Legit Call vs. Scam Call: How to Differentiate Them?

Scam calls might be the hugest concern for the people across the globe. Scammers stole $30 billion from consumers who believed them in 2021, and the problem is not going away anytime soon.

It's okay to call because of the coronavirus and the Census. Even if a Census taker or COVID-19 contract tracer calls, you should still screen your calls. In every tough scenario, con artists will try to extract money from their victims.

You should check with the US Census Bureau to discover whether you have come into touch with someone who has the coronavirus. Learn the warning signs of a scam call so you can avoid them.

Pay attention to what Caller says

Take note of where the call is originating from and the number displayed. If someone calls you and your phone reads "Unknown," they're probably trying to deceive you. You never know who is calling, so even if it's a buddy, leave the call on voicemail just in case. Don't answer calls that appear to be a scam.

Verify the caller

The carrier calls have been confirmed. The Google Phone app categorizes incoming business calls. They do not screen calls from genuine businesses or robocallers here.

Mind the bogus number

How frequently do you receive calls that appear to be from you but are actually from someone else? Thieves will attempt to obtain personal information from you by contacting you from a bogus number. You are more likely to answer the phone if the caller ID indicates a local number or a number you recognize.

Do your research

If you receive an unusual call, you may search up the number to determine if it is a real person.

If reverse phone lookup websites appear towards the top of search results, consumers have most certainly received unsolicited calls from the number in issue.

If you need to perform a reverse phone lookup, there are several websites that may assist you. There are a few public resources available to help you learn more.

1. WhoCallsMe
2. Spy Dialer
3. PeopleFinders
4. USPhoneBook

What’s next?

What occurs immediately following the search? One way is to block incoming spam calls. This method will only work if you consistently receive calls from the same phone number. Because most spammers use bogus phone numbers, this will not work. iPhone users have the option of sending anonymous calls to voicemail, which isn't always the greatest option.

Some anti-spam technologies provided by your cell operator spring to mind. To block unsolicited calls, use RoboKiller or Truecaller. If you want to be included to the National Do Not Call Registry, contact the Federal Trade Commission.

Debt collectors may be difficult to deal with, especially if you are unsure if they are speaking the truth or attempting to deceive you.

Dealing with debt collection scams

Some signs to consider:

Details of the debt

If you dispute the charge, the debt collector is required by law to inform you the precise amount you owe, identify the creditor, and validate the bill. If they don't inform you the first time they speak to you, they have five days to do so.

Threatening to share false news

Con artists have been heard stating that they will reveal your money to your family, friends, coworkers, or even your employer. Debt collectors cannot discuss your debt with anybody without your consent. They'll have to inquire around to find out where you are.

Check to see if the debt is indeed yours. Any organization attempting to collect money from you for a debt must be upfront about what you may owe. It must include the following features:

1. The name of the creditor
2. The amount owed

We’re sure you will quickly find out if there’s something wrong with their information.

Fraudsters asking your private information

Social Security numbers, bank account details, and tax identification numbers Never give a stranger access to your bank account. Thieves attempting to steal your identity may utilize information about you to their advantage.

What to do then?

What is your total debt?

Con artists frequently succeed in convincing individuals to give them money by posing as debt collectors. Scammers employ aggressive and intrusive techniques to fool you, the victim, into providing them confidential information about yourself and your finances, leading you to believe you are following the law.

It may be difficult to distinguish between a legitimate debt collector and a con artist. If you receive a call from a collection agency, check for indicators that it is a fraud. If a "debt collector" calls you, these red flags may help you identify a fraud.

Verify their ingenuity

When a call makes you feel uneasy, you should request the caller's identity and phone number. You may use this to ensure if the individual is genuine before disclosing sensitive information to them. The majority of bogus businesses have phones that do not function or do not respond when you contact them by the name they provide.

Before you pay, get a thorough breakdown of the cost.

Before you pay anything, be sure the conditions of the loan are written down.

Contact your original creditor

Make contact with the creditor to ensure that the debt collector is collecting from them.

Check your own credit report

You are entitled to one free credit report from each of the three main consumer reporting agencies every year. Every year, go to AnnualCreditReport.com or call (877) 322-8228 to obtain a free credit report.

Get help from your attorney

According to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, debt collectors cannot mislead about the amount owing, use foul language, or pose as lawyers.

If you come across a fraud, you can report it to the Federal Trade Commission. If you are being harassed by a legal debt collector, you should consult with an attorney.

Don’t hesitate to hang up your phone

If the caller appears to be from a shady company, simply hang up. Con artists seek for folks who are easily duped. They'll keep pursuing if you don't say anything. Scammers will try to take advantage of you if they believe you are terrified or owe them money and know you would answer the phone.