Is This a Scam Call?

Phone scams cost Americans over $39 billion annually, and they're becoming increasingly sophisticated. Here's how to tell if a call is legitimate or a scam.

Red Flags That Indicate a Scam Call

Urgency and threats. Scammers create panic — "Your account will be closed," "A warrant has been issued," "You'll be arrested today." Legitimate organizations never threaten you over the phone.

Requests for unusual payment methods. Gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or prepaid debit cards are scammer favorites because they're untraceable. No government agency or legitimate business accepts payment in gift cards.

Asking for personal information. Your bank already has your account number. The IRS has your Social Security number. Medicare has your ID. Any caller asking you to "verify" this information is likely a scammer trying to collect it.

Robocall or automated message. If the call starts with a recorded message, it's almost certainly spam. Federal law prohibits most robocalls to cell phones without your prior consent.

Spoofed caller ID. The number on your caller ID may look local, or even show the name of a real company or agency. Scammers can fake any number or name on caller ID.

Common Scam Call Scripts

"This is the IRS..." The IRS initiates contact by mail, never by phone, and never demands immediate payment.

"Your Social Security number has been suspended..." Social Security numbers cannot be suspended. This is always a scam.

"This is Microsoft/Apple. Your computer has a virus..." Tech companies do not monitor your computer and will never call you about problems.

"You've won a prize..." If you didn't enter a contest, you didn't win. And if you did enter, you'll never be asked to pay to receive your prize.

"Your grandson/granddaughter is in trouble..." Always verify by calling the person directly at a number you already have. Scammers count on emotional panic overriding logic.

What to Do If You Think It's a Scam

Hang up. You don't owe a stranger your time. If it's legitimate, they'll leave a voicemail or send a letter.

Don't press any buttons. Pressing "1 to be removed" or "2 to speak with an agent" confirms your number is active and will result in more calls.

Search the number. Enter the phone number in our lookup tool to check community reports and caller identification data.

Report it. File a complaint at reportfraud.ftc.gov and with your phone carrier.