What Are the Warning Signs of a Scam Phone Call?
Use the free tool — Scam Call Shield
Why a Phone Call Is Hard to Stop
A phone call happens live. You do not have time to research, compare, or ask a friend. The person on the other end knows this, and that is often part of the plan.
Common Warning Signs
These are patterns that often show up in scam calls. Not every one of them means a call is fake, but several together are a strong signal to slow down.
- The caller pressures you to act right away and says you cannot wait or hang up.
- The caller asks you to pay with gift cards, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency.
- The caller threatens arrest, a lawsuit, or loss of a benefit if you do not comply immediately.
- The caller asks for personal information such as a Social Security number, bank account, or password.
- The caller says you cannot hang up and call the organization back yourself to confirm.
- The caller ID shows a name or number that does not match who they claim to be.
What Is Still Unknown
Every call is different. This page cannot tell you whether your specific call was a scam — it can only describe patterns that often appear in scam calls. If money, personal information, or a legal threat is involved, confirm with the actual agency or organization directly, using a phone number you look up yourself, not one the caller gave you.
This Is Not Legal Advice
Nothing here is legal advice. If you already gave money or personal information, or you are being threatened, check with a professional and confirm with the relevant agency about what to do next.
What to Do Next
If you are still not sure about a call you received, describe it — who they said they were and what they wanted — to the free Scam Call Shield tool. It reads your own description of the call and gives you a verdict, points out the red flags in the caller's own words, and gives you a short script you can read back, in English or Spanish.