What happens if you press 1 on a scam call?
A prerecorded message tells you to press “1” or some other key to be taken off a call list. The message offers you goods or services for free or at a suspiciously deep discount. The message says you owe back taxes or unpaid bills and face legal or financial consequences if you don’t pay immediately.
Can you get scammed by answering a call?
If you answer their call, your number is considered “good,” even if you don’t fall for the scam. They will try again next time because they know there’s someone on the other side who is a potential victim for fraud. The less you answer, the fewer the calls.
Can you get scammed by saying hello on the phone?
Scammers will typically call from local area codes to get you to pick it up. Then they will allow you to pick up the phone and once you say hello, they will ask “can you hear me?” to elicit a response of “yes”. It’s best to avoid calls from numbers that you are not familiar with and let it go to voicemail.
How do you stop scam callers?
The national Do Not Call list protects landline and wireless phone numbers. You can register your numbers on the national Do Not Call list at no cost by calling 1-888-382-1222 (voice) or 1-866-290-4236 (TTY). You must call from the phone number you wish to register.
What to do if you accidentally said yes to a scammer?
Hang up immediately, or better yet, don’t answer calls from unknown numbers. If you think you may have been targeted by this or another scam, check your credit card, telephone and utility bills. You can also report the incident to the FCC Consumer Help Center and the Better Business Bureau’s Scam Tracker.
Can a scammer use your phone number?
Yes. Your phone number is out there on the web in various locations. Scammers can use stolen cell phone numbers and use it for two-factor authentication codes and other access to all your texts, apps, and other online accounts, they could have your cell phone number hijacked and do it through SIM swapping.
What should I do if I said yes to a scammer?
But, pay attention to old charges on phone bills, credit card and bank statements, and dispute these immediately. For more information or to report a scam, contact consumer resources such as the Federal Trade Commission, Better Business Bureau or our Call 4 Action office.