The one word you should never say to a telemarketer or scam caller
You might get dozens of spam calls weekly, but you might not know where the companies got your number. Thousands of data brokers peddle information, and it could be the source of your annoyance. That’s why we started our Opt-Out Tuesday series with instructions on removing data from sites like FreePhoneTracer. Tap or click here for details.
The best thing to do is avoid answering your phone when the caller ID shows something strange. But if you answer a spam call, there is one word you should never say to a telemarketer or scam caller.
Read on for a simple way to protect yourself by not saying the wrong thing.
Here’s the backstory
Your phone number is most likely on a list if you have ever received a spam call. Whether you entered it for access to a website, wrote it down in an attendance register or used it for a competition, it’s in the hands of data brokers.
Other companies then purchase contact information lists to target with telemarketing or robocalls. Unfortunately, scammers can also find your phone number through public information and people search sites, leading to an increase in spam or scam calls.
Scammers aren’t positive that your phone number is active before making the initial call. That’s why not answering unsolicited calls from unknown numbers is a key to staying protected. As soon as you answer a call from an unknown number, the caller knows your line is active, which could lead to more calls.
Never say this word during a spam call
But sometimes, you might get a call appearing to be from a legitimate company or agency. Unfortunately, that can also be a problem. Scammers are getting better at spoofing phone numbers to make them seem like authentic calls.
So, what do you do if you answer the call and it’s a telemarketer or spam call? The best move is to hang up quickly. But there is one word you should never say, and that word is Yes. Even if the caller asks if they are speaking to the correct person, don’t say it.
Another trick scammers use is playing a recording of someone asking if you can hear them. Don’t fall for it. It seems dramatic, but there is a good reason.
Many banks use voice verification tools to authenticate calls from customers. If a scammer has a recording of you saying the word yes, they can use it to fool your bank and rip you off. So do not engage with an unknown caller by answering yes to any of their questions.
This fake invoice is scaring Microsoft Windows users into paying up
Another day, another scheme to rip you off makes an appearance. It seems as soon we come up with an excellent way to protect against cybercriminals, they are two steps ahead and find another loophole.
One of the newer schemes thieves are using incorporates vishing. Of course, vishing is when criminals conduct phishing attacks over the phone. Tap or click here for a recent warning from the FBI on the uptick of vishing scams.
Police calling? Hang up if you get this call
You’re vulnerable to scams if you have a phone (even a regular old landline). That’s right. Even an old-fashioned voice call is still a viable option for crooks well into the digital age.
Sometimes a scam will start as something else, such as a text message or email, which lures the victim into a phone call. You might get a message about an order you didn’t place. A phone number is included so you can call and set things straight. This will lead you right to the crook. Tap or click here to check out this type of scam.