Tips for Avoiding Phone Scams in the Digital Era

In today's digital age, phone scams have become more rampant and sophisticated. Scammers use various tactics, from impersonating bank representatives and government officials to pretending to be friends or family members. These scams can cause significant financial and emotional damage. Therefore, it's crucial to stay vigilant and learn how to avoid falling victim to these fraudulent schemes.

Here are some practical tips for avoiding phone scams:

1. Don’t Easily Trust Unknown Callers

If you receive a call from an unknown number, especially if the caller claims to be from a bank, government agency, or a well-known company, always exercise caution. Scammers often use numbers that look official or local to trick victims. If the caller asks for personal or financial information, never provide it without verifying their identity.

2. Verify the Authenticity of the Information

If the caller claims to be a representative from a bank, government agency, or other organizations, do not trust them immediately. Contact the organization through an official number found on their website, not the one provided by the caller. Always confirm whether the information they are sharing is legitimate.

3. Never Share Personal Information

Never provide sensitive information such as your credit card number, bank account number, PIN, or password over the phone, even if the caller claims to be an authorized party. Banks and legitimate institutions will never ask for this kind of information via phone.

4. Be Wary of Offers That Seem Too Good to Be True

Scammers often lure victims with offers of prizes, huge discounts, or investment opportunities that seem too good to be true. If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Avoid getting trapped by promises that seem too enticing, and always take the time to investigate further before making any decisions.

5. Don’t Follow Suspicious Instructions

Scammers may try to pressure you into making a quick transfer of money or downloading certain apps, claiming it's necessary to "verify your account" or "pay taxes." Do not follow these instructions without verifying their legitimacy. If anyone is pressuring you to act quickly or making threats, hang up immediately and report the incident.

6. Verify the Phone Number & Use Call-Blocking Apps

If the caller claims to be from a company or institution, check the phone number they are using. Compare it with the official number listed on the company’s website or official documents. Scammers often use numbers that are similar but not identical to the official numbers.

To stay even more protected, consider using call-blocking apps that can help identify and block calls from known spam or scam numbers. One popular and effective app for this purpose is GetContact.

GetContact allows you to see the caller’s identity based on names or information gathered from other users. The app can show whether the number calling you has been flagged as spam or a scam based on reports from users worldwide. This allows you to be more cautious before answering the call.

Additionally, GetContact allows you to block numbers identified as spam, so you won't receive calls from the same number again in the future.

Another app that offers similar functionality is Truecaller, which can identify and block suspicious numbers, helping you avoid phone scams.

By using apps like these, you can feel more secure and protected from the risks of phone scams.

7. Keep Your PINs and Passwords Secure

If you receive a call claiming to be from your bank or another financial institution, never share your PIN, password, or any other sensitive information. Banks or financial institutions will never ask for such information over the phone.

8. Enable Two-Factor Authentication

For extra protection, ensure that your important accounts, such as your bank account or social media profiles, use two-factor authentication (2FA). This adds an extra layer of security, so even if scammers manage to get hold of your password, they won't be able to access your account without a verification code.

9. Report Any Suspected Scam

If you believe you've been targeted by a scam or have received a suspicious call, report it to the authorities immediately, such as the police or a consumer protection agency. The sooner you report it, the quicker preventative measures can be taken to prevent further loss.