If you pick up a call that sounds like a scam, hang up right away. If the scammer calls back, do not answer. Scam callers are extremely difficult to track, but there are steps you can take to stop calls and protect your information:
- Blocking Robocalls. The options for mobile phones depend on your carrier. Some carriers offer free services, while others offer an app for a fee. Some carriers attempt to block scam calls, while others only offer caller ID services to identify possible scammers. For landlines, options depend on your phone company. Some offer call blocking for particular numbers, while others offer blocking for all anonymous calls. You should contact your phone company to get more information on the services they provide.
- Do Not Call Registry. The National Do Not Call Registry protects you from unwanted telemarketing calls. Unfortunately, scammers do not abide by the Registry, but telemarketers cannot contact you if your number is on this registry. To join the Registry, call (888) 382-1222 from the line that you would like to be added or visit donotcall.gov.
- Protect Your Personal Information. Do not give personal information over the phone. Sensitive personal information includes your Social Security number, credit card numbers, bank account numbers (including the numbers on your checks), debit card numbers, passwords, personal identification numbers (PIN), your birth date, and any other “account” numbers.
“Why hasn’t the government stopped these scammers?!”
Scammers usually make phone calls using technology:
- Scammers can hide their location. This might involve using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP, connecting through the internet), which allows the scammer to pick random phone numbers to call from, hiding their IP address location.
- Scammers can “spoof” the phone number that appears on your caller ID; it may even appear as your own phone number.
- Call tracing is a very difficult process for law enforcement. Attempts to trace calls often lead to several re-routed phone lines, which then frequently lead to overseas locations where the United States Government does not have jurisdiction or authority.
Need More Resources?
Make sure to visit the other sections dealing with protecting against scams: