Protect Yourself from Phone Scams & Spoofing

Phone scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated and common, making it essential to stay cautious when you receive calls from unfamiliar numbers. During the holiday season, phone scams become more frequent as scammers capitalize on increased consumer activity and festive generosity.

According to an AARP survey, nearly 80% of U.S. consumers have encountered holiday-related fraud, such as fake charity solicitations, online shopping scams, and fraudulent package delivery notices. This guide will walk you through the tactics scammers use, how to recognize a scam call, and practical steps you can take to protect yourself.

What is Spoofing and How Does it Work?

Spoofing is a deceptive technique that scammers use to make a call appear as if it’s coming from a familiar or trustworthy number, such as a local business, government office, or even a family member. By disguising the caller ID, fraudsters can gain your trust quickly and make you more likely to respond to their requests. The goal is to get you to share sensitive information or make a payment under the impression that you’re interacting with a legitimate source.

Recognizing the Red Flags of a Scam Call

Scam calls tend to follow specific patterns and use high-pressure tactics to get a quick response. Understanding these patterns can help you avoid falling for these schemes. Here are some common red flags that often indicate a scam:

• Unexpected Requests for Personal Information: Reputable businesses will not ask for sensitive details like Social Security numbers, bank account information, or passwords over the phone.
• Urgency and Pressure to Act Immediately: If the caller claims you need to pay right away or risk serious consequences, it’s likely a scam. Scammers count on creating panic to bypass your usual caution.
• Unusual Payment Methods: Requests for payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency are a big red flag. These methods are difficult to trace, which is why scammers often insist on them.
• Offers That Sound Too Good to Be True: Calls about “winning” a prize, getting an unexpected refund, or any other offer that promises significant gains with little effort are usually scams.

Effective Strategies to Minimize Scam Calls

While scammers are persistent, there are tools and habits you can adopt to protect yourself from receiving and falling victim to scam calls:

• Use Call-Blocking Technology: Most smartphones now come with call-blocking features. Additionally, apps specifically designed to block spam and scam calls can help reduce unwanted interruptions.
• Report Scam Numbers: Reporting scam numbers to agencies like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) allows officials to investigate and take action against fraudsters, helping to reduce scam call frequency nationwide.
• Screen Unknown Numbers: If you don’t recognize a number, let it go to voicemail. Legitimate callers will usually leave a message with details on how to reach them. Even then, verify the number independently by going to the official website of the business or agency and calling their customer service directly instead of calling back the unknown number.

How MaxxSouth Prioritizes Your Safety

At MaxxSouth, customer safety is paramount. Our team will always properly identify themselves and never ask for unconventional methods of payment, such as gift cards or a check written out to an individual’s name. We encourage you to follow the same caution with calls that appear to be from us—don’t hesitate to verify any payment requests by logging into your MaxxSouth account, where you can view legitimate payment information.

If you ever feel uncertain about a call, contact our customer support team for assistance. By taking simple steps to stay informed and cautious, you can help protect yourself against the growing risk of phone scams.

Learn More About Protecting Yourself from Phone Scams with MaxxSouth

For additional tips on safeguarding yourself from phone scams, check out the Federal Trade Commission’s phone scams page. You’ll find resources on recognizing fraud, reporting scams, and what to do if you’ve been a target. Visit MaxxSouth’s blog for more scam-prevention tips, and let us help you stay protected.