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 the company or agency back on the number from your bill or its official website.
- No real agency or company asks for gift cards, wire transfers, or crypto — that request alone is proof it's a scam.
- Don't press a key or say “yes” — let unknown numbers go to voicemail.
The phone call & robocall scams we've checked
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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.
Read the case →
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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.
Read the case →
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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.
Read the case →
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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.
Read the case →
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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.
Read the case →
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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.
Read the case →
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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.
Read the case →
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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.
Read the case →
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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.
Read the case →
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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.
Read the case →
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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.
Read the case →
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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.
Read the case →
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Grandparent scam: that panicked call may be an AI voice
Got a call from a “grandchild” or relative in a crisis, begging for money and secrecy? The voice can be AI-cloned. Here's the verdict and what to do.
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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.
Read the case →
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Venmo call scam: that “support” call isn't Venmo
Got a call from Venmo support about an unauthorized charge or a problem with your account? Venmo doesn't cold-call users. Here's what to do.
Read the case →
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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.
Read the case →
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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.
Read the case →
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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.
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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.
Read the case →
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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.
Read the case →
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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.
Read the case →
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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.
Read the case →
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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.
Read the case →
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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.
Read the case →
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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.
Read the case →