How to avoid phone scams

Phone scammers often use similar techniques as the senders of phishing emails and try to get you to give up information or do something that will benefit them but harm you. For example, they will pose as a Microsoft representative requesting access to your computer or as IRS agent demanding payment for taxes. Most times, these scams will involve a sense of urgency and/or the demand for money.

Tips to avoid phone scams:

• Ignore unknown callers. If someone you know needs to reach you, they will leave a voicemail.

• Do not confirm or deny your identity until you know who is calling. Instead of responding to their question, ask “Who is calling?”

•  Avoid saying the word “yes.” A recording of the call can be edited to authorize anything the scammer wants.

• Ask for the caller’s name, company (including phone number and contact address) and reason for calling you. You can then look up the company on Google. Any lack of identification is most likely a scam.

You always have the option of hanging up and contacting the company at their official phone number to confirm the legitimacy of the call.

• Do not confirm any personal or financial information, such as which computer model you use, what you own or which credit cards you use.

• Do not visit any websites you are told to on the call – your computer may get infected with malware.

If you are ever in doubt about the legitimacy of a message or phone call, contact the IT Help Desk! 

If you have accidentally given out any financial information, contact your bank immediately!