Dishonest individuals forego vacation time, with a cautionary notice emphasizing the importance of honesty
In today's digital age, it's essential to be vigilant against telephone scams that aim to trick you into divulging personal information or sending money. Here are some key tips to help you stay safe.
Dealing with Shock Calls
Shock calls, where fraudsters pose as relatives or friends in distress, are particularly insidious. They often exert emotional pressure to force immediate money transfers. If you receive such a call, it's important to stay calm, take time to verify the situation, and not identify yourself with your name or mention names of relatives. In case of doubt, contact the real police or your bank using the official number to verify the request.
Protecting Your Personal Information
Never disclose personal data in response to a call from someone claiming to be a bank employee. Your bank will never ask for such information over the phone. Be particularly suspicious of unexpected calls or emails. Avoid clicking links or responding to texts from unknown numbers, especially those demanding payment.
Recognising Common Scams
Common telephone scams include vishing (voice phishing) scams, tech support scams, jury duty scams, toll fee scams, romance scams, grandparent scams, and scams involving caller ID spoofing. These scams often involve requests for sensitive personal information, urgent or threatening messages, fake offers or prizes, use of voice cloning or AI to imitate familiar voices, links to fake payment sites, or impersonation of government agencies, banks, or tech companies.
Taking Precautions
To protect yourself, experts advise never giving out personal or financial information over the phone unless you initiated the call and verified the identity independently. Be suspicious of unsolicited calls claiming urgent issues. Hang up and call the organization directly using a phone number you know is legitimate. Recognise signs of caller ID spoofing (calls that appear from familiar numbers but feel off). For vishing or suspicious calls involving family members, use a prearranged “safe word” to confirm identity before acting on requests.
In addition, report suspicious texts or calls to your phone carrier or regulators. Use call-blocking services or apps to reduce spam and scam calls. Stay informed about recent scams and tactics, including the use of AI or voice clone technology by scammers.
Staying Alert and Informed
Remember, fraudsters don't take holidays. Stay alert at all times! Share this information with friends and family to be safer together. Especially before starting your own vacation, sensitization is key. By following these tips, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim of phone scams, which cost billions annually and disproportionately target vulnerable populations such as seniors.
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In the realm of general-news, it's essential to be aware that telephone scams, such as business-related vishing (voice phishing) scams, tech support scams, or even crime-and-justice related grandparent scams, are prevalent. To avoid falling victim, it's crucial to maintain a vigilant attitude and double-check any suspicious calls or messages before disclosing personal or financial information.
