Answering One Simple Question Could Make You A Victim In Latest Scam (2024)

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Answering One Simple Question Could Make You A Victim In Latest Scam (2024)

FAQs

What happens if I answer a spam call and say hello? ›

Many robocall scams start with a question like “Hello, can you hear me?” to which people may reply “yes” without thinking. They can then store the recording of your confirmation and use it for fraudulent activities. So, avoid saying yes where possible.

Read On ›

How do you respond to someone trying to scam you? ›

STOP CONTACT WITH THE SCAMMER.

Hang up the phone. Do not reply to emails, messages, or letters that the scammer sends. Do not make any more payments to the scammer. Beware of additional scammers who may contact you claiming they can help you get your lost money back.

Discover More Details ›

What happens if you answer the phone to a scammer? ›

You could lose money

When scammers get you on the phone, they try their hardest to obtain your bank account passcodes, passwords, account numbers, or even answers to your security questions (like your mother's maiden name). If you accidentally reveal that information, hackers can drain your account.

Who can be a victim of a scam? ›

Anybody Can Become a Scam Victim. Even you.

See Details ›

How does scamming affect the victim? ›

Victims may fear judgment or ridicule from family and friends, causing them to deny or downplay the situation, even refusing to report the crime or cooperate with the police. Emotional Manipulation: Scammers often use emotional tactics to exploit victims, fostering feelings of trust, friendship, or even love.

Find Out More ›

Should you answer suspected spam? ›

These targeted spam calls will try to trick you into giving up your personal information which allows cybercriminals to steal your money, your identity and even your voice. You should avoid answering spam calls to help prevent cybercriminals from trying to steal your personal information.

Tell Me More ›

Is it better to answer or not answer spam calls? ›

It's available for Android and iOS and contains a massive database of user-submitted phone numbers marked as spam callers. Tap or click here for more details. Never give out personal information over the phone when receiving unsolicited calls. When you receive a robocall, the best thing is to hang up immediately.

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Is it risky to reply to spam texts? ›

Directly replying to a spam text message lets a spammer know that your number is genuine. After you reply, they can sell your phone number to other spammers who might bombard you with false promises of free gifts and product offers. Instead, it's best to block and report the number.

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Can a scammer get your info if you reply to a text? ›

In some cases, yes. Replying to a smishing message can allow malware into your phone or land you some unwanted charges.

What happens if you respond to a scammer? ›

Instead, it'll do the opposite: spammers will add your cell phone number to a priority list, and you'll get more texts and spam calls than before. Even if you don't hand over personal information or money, the reply lets scammers know you're a potential target.

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Will a scammer talk to you on the phone? ›

You may believe that your new friend or love interest is sincere, but are they only after your money? Scammers are always hesitant to meet in person. They are often hesitant to talk with you on a phone or video call.

Read The Full Story ›

What should I do if I feel like I've been scammed? ›

You think a scammer has stolen your personal information

Complete a report through ReportCyber. Make yourself a harder target: Secure your social media and other personal accounts, such as your email. Change the passwords to any other accounts you think the scammer may have accessed, or to which they now have access.

See Details ›

What to do when you realize you are talking to a scammer? ›

Once you know they're fake, report their account to the dating site or app you're using. If you sent them money or gave them access to your accounts, contact your bank immediately and talk to their fraud department.

Get More Info Here ›

Can I do anything about being scammed? ›

Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Scammers can be very convincing. They call, email, and send us text messages trying to get our money or sensitive personal information — like our Social Security or account numbers.