Humans, as opposed to machines, can swiftly change their narrative or avoid inquiry in any setting. Regardless of how clever the conman is, there will always be a few words or phrases he or she uses to alert you to the deception.
Scammers may employ a wide variety of techniques to try to get their money from you, but many of them will have common themes in the language they use. However, AARP asserts that listeners need just keep an ear out for five specific factors in order to distinguish between truth and fabrication. Among the most often used phrases by phone fraudsters are:
This one has been in the forefront for quite some time now. Some of which have become so sophisticated, they can circumvent the most intelligent scam/spoof protections provided by phone companies and 3rd party app vendors. Not to mention the hilarious memes that have been generated from the uptick.
Scammers often target those who have health insurance. Fake labs, clinics, and doctors' offices may contact you, stating they need to do further testing. To complete the order, they'll want your Medicare number.
When you hear it, you should end the call. Medicare being billed for unneeded tests, many of which it does not fund, according to the AARP.
Scammers often say they can assist you get your money back after making an illicit purchase on Amazon. No such transaction occurred, thus your Amazon account is safe as always.
Your personal information, such as bank accounts or credit card numbers, might be at danger if you provide the caller your personal information. Contact Amazon directly if you believe you have a business relationship with the corporation and don't want to waste your time on the phone.
There is nothing worse than receiving a phone call from a fraudster threatening to turn off your electricity or gas. Typically, the caller pretends to be an employee of a utility provider and indicates that your bill is overdue. You may avoid this by paying the debt in full as soon as possible.
First, utility providers send an email, and then fraudsters utilize robocalls to perpetrate this scam. Rather of wasting time on the phone, stop the conversation and contact your energy supplier directly to find out the status of your account.
Confusion is a common tactic used by fraudsters to coerce victims into divulging personal information or withdrawing money. There is a considerable probability older people, particularly those who are unfamiliar with technology, may take action without inquiry, especially if it involves something they don't understand. Additional red flags that you're on the phone with a fraudster include:
Scammers often pose as representatives of well-known IT companies in order to prey on the elderly. In most cases, the caller says that your device is afflicted with malware and that they can remove it. Do not answer the phone at all!
You should never get a phone call from a legitimate IT company claiming to know that your computer is infected with malware. Scammers trick their victims into downloading what they think is a useful program, but in reality, it's just malware designed to take over their smartphone.
A robocaller will say that your Social Security check has been frozen and that you must pay to establish your identification in this scam.
Neither the federal nor state governments will ever ask for money or other personal information over the phone unless specifically requested. Hang up right away and call the Office of Inspector General's hotline at 1-800-269-0271 to file a complaint of an attempted scam.