It would be a rare person who has not had at least one attempted scam via phone (cell or land line) this past year.
Law enforcement says these are the top scams of the year gone by:
- Phone numbers on your caller ID that are very close to your own number. Scam artists know you're more likely to answer an unknown number that's close to your number. If you don't recognize the number, let it go to voice mail.
- “The IRS” claiming they’re about to take you to court or have you arrested unless you make immediate payment via wire transfer or debit card. Tip: The IRS NEVER makes phone calls. Official business is always conducted by mail.
- “Tech support worker” claiming they need access to your computer remotely to remove viruses. What they’re really going to remove is your personal information.
- “Utility bill collectors” looking for immediate payment or else your utilities will be shut off. Again, real utilities do not operate this way.
When in doubt, get off the phone and make contact yourself with the agency the original caller claimed to be from.
