusive prize,” while others could threaten legal action if you don’t pay a fake invoice. Advance robocalls can even respond to your voice, making them sound more human.
- Impersonators. A scammer might pose as someone you trust, like a bank employee or even a relative. Their bag of tricks includes scare tactics (“Your Social Security number has been compromised!”) or emotional appeals (“Your grandchild is in trouble and needs money now!”).
- Fake delivery notifications. “We couldn’t deliver your package. Click here to reschedule.” Scammers use this line to lure you into sharing personal details or downloading malware.
- SIM swapping. This advanced scam involves fraudsters transferring your phone number to their device. Once they have control, they can intercept your calls and texts, access your accounts, and even reset your passwords.
- One-time password (OTP) bots. These bots send you a text message or call pretending to be your bank or other trusted company and ask for the OTP sent to your phone. If you share it, scammers gain instant access to your accounts.
How to Protect Yourself
Knowing how scammers operate is the first step. The second is taking action to protect yourself. Here’s how you can outsmart phone scammers and keep your information safe:
-
- Don’t answer unknown phone numbers. If you don’t recognize the number, let it go to voicemail. Legitimate callers will leave a message. Scammers, on the other hand, won’t bother.
- Verify suspicious calls. If someone claims to be from your bank, the IRS, or a delivery company, hang up immediately and contact the organization directly using their official phone number.
- Stay calm and don’t rush. Scammers rely on urgency to cloud your judgment. Whether they're threatening you with account closure or offering a deal that’s “too good to pass up,” take a breath before reacting.
- Never share personal information. Legitimate organizations, like PSECU, won’t ask for sensitive information details such as Social Security numbers, passwords, or verification codes over the phone. If someone asks, it’s a scam.
- Enable multifactor authentication (MFA). Adding an extra layer of security to your accounts can stop scammers in their tracks, even if they manage to access your phone number.
- Report suspicious calls. If something feels off, don’t keep it to yourself. Report scams to PSECU at abuse@psecu.com or to the FTC at ftc.gov.
- Block and filter calls. Use call-blocking tools or apps to screen calls from unknown numbers. Many smartphones nowadays have these settings to block robocalls.
Scammers want you to panic and act quickly, but the smartest thing to do is to pause, hang up, and verify the call when something feels off. Scammers count on catching you off guard, but you don’t have to fall for their tricks. By staying informed and following these steps, you can protect your personal and financial information from fraudsters.
Want to report suspicious activity? Email us at abuse@psecu.com. And remember – when in doubt, hang up. For more ways to stay ahead of fraud and protect yourself, check out our Fraud Prevention page.