How to Handle Suspicious Phone Calls Safely

Identity Verification:

• "What is your full name and employee ID?"
• "What company are you calling from?"
• "What is your direct callback number?"
• "What department do you work in?"
• "Who is your supervisor?"

Legitimacy Testing:

• "What is the last four digits of the account you're calling about?"
• "What was the date of my last transaction?"
• "Can you mail me information about this?"
• "What is your company's official website?"
• "Why can't this wait until I call you back?"

Delay Tactics:

• "I need to verify this with my spouse first"
• "Let me call you back through your main number"
• "I'll need to check my records"
• "Can you email me the details?"
• "I prefer to handle this in person"

Scammer Response Analysis:

• Legitimate caller: Understands, provides alternatives
• Scammer: Becomes pushy, creates urgency
• Legitimate caller: Has no problem with verification
• Scammer: Discourages independent verification
• Legitimate caller: Professional, patient
• Scammer: Gets aggressive or threatening

Professional Endings:

• "I don't handle financial matters over the phone"
• "I'll need to verify this independently"
• "Please mail me the information"
• "I'm not interested, please remove me from your list"
• "I don't provide personal information by phone"

When to Hang Up Immediately:

• Caller becomes aggressive or threatening
• Demands immediate payment or action
• Refuses to provide verification information
• Insists you can't call them back
• Uses high-pressure or fear tactics

Call Details:

• Date and time of call
• Phone number (if displayed)
• Caller's claimed name and organization
• Length of conversation
• How the call ended

Content Notes:

• Exact claims made by caller
• Information they requested
• Any threats or pressure tactics used
• Background noise or other callers heard
• Accent or speech patterns

Always Report To:

• FTC Consumer Sentinel: reportfraud.ftc.gov
• Your phone carrier: Most have fraud reporting
• Do Not Call Registry: donotcall.gov (for violations)

Consider Reporting To:

• Local police: If threats were made
• State Attorney General: Consumer protection division
• Better Business Bureau: If business impersonation

Additional Steps:

• Block the number on your phone
• Alert family members about the scam attempt
• Check your accounts if any information was shared
• Monitor credit reports for unusual activity
• Update security settings on accounts mentioned

Technical Solutions:

• Install call-blocking apps (TrueCaller, Hiya)
• Enable carrier-based call screening
• Use voicemail screening for unknown numbers
• Set up call forwarding during vulnerable times
• Register with Do Not Call Registry

Behavioral Changes:

• Never answer calls from unknown numbers
• Let legitimate callers leave voicemail
• Establish family code words for emergencies
• Keep important account numbers private
• Regularly update contact preferences with service providers

Immediate Actions:

• Stay calm - emotions cloud judgment
• Ask specific questions only family would know
• Request to speak to authority figure (police, doctor)
• Call the person directly on their known number
• Contact other family members to verify

Family Code System:

• Establish a family emergency code word
• Share security questions only family knows
• Create verification procedures for all family members
• Agree on emergency contact protocols
• Practice what-if scenarios regularly

What Government Agencies DON'T Do:

• Threaten immediate arrest over the phone
• Demand payment via gift cards or wire transfers
• Request Social Security numbers via phone
• Refuse to provide badge numbers or identification
• Demand immediate action without written notice

Proper Verification Steps:

• Ask for badge number and full name
• Request case number or reference number
• Ask for supervisor's name and contact
• Demand official written notice
• Call the agency directly using official phone numbers