Phone scams are rife these days, and some of them are incredibly convincing.
You might think you’re pretty good at weeding out spam callers and phishing hacks, but these schemes are getting more complex and sophisticated by the day, so it’s not always easy. However, if you’re not quite sure if the person on the other end of the phone is legit, here are some red flags to look out for.
1. Listen for vague urgency.
“This is urgent and needs to be dealt with immediately.” Be wary of callers pushing for quick action without clear reasons. Legitimate issues usually allow time for verification and consideration. If they’re rushing you, it might be to prevent you from thinking it through.
2. Be cautious of requests for personal information.
Source: Unsplash “I just need to confirm your date of birth and address.” Genuine companies rarely ask for personal details out of the blue. If they do, they should be happy for you to call them back on their official number. Be especially wary if they asked you to confirm info they should already have.
3. Watch out for emotional manipulation.
“I’d hate for you to miss out on this opportunity.” This kind of language plays on your emotions, trying to make you feel like you’ll regret not acting. It’s a subtle form of pressure that’s often used in sales tactics or scams.
4. Be alert to unsolicited tech support.
Source: Unsplash “We’ve detected a problem with your internet connection.” Your internet provider might call about service issues, but they won’t ask for access to your computer or personal information. If you’re unsure, hang up and call them back on their official number.
5. Question unexpected financial discussions.
Source: Unsplash “There’s an issue with your last payment.” If someone’s calling about money matters out of the blue, be cautious. Banks and legitimate companies usually send letters or emails first. Always verify independently before discussing financial details.
6. Be wary of overly familiar tones.
Source: Unsplash “Hey there, how are you doing today?” While friendliness isn’t a red flag on its own, overly casual language from supposed professionals can be a tactic to lower your guard. Stay alert, especially if they start asking for personal information.
7. Notice pressure to keep things private.
Source: Unsplash “There’s no need to discuss this with anyone else.” Be cautious if someone’s discouraging you from getting advice or telling other people. Legitimate dealings rarely require secrecy from friends or family.
8. Be alert to unexpected “good news”.
Source: Unsplash “Congratulations, you’ve been selected for a special offer.” If you haven’t entered any competitions or applied for anything, be sceptical of surprise winnings or offers. It’s often a lead-in to asking for personal details or money.
9. Question calls about services you don’t have.
Source: Unsplash “I’m calling about your broadband service.” If you don’t have an account with the company they’re claiming to be from, that’s a clear red flag. Politely end the call and report it if necessary.
10. Be cautious of calls “confirming” appointments.
“I’m just confirming your appointment for tomorrow.” If you haven’t made any appointments, this could be a tactic to make you doubt yourself and engage further. Always verify independently if you’re unsure.
11. Watch for pressure to change your mind.
“Are you sure you want to miss out on this?” If you’ve said no, and they’re still pushing, that’s a red flag. Reputable companies respect your decisions and won’t try to wear you down.
12. Be wary of overly technical language.
“We need to verify your account due to a security protocol breach.” Sometimes, scammers use complex terms to confuse you and sound more official. If you don’t understand what they’re talking about, ask for clarification or offer to call back.
13. Notice inconsistencies in their story.
If details change during the call or don’t match what you know, be alert. Legitimate callers should have consistent, accurate information. If things don’t add up, trust your instincts and end the call.
