Getting phone calls from unknown numbers is something that most people deal with on a daily basis. While these calls can seem harmless, there are a variety of different phone scams that a person will have to be aware of in order to stay safe. Neglecting to find out more about common phone scams and how to avoid them can lead to a person losing a lot of money. You can read more here on different theft and fraud crimes so you can put the right safeguards in place to stay protected. Below are some of the most common phone scams and what can be done to avoid them.
So-Called Charitable Donations
Who doesn’t like to donate to charity? There are a number of charities who do a lot of good in the world and helping to fund them can give a person a good feeling. Making charitable donations is something that is rewarding, but there are a number of scammers out there looking to take a person’s money in the name of charity. The best way to avoid this type of scam is by avoiding any contributions over the phone. Visiting the charities website or even going to their headquarters in person is the only way to make sure that the money donated is getting into the right hands.
Escaping Trouble With the Law
The last thing that anyone wants is to be in trouble with the law, which is why this next type of scam is so successful. There are many scammers who will call an individual and claim they are with the local police department. The so-called police officers will then inform the caller they have a ticket or fine that needs to be paid right away or they may face jail time. If the caller complies, the scammer will ask for things like their name and social security number. Giving the scammer this information will lead to a lot of headaches over time. A police department will never call and demand this type of information. This means that if a person receives one of these calls, they need to report it to the real authorities immediately.
The Big Lottery Payoff
For some people, playing the lottery is fun and a great way for them to spend a few bucks. If a person receives a call from a person claiming to be from their state’s lottery board, then they should be wary. In most cases, the scammer will tell a person that they have won a large lottery prize and have to verify some information to claim it. Giving the scammer the information they want will make a person susceptible to identity theft. Rather than giving this information, the caller will need to hang up and call the authorities immediately. There have been many people who have fallen for this scam and have paid the price.
Staying Informed is Essential
The best thing that you can do when trying to avoid these types of scams is to stay informed. There are tons of online resources out there that can provide you with up to date information on the scams being perpetrated. The last thing you want to do is neglect to learn about these scams due to the problems it can cause. By taking the time to inform yourself, you can keep your money and personal information safe. Working with a legal professional in the event that you are scammed can also help you greatly when trying to recoup the things you have lost.
By using common sense, a person will be able to avoid these types of scams. New phone scams are developed daily, which is why staying in the know is important. Doing research online is a great way to find out what type of scams are being reported and how to avoid falling victim to them.
