The Scam Call Red Flag Smartphone Users Should Look Out For
Unfortunately, as modern technology has evolved, scammers and hackers have found more complex ways to trick people into falling for their traps. You can get super convincing emails, direct messages on social media, and even phone calls that are meant to convince you to give up some sensitive information.
When it comes to scam calls, especially ones that aren't as obvious, there are a lot of things you can listen to or look for to prevent yourself from getting scammed. However, there's one indicator that might mean the most. If you're getting a call from an unverified number, a number you don't recognize, or something that's listed in your phone as an 'unknown number,' but on the other side of the phone, they're pretending to be someone you know or from an institution you use, take heed. These days, scammers will often try to pose as someone from your bank, your health insurance company, etc., to get information out of you from an unverified number.
"If you receive a call from someone claiming to represent your bank, a government agency, or another trusted institution and you suspect a scam, politely hang up and call the official number yourself," says digital security and privacy expert Marijus Briedis.
What To Do If You Think You're Getting Scam Calls
The reason why this is a big red flag is that many people tend to get gullible with these convincing scam calls, believing they can trust the other person on the phone. However, just because they say they're affiliated with a service you trust doesn't actually mean they work for them.
"Scammers often use urgency and emotional manipulation, but this approach helps prevent their tactics," adds Briedis.
If you accidentally pick up one of these calls, avoid giving any information to them, and be sure to look into your institution's actual information as soon as possible. For instance, if someone claims to be calling from your bank, check and see what your bank's actual number is before saying anything.
"Always use contact information from the organization's official website or documentation, rather than relying on information provided by the caller," instructs Briedis.