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 →
SCAMCall
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 →
SCAMCall
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 →
SCAMCall
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 →
SCAMCall
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 →
SCAMCall
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 →
SCAMCall
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 →