Outsmart Sneaky Scammers

The phone calls to connect with loved ones, schedule appointments, and get answers to your questions: those are our favorite parts of providing CaptionCall. But phone scammers, they're the worst. They're getting trickier every day and can even imitate the voices of people you know.

A mother testified before a Senate committee last month about her firsthand experience with a phone scam that weaponizes new technology. The con artists used artificial intelligence (A.I.) to replicate the voice of a loved one and say they needed money for an emergency. It’s a new spin on an old trick.

Although some scams are getting more sophisticated, many of the red flags are still there:

• Asking for money in cash, gift cards, or wire transfers so it’s untraceable Legitimate agencies and offices won’t demand these forms of payment, especially in large sums.
• Demanding that you act quickly Think about it: when have government offices, public agencies, or lawyers had a reputation for speed? If someone is insisting — out of the blue — that you pay them immediately, chances are it’s not trustworthy.
• Threat of consequences for you or someone you care about This is a common scam technique to make you put your worries ahead of your logic. If someone is demanding money in exchange for the safety or freedom of you or your loved ones, that should set off an alarm in your head.

If you get a phone call asking for money — even if it sounds just like someone you know — be skeptical. Contact the person or office separately to verify the claims before you pay anyone or give personal information. And if you suspect a scam, report it to protect others from these predators.