Phone scams are designed to trick you into giving away personal information or money. Here’s how to protect yourself:

1. Don’t Answer Unknown Numbers
   • Let calls from unknown numbers go to voicemail. Scammers rarely leave messages.
2. Be Skeptical of Urgent or Threatening Calls
   • Scammers often claim you owe money or that your account is in danger. Legitimate companies won’t pressure you with threats.
3. Never Share Personal Information
   • Don’t disclose personal details, financial information, or account numbers over the phone unless you initiated the call.
4. Use Call Blocking Apps
   • Install apps to block spam and scam calls. Many smartphones have built-in call filtering options.
5. Verify Caller Identity
   • Hang up and call back using the official contact number from the company’s website. Never trust the number displayed on your screen.
6. Be cautious of voice recordings claiming to be family members.
   • AI can mimic voices from a short clip. Use a secret password or phrase known only to your family to verify identity. If you don’t have one, ask a question only the real person would know.
7. Watch for Unsolicited Offers
   • Be cautious of unexpected prize notifications or investment opportunities. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
8. Report and Block Scam Calls
   • Report suspicious calls to your phone provider or the relevant authorities. Block the number to prevent future calls.
9. Final Tip: Trust Your Instincts
   • If something doesn’t feel right, hang up immediately. It’s better to be safe than scammed.