Tag: Phone Scams

Do you get a lot of calls trying to sell you products or services you never asked for? Sometimes telemarketing calls are random. Other times, companies trick you into sharing your information so they can sell it to the telemarketers that call you (without your permission). If you’re on the Do Not Call Registry, these calls are illegal. So, how can you cut down on the number of unwanted telemarketing calls you get?

Scammers like to pretend to be someone official to try to get your money. And who could be more official than the FTC chairman and commissioners, some of the nation’s leading fraud fighters? But here’s something important to know: nobody who works at the FTC will ever, EVER tell you to move your money to protect it. We won’t insist that you cash out your 401(k) or savings account and give that money to someone else.

If you own a business or know someone who does, you know how important a trademark is for protecting your intellectual property. Scammers do, too, and they’re impersonating the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to steal your money. Here’s how the scam works.

A voicemail from an unknown caller reminding you about a $52,000 loan that you didn’t apply for can throw you off balance. Which explains why scammers send them — hoping you’ll respond first and think later. You might already know how to spot phone scams, but in case you need a refresher, here’s how to spot this one.

Scammers are still pretending to be the police, calling to say you’ve missed jury duty and need to pay. But in a new twist, some scammers are now telling you to visit a website to enter your personal information — all so they can steal it and your money.

Have you gotten a call that looks like it’s from your local police department? Scammers are faking caller ID to impersonate local law enforcement, hoping to get you to pay. Learn how this scam works so you can avoid it.

You get a call out of the blue. The caller insists you owe money and says you’ll be arrested if you don’t pay immediately. You have no idea what she’s talking about. What do you do?

Did you know that people almost always open text messages? In a new Data Spotlight about the big jump in reported fraud losses involving text scams, the FTC notes a study finding open rates can be as high as 98%. Those are really good odds for a scammer. And when scammers get you to respond to their messages, they’re cashing in. Here’s how you can increase your chances of keeping your money safe.

You’re not the only one getting scammy text messages about unpaid toll charges or issues with your Amazon account. Chances are your tweens and teens with phones are getting them, too. Sure, you can tell your kids to delete and never respond to unexpected texts. But if you want them to understand why, the FTC can help you make a game plan.

Did you or someone you know report a scam to the FTC in 2024? Thank you! Those reports help the FTC bring enforcement cases and educate people about scams. Let’s jump into the top 2024 scams.