Scam prevention
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Let calls from unknown numbers go to voicemail; if it is important, they will leave a message.
People who know you will likely text or leave a voicemail, while ignoring unknowns filters out spam.
3 people, independently
Hang up on pop-up messages claiming your computer has a virus and do not call the provided tech support number.
Pop-ups may trick users into paying fake tech support fees.
one person who lived it
Ignore phone calls from people claiming to be the IRS.
The IRS does not initiate contact via cold calls.
one person who lived it
Warn elderly landline users about the 'delayed disconnect' scam, where hanging up does not end the connection to the scammer if they keep the line open.
If one party doesn't hang up, the other party remains connected to the scammer when they pick up the phone again.
- Applies specifically to landlines.
one person who lived it
Do not read SMS codes aloud to callers claiming to verify your identity, as this allows them to log in remotely.
The attacker uses the code to log in as you without your knowledge.
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calls, scammers, scam, callers26
Do not trust caller ID names, as scammers frequently spoof them to look like known contacts or banks.
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Use nicknames for children on social media to prevent scammers from knowing their real names.
If a scammer uses the nickname instead of the real name, you know they are scammers.
one person who lived it
Ask questions about deceased relatives or non-existent family members to detect fake callers.
Scammers will likely claim the deceased person is fine or acknowledge the non-existent relative.
- This relies on both parties remembering who is alive and who is dead, which may not be guaranteed in cases of cognitive decline.
3 people, independently
- Ask family members specific personal questions or provide fake information to test if a caller is a kidnapper.1
Build a relationship with your parents' bank tellers so they can alert you to suspicious activity.
Bank staff may call to report weird transactions if they know you.
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Make odd sounds instead of saying 'hello' when answering unknown calls.
Autodialers often detect common words like 'hello' to place the call on mute; odd sounds prevent this detection.
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Watch videos from channels like Scammer Payback or Pleasant Green to learn how to identify scam red flags.
These videos demonstrate how scams work and expose scammers, helping viewers spot warning signs in time to intervene.
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When asked about car warranties, claim to own an absurd vehicle like a Wienermobile to waste the scammer's time.
This often leads to immediate hang-ups or hysterical laughter.
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Improvise conversations with scammers to waste their time, preventing them from scamming others.
Wasting their time means they are not scamming vulnerable people.
one person who lived it
Be wary of callers asking for confirmation of your name.
They may use your affirmative response to falsely claim you agreed to charges.
one person who lived it
Pretend to be in a loud environment like an engine room or play loud noises such as fax machines or MRI scans to confuse scammers.
Confusing scammers may get you taken off their list.
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Be cautious about engaging with scammers, as it may mark you as an active target in a database.
This can result in receiving even more calls.
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Create a physical list of information never to give to strangers and post it near the phone when verbal reminders fail.
Talking about scam prevention does not always work.
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- Repeat scam prevention education multiple times because initial advice may not stick or be forgotten.1
Assume all unsolicited calls are scams and hang up immediately rather than trying to determine legitimacy.
If someone claims to be from your bank, hanging up and calling your bank directly is safer.
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Limit sharing your phone number to reduce exposure to spam calls.
One person reported rarely getting spam calls because they do not give out their number freely.
one person who lived it
Refuse to allow remote access to your computer from unsolicited callers, as this is a common scam tactic.
Scammers use remote desktop software to see users keying in information.
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Gamify scam detection training for children.
Kids love this approach.
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Avoid giving valuable personal information to scammers, even if you are trolling them.
Scammers may be petty, subject you to harassment, or leak your or your family's information.
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Tell spam callers you are recording the call and ask them to repeat themselves.
The caller may hang up immediately upon realizing they are being recorded.
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Confuse spam callers by pretending to be a radio DJ or placing a fake pizza order with excessive details.
This creates confusion and often results in no response or the caller hanging up.
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Recognize that headlines claiming 'one weird trick,' suggesting changes to common habits like eating/driving, or stating 'you've won something' are typically scams.
These claims are identified as scams or clickbait leading to slideshows.
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Never respond to suspected scam messages or emails, as replying confirms your number is active and leads to more harassment.
Opening a line of communication signals you are an active recipient, encouraging further contact.
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Answer automated security check calls by confirming you have a system, even if you do not, to trigger an automatic hang-up.
Confirming you have a system causes the call to end automatically.
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Discuss AI voice scam possibilities with family beforehand so they expect potential impersonation and remain skeptical even if you call in distress.
Pre-warning helps family stay calm and avoid panic if a real emergency occurs.
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Report fraudulent calls online and share the scammer's number with family to warn them.
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Warn elderly relatives that buyers sending cashier's checks for items is a scam.
It is often a scheme where the buyer sends too much money and asks for the difference back while sending someone to pick up the item.
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Write a will to specify who inherits your belongings and cares for your children.
Irresponsible people may exploit assets if arrangements are not written down.
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To escalate complaints at a bank, threaten regulatory action using terms like CFPB or accuse the bank of unethical conduct to force a higher-level review.
Banks often auto-escalate cases where unlawful or unethical conduct is claimed.
- This is not a guarantee of getting what you want.
- Escalation employees may talk down to you if they perceive your behavior as unreasonable.
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Print out infographics about specific technical scams and laminate them to place near areas where older relatives make decisions regarding potential scammers.
Visual aids prevent them from glazing over verbal explanations.
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Educate family members about gift card scams where scammers create urgency to demand payment via untraceable cards, noting that money is gone forever once information is received.
Once the scammer receives the gift card information, the money is lost permanently.
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Discuss financial oversight with siblings and keep detailed records to prevent accusations of theft.
Many estate lawsuits involve siblings accusing caregiving relatives of stealing.
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Train elderly relatives to say 'no' to anyone they haven't called first.
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Set yourself as the administrator on an elderly relative's computer and install anti-malware software.
one person who lived it
Grant remote access to elderly relatives' computers to check emails and messages for legitimacy.
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