It’s common practice in the smartphone and digital communication era to receive calls and texts from ominous numbers. Some of these providers may be advantageous, if not absolutely necessary, while others can include potential scammers. You must take precautions to guard against unsolicited calls and messages in order to safeguard your financial security and private information. The practical methods to tell if a phone number is a hoax and how to avoid potential risks are covered in this post.
Signs of a Scam Call or Message
Before delving into the methods of verifying a number’s legitimacy, it’s essential to recognize the signs of a scam call or message:
Urgency or Threats
Scammers often use fear tactics, such as claiming you owe money, your account is compromised, or you’ll face legal consequences if you don’t act immediately.
Requests for Personal Information
Genuine companies won’t contact you by phone or email you unsolicited messages asking for personal information like your password, Social Security number, or credit card details.
Unsolicited Prizes or Gift
If you receive notification that you won a contest or received a prize even though you never entered, it was definitely a scam.
Poor Grammar and Spelling
Many scam messages contain errors in grammar and spelling due to being hastily put together.
Caller ID Spoofing
Scammers can manipulate caller ID information to make it appear as if the call is coming from a legitimate entity.
Unfamiliar or International Numbers
Exercise caution with calls or messages from unfamiliar numbers or international sources, especially if they’re unrelated to your activities or contacts.
Methods to Check if a Number is a Scam
Now that you know what to look out for let’s explore ways to verify the legitimacy of a number:
Reverse Phone Lookup
One of the most reliable methods is to conduct a reverse phone lookup. Numerous online services and mobile apps allow you to enter a phone number to gather information about the caller. You can discover the caller’s name, location, and whether it’s associated with any known scams. Remember that some lookup services may require payment for more detailed information.
Search Engines
Use search engines to research the phone number and check if it’s linked to any scams or reported as fraudulent by other users. Simply type the number in quotes into the search engine’s search bar and review the results.
Check Government and Consumer Protection Websites
Government agencies and consumer protection websites often maintain databases of reported scams and fraudulent phone numbers. Visit websites like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your country’s equivalent agency to see if the number has been flagged as suspicious.
Verify with the Company or Entity Directly
If the caller claims to represent a legitimate company or organization, find their official contact information online and reach out to them directly. Verify the authenticity of the call or message and inquire about the reason for their contact.
Use call-blocking apps
It’s the easiest and the most effective to block scam calls and texts and robocalls via a call-blocking app like RealCall. It guards your phone against risky numbers and contacts. Apart from automatically blocking all unwanted calls behind the screen, RealCall also can filter necessary and normal calls based on the customized blocking rules set by you. Due to AI technology and machine learning, RealCall gives users the highest protection. The more you use it, the better it works for you.
Trust Your Instincts
If something appears strange about the contact or communication, trust your instincts and proceed with caution. Limit strange calls, delete suspicious emails, and avoid communicating with potential con artists.
Preventing Scams and Protecting Yourself
While these methods can help you verify the authenticity of a number, it’s essential to adopt preventive measures to protect yourself from scams:
Do Not Share Personal Information
Avoid sharing sensitive data with unknown callers or messages, even if they claim to represent reputable organizations.
Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Enable 2FA whenever possible to add an extra layer of security to your accounts, especially those that involve financial or sensitive information.
Install Security Software
Use reliable antivirus and anti-malware software on your devices to protect against potential threats.
Educate Yourself
Stay informed about common phone scams and fraud tactics to recognize and avoid potential threats.
Report Suspicious Numbers
If you encounter a scam or suspicious number, report it to relevant authorities or consumer protection agencies. This can help prevent others from falling victim to the same scam.
Final Thoughts
Exercise caution and stay informed about con artists’ developing tactics to protect yourself from potential scams. By being aware of the telltale signs of a scam call or message and using the methods given in this article to verify the validity of a number, you can make informed decisions and safeguard your private information and assets. Always remember that it is better to be cautious than sorry when dealing with unknown or suspicious messages.