Phone call & robocall scams
The calls claiming to be your bank, the government or tech support: what each one is, and why hanging up is always safe.
How these scams work
Scam calls run on fear and urgency: a threat (arrest, a shut-off, a suspended account) and a demand to act right now. Caller ID means nothing — it's trivially spoofed to show any name or number, including a real agency's. Real agencies and companies contact you other ways first and never demand payment in gift cards, wires, or crypto.
What to check first
- Never trust caller ID. Hang up and call back on the number from your bill or the official website.
- No real agency or company asks for gift cards, wire transfers or crypto. That request alone tells you it's a scam.
- Don't press a key or say “yes.” Let unknown numbers go to voicemail.
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The phone call & robocall scams we've checked
Social Security phone scam: is that call real?
Got a call saying your Social Security number is suspended or linked to a crime? Here's the verdict and what to do.
IRS phone scam: is that tax call real?
Got a call saying you owe back taxes and police are on the way? Here's the verdict on the IRS phone scam and what to do.
Medicare phone scam: is that call real?
Got a call about your Medicare card being cancelled or a new card you need to “verify”? Here's the verdict and what to do.
Amazon call scam: is that call real?
Got a call saying there's a problem with your Amazon order, account, or a charge you didn't make? Here's the verdict on the Amazon call scam and what to do.
Apple Support call scam: is the call real?
Got a call from “Apple Support” saying your iCloud was hacked or your account is locked? Here's the verdict and what to do.
Microsoft tech support scam: is that call real?
Got a call saying Microsoft detected a virus or hackers on your computer? Here's the verdict on the Microsoft tech support scam and what to do.
Utility shutoff call scam: is that call real?
Got a call saying your power will be shut off in 30 minutes unless you pay now? Here's the verdict on the utility shutoff call scam and what to do.
Bank fraud call scam: is that call real?
Got a call from your bank's fraud department saying there's suspicious activity on your account? Here's the verdict and what to do.
Publishers Clearing House scam: the fee is the tell
Told you won a Publishers Clearing House prize but must pay a fee or taxes first? Real PCH never asks for money to claim. Here's what to do.
Government grant scam: the free-money offer is the trap
Someone says you qualify for a government grant for bills, repairs, or debt? Here's how to spot the scam and what to do.
Student loan forgiveness scam call: is it real?
Got a call about a student loan forgiveness program that needs your details or a fee today? Here's the verdict and what to do.
Auto warranty call scam: is that call real?
Got a call about your car's expiring warranty or “final notice”? Here's the verdict on the auto warranty call scam and what to do.
AI voice scam: that panicked call may be a cloned voice
Got a call from a “grandchild” or relative in a crisis, begging for money and secrecy? Scammers can clone a voice with AI. Here's the verdict and what to do.
Health insurance scam call: “you qualify” is the bait
Got a call saying you're pre-qualified for a $0 health plan or a government subsidy, if you just verify your SSN? Here's the verdict and exactly what to do.
Venmo call scam: that “support” call isn't Venmo
An unexpected caller claims to be Venmo support and wants a code or a transfer? Hang up and verify through Venmo’s official support routes.
Jury duty scam calls: the warrant threat is fake
Got a call saying you missed jury duty and must pay a fine or be arrested? Here's the verdict and what to do.
Debt collection scams: is that collector real?
Got a call demanding payment on a debt you don't recognize, with threats of arrest or a lawsuit? Here's the verdict and what to do.
Grandparent scam calls: “I'm in jail, don't tell Mom”
Got a call from a “grandchild” in jail or a “lawyer” who needs bail money fast and quietly? Here's the verdict and what to do.
Charity scam: is that donation call real?
A caller wants a donation for disaster victims tonight — by gift card, wire, or crypto? Here's the verdict and what to do.
Xfinity scam call: is that discount offer real?
Got a call or voicemail saying your Xfinity discount is about to expire? Here's the verdict and exactly what to do.
Spectrum scam call: is that discount real?
Got a call offering to cut your Spectrum bill in half if you prepay? Here's the verdict and exactly what to do.
SIM swap scam: how your number gets stolen
Phone suddenly on No Service, or a caller asking for your account PIN? Here's the verdict on SIM swap and port-out fraud, and what to do.
Crypto ATM scam: why they want cash in the machine
Told to withdraw cash and feed it into a Bitcoin ATM to keep it safe? Here's the verdict and exactly what to do next.
Home warranty scam: is that notice real?
A final-notice letter or call says your home warranty is expiring and you must act? Here's the scam pattern and how to verify any real coverage.
Solar panel scams: the “free” offer is the trap
A caller promises free solar panels, a government rebate, or no more electric bills if you pay today? Here's the verdict and what to check before you sign.