Scam calls are a run-of-the-mill experience these days. The issue has become so common that sometimes your phone will even alert you to “potential spam.” Unfortunately, this hasn’t deterred scammers, and the calls continue as they concoct new tactics to steal from you. Now, there’s a number you should look out for on your caller ID, police said in a new warning. Read on to find out which caller you need to hang up on immediately.
READ THIS NEXT: If You Answer the Phone and Hear This, Hang Up and Call the Police.
Billions are lost to phone scams every year.
Phone scams are often successful because criminals know how to incite fear and tug on your heartstrings. In 2021 alone, nearly 60 million Americans lost a total of $29.8 billion to phone scams, CNBC reported, citing a report from Truecaller. Fraudsters have different tactics to trick you, including capitalizing on natural disasters. Following Hurricane Ian, which hit the East Coast in late September, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Tampa division tweeted about potential charity scams, wherein criminals “use tragedies to exploit you and others who want to help.”
Aside from preying on your generosity, criminals also threaten legal action. People have received phone call about family member’s subpoenas and even jail time due to missing jury duty. The caller will often claim to be from the police department or use an automated voice to try and…
