Common phone scams and how to avoid them

An unexpected call can turn an ordinary day into a stressful one. The caller might claim there’s a problem with your account, a relative needs help, or you’ve won a prize. Whatever the story, you don’t have to decide what to do while the caller is on the line.

A useful first step is to pause, hang up, and check the story using contact information you find yourself. Here’s how to recognize suspicious calls and make a plan for handling them.

Common phone scams to recognize

Scammers may pretend to be someone you know or an organization you trust. The FTC says imposter scams were the most reported fraud category in 2025.

Some calls claim there’s a problem that needs immediate attention. For example, a caller might pretend to be from a government agency and threaten to deactivate your phone number. Other callers claim you missed jury duty or have an account problem, then ask for money or personal information.

In a prize or lottery scam, the caller says you’ve won but must pay a fee or taxes to collect. Don’t pay to receive a supposed prize. Other unwanted calls may offer debt relief, credit repair, loans or insurance.

The details can change, so focus on the request as well as the story. An unexpected demand for money or sensitive information is a reason to stop and check.

Warning signs during a call

Be cautious if a caller pressures you to act immediately, threatens you, or tells you not to discuss the situation with anyone else. A demand to pay using gift cards, a wire transfer or cryptocurrency is another warning sign.

Don’t rely on caller ID to settle the question. Scammers can make a number look local or official, so a familiar-looking number doesn’t prove who is calling.

If you answer an unexpected call and someone asks for a Social Security number, account details, a password or payment, end the call. You can say, “I’ll contact the organization directly,” or simply hang up. You don’t need to argue or explain.

How to verify a caller’s story

After hanging up, look for a number you already know or can find independently. For an organization, check a statement or its official website rather than using a number the caller gave you. Call and ask whether there is a real issue to address.

If the call concerns a relative, try reaching that person using a number you already have. If you can’t reach them, consider checking with another trusted family member. Explain what you were told without sharing more personal information than necessary.

You can also write down the caller’s claimed name, organization and request before checking. Keeping a short note may make it easier to discuss the call with someone you trust. Don’t let the caller’s deadline prevent you from checking the story.

Ways to limit unwanted calls and texts

Consider letting calls from unknown numbers go unanswered. If you do answer and the call becomes suspicious, hang up. You can also explore call-blocking options on your phone or through your carrier.

The National Do Not Call Registry can reduce legitimate telemarketing calls, but it won’t stop scammers. Treat any unexpected call with care, even if your number is registered.

For an unexpected text asking you to act, avoid clicking links or replying. If the message claims to be from an organization, contact that organization independently. You can also look for a “report junk” option in your messaging app.

What to do after a suspicious call

If you hung up without sharing information or paying, take a moment to note what happened. You can report the attempted scam to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, even if you didn’t lose money.

If you shared account information or sent money, contact the relevant bank, card issuer or payment provider promptly using a number you find independently. Explain what happened and ask what steps are available. If you shared a password, change it and ask the account provider for help securing the account.

Tell someone you trust, too. A second person can help you keep track of the steps you’ve taken and check any further messages or calls. You don’t have to sort it out alone.

A simple family plan for handling scams

A brief conversation now can make an unexpected call easier to handle later. Agree on a few steps everyone can use:

• Pause and hang up when a caller demands money, sensitive information or immediate action.
• Check the story using a number already in your contacts or found independently.
• Choose a trusted person to call before responding to a supposed emergency.
• Keep important contact numbers somewhere family members can find them.
• Share suspicious call experiences without blame, so everyone can learn from them.

The plan doesn’t need to be complicated. The goal is to give everyone permission to stop, check and ask for help before acting.