Scam Calls
Scam calls have become increasingly common, and anyone can be targeted. These calls are one way criminals attempt to gain access to your personal information, such as banking details or social security numbers, which can be used to steal money or commit identity theft.
This page provides guidance on what to do if you suspect you have been targeted by a scam attempt.
What Are Scam Calls?
Scam calls are fraudulent calls made by criminals who may attempt to persuade you to:
- share sensitive information, like online banking credentials or credit card details
- allow the caller to control your computer remotely
- transfer money to the scammers.
The caller may pose as a bank employee, police officer, or technical support representative. These calls can originate from both domestic and international numbers, and the caller ID can be manipulated to appear as a local number.
Scammers may also target individuals without smartphones.
Common Types of Scam Calls
Scam tactics evolve rapidly, but some common types include:
- Posing as the police or other authority figure: The caller claims to be from the police or another official body to gain your trust. Remember, legitimate authorities will never ask for your bank credentials or other sensitive information over the phone.
- Impersonating a bank employee: Likewise, a bank representative will never call to ask for your banking details.
- Technical support scams (often called “Microsoft scams”): The scammer poses as IT support, claiming your computer is at risk. They may ask for remote access, which can enable them to steal your information or install malware.
Scammers often try to create a sense of urgency, pushing you to act quickly. They may claim that your account will be closed or that you need to act immediately to prevent financial losses. This tactic is intended to make you react without careful thought.
AI-based tools now provide scammers with new ways to deceive. With AI, a scammer’s voice can sound remarkably like that of a close friend or family member. Learn more: Kuluttajaliitto: AI Scams
How to Recognize a Scam Call
Scam calls can be highly convincing, but often have telltale signs:
- The caller asks for a money transfer or personal details, like banking credentials or passwords.
- The call is unexpected, and the caller pressures you to act quickly.
- The caller poses as an official or company representative, but the request seems unusual.
- The number may appear unfamiliar or manipulated. (In some cases, it may appear as a familiar or typical number.)
What to Do if You Receive a Scam Call
If you receive a suspicious call, take the following steps:
- Do not share your information: A legitimate bank, police authority, or other reliable organization will never ask you for sensitive details over the phone.
- End the call: If the call seems suspicious, hang up and block the number.
- Report to your bank and the police: If you believe you may have provided your banking details to a scammer, immediately contact your bank. Then, if necessary, contact the police. Visit the police’s page on reporting scams here: Report a Scam
If you suspect the caller might be an actual police officer, you can ask for their name and police station, then verify this by calling the station directly.
Stay Calm and Think Carefully to Protect Against Scam Calls
The best way to protect yourself from scam calls is to remain calm and cautious and approach unexpected calls with skepticism. Scammers are skilled at creating a sense of urgency, but it’s always best to pause, think, and, if necessary, consult a friend or family member for advice.
Don’t automatically trust numbers or names that appear official, as they can easily be faked. For instance, neither the police nor a bank will ever call and ask you for your personal details.
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