Scammers are always coming up with new tricks, but some of their old favourites never seem to go out of style.
Thankfully, most of us recognise these tactics pretty quickly and hang up the phone without giving these lowlifes another second of our time. However, some people, mainly those who are older or vulnerable, might be more susceptible to falling for their underhanded methods. You might even wonder if you’re as quick on the uptake as you should be yourself. If that’s the case, here are some common phrases that might mean someone’s trying to pull a fast one on you to beware of.
1. “You’ve won a prize, but you need to pay a small fee first.”
Source: Unsplash Oh, come on. Since when do you have to pay to receive a prize you’ve won? If they’re asking for money upfront, it’s probably a scam. Also, it’s even less believable when you don’t even play any kind of sweepstakes such as Omaze, the Post Code Lottery, etc. Who would be giving you a prize?!
2. “I’m calling from your bank. We’ve noticed some suspicious activity.”
Your bank won’t ask for your full PIN or password over the phone. In fact, your bank probably won’t ring you at all. They might send you a text, and if that’s the case, you should phone them yourself on a number you trust — not a number they give you!
3. “This is a limited time offer, you must act now!”
They’re trying to rush you into a decision. Genuine offers will give you time to think it over. Also, what kind of must-have offer comes from an unsolicited phone call?
4. “I’m a Nigerian prince and I need your help…”
Believe it or not, this old chestnut is still doing the rounds. No royal is going to email random strangers for financial help. How did this even become a thing?
5. “We can guarantee you’ll make money with this investment.”
Source: Unsplash Pull the other one! No investment is ever 100% guaranteed. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Also, investment opportunities don’t come to you via random phone calls.
6. “Your computer has a virus. We can fix it remotely for a fee.”
Microsoft or Apple won’t call you out of the blue about viruses — no one will. This is likely someone trying to get access to your computer. Never install software a stranger asks you to download. Hang up the phone!
7. “You owe unpaid taxes and will be arrested if you don’t pay immediately.”
Source: Unsplash Don’t be silly! HMRC won’t threaten you with immediate arrest. They’ll send official letters first. Also, unless you’re defrauding the government, debtors’ prison was abolished in the 1860s. You’re okay.
8. “We’re calling about your car’s extended warranty…”
If you didn’t ask for info about extended warranties, be wary of anyone offering them. Sometimes this one is easy to spot, especially if you’re driving a 15-year-old banger. Either way, it’s not legit (and if it is, you can pursue a warranty yourself).
9. “You’ve been specially selected for this exclusive offer.”
‘Exclusive’ offers that come out of the blue are rarely as special as they claim to be. Hang up the phone and don’t listen to another word.
10. “We can help you get out of debt fast!”
Legitimate debt help doesn’t promise quick fixes. Be cautious of anyone offering miracle solutions. These predatory companies often offer extremely high-interest loans that put you further in the hole than you were before. Don’t entertain this.
11. “Your account will be suspended unless you update your details now.”
Banks and legitimate companies don’t ask you to provide sensitive info via email or unsolicited calls. This goes for mobile phone companies, Amazon, credit card companies… you get the picture.
12. “We’re investors looking to buy properties in your area.”
Watch out! While some of these might be legit, be careful about giving info about your property to unsolicited callers.
13. “You’ve been chosen to be a secret shopper. Here’s a cheque to get started.”
Legitimate secret shopper jobs won’t send you money upfront. This is likely a fake cheque scam. This one is less common than it used to be, but it is still floating around.
14. “We can significantly lower your credit card interest rate.”
If you haven’t asked your credit card company about this, be wary of unsolicited offers to lower your rates. Hang up the phone and report this to your credit card company as fraud. They need to be aware of this scam!
15. “You’ve got an inheritance from a distant relative you’ve never heard of.”
Unless you’re expecting an inheritance, be very cautious of strangers claiming you’re due money from unknown relatives. Sorry, but your Great Aunt Edna twice removed, who you’ve never even heard of, hasn’t left you a £500,000 fortune. Hang up now.
