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How to Recognize Phone Scams

4 minute read

What to do when you get a suspicious call.

Scam calls are getting sophisticated—some even fake caller ID. Here’s how to protect yourself.

Red Flags on Any Call

They claim to be from…

  • The IRS or tax authority — The IRS doesn’t call demanding immediate payment
  • “Windows Technical Support” or “Microsoft” — Microsoft doesn’t call you
  • Your bank’s fraud department — But they’re asking for your PIN or password
  • The police or government — Threatening arrest unless you pay now
  • A grandchild in trouble — Urgently needing money wired

They want you to pay with…

  • Gift cards (iTunes, Amazon, Google Play)
  • Wire transfers (Western Union, MoneyGram)
  • Cryptocurrency
  • Cash sent by mail

No legitimate business or government agency asks for these payment methods.

They create pressure…

  • “Don’t hang up or you’ll be arrested”
  • “This is time-sensitive”
  • “Don’t tell anyone about this call”
  • “Stay on the line while you go to the store”

The Golden Rule

If someone calls YOU about money or personal information:
Hang up and call back using a number YOU find yourself.

Look up the company’s real number:

  • On their official website
  • On your account statement
  • On the back of your card
  • In the official app

If the call was legitimate, they’ll have a record of the issue.

Caller ID Can Be Faked

Scammers can make any number appear on your phone:

  • Your bank’s real number
  • Government agencies
  • Local area codes
  • Even numbers that look similar to yours

Never trust caller ID alone. Always verify by calling back on a known number.

How to Handle Suspicious Calls

Step 1: Don’t engage. You can simply hang up. You don’t owe strangers on the phone an explanation.

Step 2: If you’re worried it might be real, hang up and call back yourself using the official number.

Step 3: Never give personal information to incoming callers. Legitimate companies will let you verify and call back.

Step 4: Don’t press buttons or say “yes.” Scammers may record your voice or use button presses to confirm your number is active.

Specific Scenarios

“This is the IRS…”

The IRS will never:

  • Call demanding immediate payment
  • Threaten arrest or deportation
  • Ask for gift cards or wire transfers
  • Call without first sending a letter

Hang up. If you’re worried about taxes, call the IRS directly: 1-800-829-1040

“This is Microsoft/Windows support…”

Microsoft will never call you about viruses or computer problems. Ever.

Just hang up.

“This is your bank’s fraud department…”

Your bank might legitimately call about fraud, but they’ll never ask for:

  • Your full password
  • Your PIN
  • One-time security codes they just sent you
  • To transfer money to “protect” it

Hang up and call the number on your card.

“Grandma, I’m in trouble…”

Before sending any money:

  • Call your grandchild’s real phone number
  • Call their parents
  • Ask a question only they’d know

Scammers research families online. They may know names and details.

What About Robocalls?

  • Don’t press any buttons (even to “opt out”)
  • Don’t say “yes” to anything
  • Just hang up
  • Register at donotcall.gov
  • Consider call-blocking apps (Nomorobo, Hiya, your carrier’s tools)

Quick Summary

✓ Legitimate callers won’t mind if you hang up and call back

✓ Never give info to someone who called you

✓ Caller ID can be faked

✓ Government agencies don’t demand gift cards

✓ When in doubt, hang up