LISTEN out for two “warning signs” on phone calls – or risk a devastating scam.
Smartphones owners are being urged to hang up on calls to their Android or iPhone if they hear suspicious phrases being used.
Scam phone calls can target anyone at any time – even on popular and trusted devices like an iPhone or Android.
Learning to spot the signs that you’re on the phone with a sinister crook is very important.
The U.S. Sun spoke to Javvad Malik, lead security awareness advocate at KnowBe4, to understand when to hang up.
There are two types of phrases that you should listen out for on a phone call.
And if you hear them both of them, it’s time to hang up on this “double danger” phone call.
#1 Urgency and pressure
Scammers will often use phrases designed to rush you into making a decision.
“Scammers often create a sense of urgency, pressuring you to act quickly without giving you time to think or verify their claims,” Javvad explained.
“They may threaten dire consequences or offer limited-time opportunities to manipulate you into making impulsive decisions.”
#2 Request for Personal Information
You should also be wary if someone on the phone asks for certain types of info.
“If a caller asks for personal information such as your Social Security number, bank account details, or credit card information, it’s a major red flag,” Javvad warned.
“Legitimate organisations generally do not request sensitive information over the phone, especially unsolicited.”
Bonus ‘red flag’: Unsolicited Calls
Of course there’s one sign that you should be cautious before you’ve even picked up the phone.
“Be wary of unsolicited calls from unknown numbers, especially if the caller claims to represent a government agency, a well-known company, or a financial institution,” Javvad advised.
“Scammers often use fake caller IDs to appear legitimate, so it’s important to verify the caller independently.”
If you do answer the call and find yourself hearing suspicious phrases, hang up.
Then call the organization directly using contact info on the official website or app – and not details passed to you over the phone.
That way you can verify any claims or requests made on the call to avoid falling for a costly scam.
