Your phone rings and what the caller says next sends you into a panic. They claim there’s fraud on your credit card, someone hacked your bank account, you owe a tax debt, or your benefits will end today. Your adrenaline is pumping, and your mind races a hundred miles an hour. They sense this—and they say they can help. Should you trust them? No.
Pump the brakes. The caller might know things about you—like your full name or address—or your accounts. But that doesn’t mean they’re trustworthy. Scammers buy or steal this information to make their lies seem believable.
So, what should you do if you get a call like this?
What company or bank are they calling from? What’s the problem? Then hang up. Yes, hang up!
Do you have an account with the company or bank the caller says they represent? Contact the company directly to find out what’s going on:
No legitimate fraud department will tell you to keep the call a secret.
And no matter who says they’re calling, never share your personal or account information, don’t grant anyone remote access to your phone or computer, and keep account verification codes to yourself. If you think it’s a scam, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Your report helps stop the scammers.
Article from the Federal Trade Commission
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