Scam Calls: How to Spot Phone Scams, Spoofing, and Fraudsters

Phone scams have become an increasingly common threat, and it's crucial to stay aware when answering calls from unknown numbers. Scammers use tactics, such as spoofing, to trick individuals into sharing personal information or making payments.  

So how can you avoid these frequent scam calls? This blog will guide you through the tactics fraudsters use for scam calling, including how to recognize them and protect yourself. 

What Is a Spoof Call? What is Spoofing? 

One of the most deceptive tricks used by scammers is the spoof call. Spoofing occurs when a caller deliberately fakes the information that will show on your caller ID display to disguise their identity. For instance, the scammer might make it appear as though the call is coming from a local number, a business, or even a government agency.  

This deception makes it more likely that you'll answer the call, believing it to be real. The goal of spoofing is to earn your trust quickly so that you are more likely to comply with their requests, whether it's sharing sensitive information or making a payment. These tricks can make it challenging to decide whether a call is legitimate or fake. 

Red Flags: How to Identify a Scam Call 

Scam calls often follow a pattern designed to get a quick response from you. Scammers might claim that your bank account has been compromised, that you owe a payment immediately, or that a loved one is in trouble. They rely on panic to cloud your judgment, prompting you to act without verifying whether their claims are true. 

Here are some scam call red flags to watch out for: 

• Requests for Personal Information: Legitimate businesses will not ask you for sensitive information such as Social Security numbers, passwords, or bank account details over the phone. 
• Pressure to Act Quickly: If the caller insists that you need to make a payment immediately or face severe consequences, it’s likely they are frauds. 
• Unusual Payment Methods: Scammers often ask for payments via wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency, as these methods are difficult to trace and recover. 
• Too-Good-to-Be-True Offers: Be wary of calls offering you free vacations, lottery winnings, or investments that guarantee high returns with little to no risk. 

How to Stop Spam Calls and Scam Calls 

Preventing scam calls from reaching you in the first place is an essential step in protecting yourself. Here are some strategies to minimize these unwanted calls: 

• Use Call Blocking Technology: Many smartphones have built-in call-blocking features, and there are many apps available that can help filter out potential spam and scam calls. 
• Report Scam Calls: Reporting suspicious numbers to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) can help authorities track down and take action against scammers. 
• Be Cautious of Unknown Numbers: If you don't recognize the number, let it go to voicemail. If the caller is legitimate, they will likely leave a message. Even if a voicemail is left, there is still a chance the call is a scam. Instead of calling that number back directly, go to the website that the caller is claiming to be from and call their official customer support number. 

Buckeye Broadband Helps Protect You 

At Buckeye Broadband, customer safety is our top priority. We want to remind you that all the tips we’ve discussed above hold true for us as well. At Buckeye Broadband we will always properly identify ourselves, will not ask for odd methods of payment, such as writing a check to a name other than Buckeye Broadband, etc. If you're ever in doubt about a request for payment, you can always log in to your Buckeye Broadband account to verify the payment details. 

By staying informed and vigilant, you can protect yourself from becoming a victim of phone scams. If you have any concerns or need further assistance, please reach out to our customer support team, and check out the Buckeye Broadband blog for other scam-prevention tips. 

Learn More About Protecting Yourself from Scams 

For additional information on how to protect yourself from phone scams, visit the Federal Trade Commission's phone scams page. Here, you can find more tips on recognizing fraud and what steps to take if you've been targeted.