Do you ever feel a sense of doubt when you receive a phone call and think, “This can’t be real… can it?” David from Los Angeles certainly did when he received a call from the “LASD West Hollywood Station.” The scammers had gone to great lengths to make the call seem legitimate, complete with police sounds in the background. But there were red flags that made him and others suspicious.
When a scammer starts mentioning missed court dates and demands immediate payment through gift cards, it’s time to be wary. These fraudsters are skilled at creating a sense of urgency and fear to manipulate their victims.
Understanding How Phone Fraud Works
The scam usually begins with a “concerned deputy” on the line, questioning why you or a loved one missed a court date. The level of detail they have is astonishing, including names, birthdays, and home addresses, which can make anyone doubt their memory of past events.
The narrative continues to unfold, with claims of arrest warrants due to an obscure court date. The pressure mounts as the scammer insists on immediate payment to avoid the hassle of legal complications and being arrested or having to appear in court.
Recognizing the Warning Signs
Gift Cards as Payment
One telling sign is when the scammers ask for payment in the form of gift cards. They exploit fear and urgency, making it difficult for victims to think clearly. Gift cards are attractive to scammers because they are easy to obtain and can quickly be converted into cash.
Insistence on Staying on the Line
Another red flag is when scammers insist that you stay on the phone with them while you send them the requested money in real-time. Legitimate law enforcement agencies do not operate this way. They won’t force you to make a phone call while driving to the station, and they won’t fabricate recent problems without cause.
Exploiting Fear and Confusion
Scammers count on fear and confusion to cloud judgment. It’s easy to think, “I would never fall for this,” but in the moment, when emotions are running high, things aren’t always so black and white. Add to that the ease with which scammers can manipulate caller IDs, and it becomes increasingly challenging to differentiate between scams and legitimate calls.
Protecting Yourself from Fraudsters
Stay Calm
If you receive a suspicious call, it’s crucial to remain calm. Remember, law enforcement agencies will not resort to threats or pressure over the phone to solve legal matters.
Verify Through Official Channels
If someone claims to be from a law enforcement agency or any other legitimate organization, don’t immediately respond to the call. Instead, independently look up the official phone number of the organization and contact them directly to verify the information.
Stay Informed
Scammers continually evolve their tactics, so staying informed about the latest scams is essential. Join online forums, community groups, or subscribe to notifications from consumer protection agencies like the FTC. The more knowledge you have, the better equipped you are to protect yourself.
Educate Others
When you come across a scam or a new fraud strategy, don’t keep it to yourself. Share the information with your family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers. The more people are aware of these scams, the less likely they are to fall victim.
Report Incidents
Instead of simply blocking suspicious numbers, take action. Report the incident to local authorities and consumer protection agencies. Your report could be critical in a larger investigation.
Consider Identity Theft Protection
If you’ve unknowingly shared personal information with scammers, it’s worth evaluating whether your information is being used for unauthorized purposes. Identity theft protection services can monitor your personal information and notify you if it’s being misused or sold on the dark web. They can also assist in freezing your bank and credit card accounts.
Remove Your Information from the Internet
If you’re concerned about the availability of your personal information online, consider using a service to continuously monitor and remove your data from various websites. While no service can guarantee complete removal, they can be valuable in reducing your online footprint over time.
If You Become a Victim
If you’ve fallen victim to a scam, it’s crucial to take immediate action. Contact your bank to close any compromised accounts and change your passwords. Keep a close eye on your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions and report them promptly.
Remaining Vigilant Against Scammers
Scammers are constantly finding new ways to deceive us, especially through our phones. By staying aware and sharing information about their tactics, we can make it more challenging for them to succeed. If you’ve encountered a suspicious phone call or have information about a new scam, share it with us at Cyberguy.com/Contact. Stay informed, stay safe.
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