How to spot a phone scam before it costs you
Scammers often pretend to be a grandchild, a bank or a government office. Three warning signs tell you to hang up.
Sample article. This text will be replaced by your broadcast articles.
Phone scams aimed at older adults keep changing their stories, but the pressure tactics stay the same. If you hear any of the signs below, it is fine to end the call.
Three warning signs
- They ask for gift cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency. Real agencies and banks do not ask to be paid this way.
- They want a code sent to your phone. That code unlocks your account. Never read it to anyone who called you.
- They say it must stay secret, or must happen right now. Urgency is designed to stop you from checking.
What to do instead
Hang up and call back using the number printed on your bank card, your statement, or the official website. If a caller says a grandchild is in trouble, call that grandchild or another family member directly.
A real emergency can wait the five minutes it takes to check.
Recommended for you
This box contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you.
Affiliate product space