Lesson 16
Spot and Avoid Phone ScamsFor today’s phones
Scammers try to trick people over the phone, by text, and by email. A few simple rules keep you safe. When you know their tricks, they lose their power.
First, tell us which phone you have
Not sure which you have?
If your phone has an apple on the back, it’s an iPhone. If it has anything else, it’s almost certainly an Android.
Step 1 of 7
Know the one golden rule
Never give out a password, a PIN, a verification code, or your bank or Social Security numbers to someone who contacts you. Real companies never ask for these.
Your bank, the government, Apple, and Google will NEVER call, text, or email to ask for your password or codes. Anyone who does is a scammer.
Step 2 of 7
Be suspicious of urgency and fear
Scammers try to scare you or rush you. They may say your account is locked, you owe money, a grandchild is in trouble, or the police are coming. That pressure is the trick.
When a message makes you feel panicked or rushed, stop. That feeling is the warning sign. Anything truly real can wait a few minutes.
Step 3 of 7
Hang up and call back on a number you trust
If a caller claims to be your bank, a company, or even a family member, hang up. Then call back using the number on your bank card, your bill, or your own saved contact.
Scammers can fake the name and number that shows on your screen. The only safe number is one you look up yourself.
Step 4 of 7
Never share a code that arrives by text
If a text sends you a code and someone asks you to read it back to them, don't. Those codes are keys to your accounts, meant only for you.
No honest person will ever need a code from your phone. Sharing it can hand over your account to a stranger.
Step 5 of 7
Don't pay with gift cards or wire transfers
If anyone insists you pay with gift cards, a wire transfer, or a cash app to fix a problem or claim a prize, it is always a scam.
No real business or government office takes gift cards as payment. This one is a sure sign of fraud.
Step 6 of 7
Don't tap surprise links
Be careful with links in texts or emails you didn't expect, even ones that look official. Tapping can lead to fake websites that steal your information.
When unsure, don't tap. Open the company's app or type their website address yourself instead.
Step 7 of 7
It's okay to hang up and ask someone you trust
You never owe a stranger your time or your trust. It's perfectly fine to simply hang up, then call a family member, a friend, or VTC staff to talk it over.
Scammers count on you feeling too embarrassed to ask. Asking is the smart, strong thing to do. You're not alone.