Your phone rings with an unfamiliar number, and you answer out of curiosity. Within seconds, the person on the other end mentions something that sounds official and urgent. Before you know it, you’re caught up in a conversation that could cost you thousands of dollars or compromise your personal information. The FBI has issued warnings about specific phrases and tactics that scammers use to trick smartphone users, and knowing what to listen for could save you from becoming their next victim. These con artists have become incredibly sophisticated, targeting both iPhone and Android users with schemes that sound surprisingly legitimate.
Someone claiming to be from your bank needs verification
Scammers frequently impersonate bank representatives and start conversations by asking if you’ve made recent large purchases or noticed suspicious activity. They create a sense of urgency by suggesting your account has been compromised and needs immediate attention. The caller might even have some of your basic information, like your name and partial account number, which makes the call seem legitimate. They’ll ask you to verify your identity by providing your full account number, Social Security number, or online banking password. Real banks never ask for complete account credentials over the phone, especially when they initiated the call.
These imposters often use caller ID spoofing technology to make it appear as though they’re actually calling from your bank’s official number. They might reference recent news about data breaches to make their story more believable. If someone calls claiming to be from your bank, hang up and call the number on the back of your debit or credit card directly. Your actual bank will understand this precaution and won’t pressure you to stay on the line. The FBI has warned smartphone users about these increasingly common tactics, especially during holidays when people are distracted and more vulnerable to manipulation.
A government agency threatens immediate arrest or legal action
One of the most common scam tactics involves callers pretending to be from the IRS, Social Security Administration, or local law enforcement. They’ll claim you owe back taxes, your Social Security number has been suspended, or there’s a warrant for your arrest. The scammer creates panic by saying police are on their way to arrest you unless you pay immediately. They’ll insist you can only resolve the situation by purchasing gift cards, sending wire transfers, or providing payment through cryptocurrency. Government agencies never demand immediate payment through these methods, and they certainly don’t threaten arrest over the phone.
These callers often use aggressive language and refuse to provide callback numbers or official correspondence addresses. They might claim that discussing the call with anyone else will result in additional charges or penalties. Real government agencies communicate through official mail first and provide multiple ways to verify their identity and the legitimacy of any claims. If you receive such a call, hang up immediately and contact the agency directly using a number you find on their official website. Never use contact information provided by the caller, as it will likely connect you to another scammer who will reinforce the original story.
Tech support says your computer has a virus
Unsolicited calls from people claiming to be from Microsoft, Apple, or other tech companies warning about viruses on your computer are almost always scams. The caller will say they’ve detected malicious software on your device and need remote access to fix it. They’ll walk you through steps to download software that gives them control of your computer, allowing them to steal passwords, financial information, and personal files. Legitimate tech companies never make unsolicited calls about security issues, and they certainly don’t ask for remote access to your devices.
Once these scammers gain access to your computer, they might show you normal system files and claim they’re viruses to justify charging hundreds of dollars for unnecessary services. Some will install actual malware that allows them to monitor your activity long after the call ends. Others will find saved passwords or banking information and drain accounts within hours. If you receive a tech support call you didn’t initiate, hang up immediately. If you’re genuinely concerned about your device’s security, contact the company directly through their official customer service channels or visit an authorized service center.
A family member is in trouble and needs money urgently
The grandparent scam preys on emotions by having someone call claiming to be a grandchild or other relative in desperate trouble. The caller might say they’ve been arrested, involved in an accident, or stranded in a foreign country and need money wired immediately. They’ll beg you not to tell other family members because they’re embarrassed or claim the situation is confidential due to legal proceedings. Scammers research their targets on social media to gather names and details that make the story convincing. They’ll exploit your natural instinct to help loved ones without thinking clearly.
These con artists create artificial urgency to prevent you from verifying the story. They might have background noise like crying or police sirens to add authenticity. Sometimes a second person will get on the line claiming to be a lawyer, police officer, or hospital administrator who confirms the story. Before sending any money, hang up and call your relative directly at their known phone number. Contact other family members to verify whether the person is actually in trouble. If the caller becomes angry or more insistent when you suggest verifying the information, that’s a clear sign it’s a scam.
You’ve won a prize but need to pay fees first
Calls announcing you’ve won a lottery, sweepstakes, or prize you don’t remember entering should raise immediate red flags. The scammer will congratulate you enthusiastically and describe an impressive prize like a new car, vacation package, or large cash amount. Then comes the catch: you need to pay taxes, processing fees, or shipping costs before receiving your winnings. They’ll pressure you to act quickly before the offer expires and insist on payment through wire transfer, prepaid debit cards, or gift cards. Legitimate prizes never require upfront payment, and any taxes owed would be deducted from your winnings, not paid separately in advance.
These scammers might claim to be from well-known companies like Publishers Clearing House or major state lotteries to seem credible. They’ll ask for bank account information supposedly to deposit your winnings, but they’ll actually drain your account. Some will send fake checks that initially appear to clear, encouraging you to send the fee money before your bank discovers the check is fraudulent. If you receive an unexpected prize notification, research the organization independently and contact them through official channels. Remember that you can’t win a lottery you didn’t enter, and legitimate companies will never ask for payment to claim prizes.
A caller requests personal information to update your account
Scammers often pose as representatives from companies you actually do business with, like your cell phone provider, utility company, or credit card issuer. They’ll claim they need to update your account information due to a system upgrade, security breach, or billing issue. The caller will ask for your account number, Social Security number, date of birth, or security questions and answers. They sound professional and may reference actual services you use, making the request seem routine. However, legitimate companies already have your information on file and won’t ask you to verify it during unsolicited calls.
These imposters might mention real company policies or recent announcements to establish credibility. They’ll often start by confirming information they already obtained through data breaches or social media, then ask for the sensitive details they really want. If you provide this information, they can access your accounts, open new credit lines in your name, or sell your data to other criminals. When someone calls requesting personal information, end the call and contact the company directly using a number from your billing statement or their official website. Don’t trust caller ID alone, as scammers can manipulate it to display legitimate company names and numbers.
Someone offers investment opportunities with guaranteed returns
Calls promoting investment opportunities that promise unusually high returns with little or no risk are almost certainly fraudulent. The caller might claim to have insider information about stocks, cryptocurrency, real estate, or other investments that are about to skyrocket in value. They’ll pressure you to invest immediately before the opportunity disappears, and they’ll discourage you from consulting financial advisors or researching the investment independently. Any legitimate investment carries risk, and no honest broker will guarantee specific returns or pressure you into immediate decisions.
These scammers often target older adults or people who have recently received inheritances or retirement payouts. They might reference real companies or use impressive-sounding financial jargon to appear knowledgeable. Some will show you fake websites or documents that appear to prove previous successful investments. Once you send money, it disappears into untraceable accounts, often in foreign countries. The scammer might even send small initial returns to build trust before requesting larger investments. If someone cold-calls with investment advice, hang up. Work only with licensed financial advisors from established firms, and always independently verify any investment opportunity before committing funds.
A debt collector threatens aggressive action for unfamiliar debts
Fake debt collectors call claiming you owe money for debts you don’t recognize or have already paid. They’ll threaten wage garnishment, property seizure, or arrest if you don’t pay immediately. These scammers use intimidation tactics and legal-sounding language to scare people into paying without verifying the debt’s legitimacy. They’ll insist on immediate payment through untraceable methods like wire transfers or prepaid cards. Real debt collectors must follow specific legal procedures, including providing written verification of debts and allowing time for you to dispute claims.
These callers might have some accurate information about you, like previous addresses or actual creditors you’ve worked with, obtained from data breaches or public records. They’ll claim that paying over the phone is the only way to avoid legal consequences. Some will offer to settle large debts for small amounts to make the deal seem attractive. If contacted about a debt, request written verification before making any payment. Check your credit report to see if the debt appears there. Real collection agencies are required by law to provide documentation, and they can’t threaten arrest or legal action they don’t intend to pursue. Hanging up on aggressive callers who won’t provide proper verification is always the right choice.
Someone asks you to download an app or click a link
Scammers increasingly direct victims to download apps or visit websites during phone calls. They might claim the app is necessary for customer service, processing refunds, or protecting your accounts. These apps or links actually install malware that steals passwords, tracks your activities, or takes control of your device. The caller will stay on the line walking you through the process, making it seem like standard procedure. They’ll explain away security warnings your phone displays, telling you to ignore them and continue with the installation.
Once installed, these malicious programs can access your contacts, messages, photos, and financial apps. Some sophisticated versions can intercept two-factor authentication codes, giving scammers complete access to secured accounts. The apps might appear legitimate, with professional interfaces and convincing names similar to real companies. Never download apps or click links at the direction of unsolicited callers. Legitimate companies will direct you to official app stores or well-known websites you can verify independently. If someone insists you need to install something during a call, that’s your signal to hang up immediately and report the number to the Federal Trade Commission.
Protecting yourself from phone scams requires staying alert and trusting your instincts when something feels wrong. Remember that legitimate organizations won’t pressure you for immediate decisions or payment, threaten legal action over the phone, or ask for sensitive information during unsolicited calls. When in doubt, hang up and contact companies directly through verified channels. Share this information with family members, especially older relatives who are frequently targeted by these schemes, and report suspicious calls to help authorities track and stop scammers.
