Infamous phone scammer Richard Allen Minsky, who was first investigated in 1982, built a decades-long career by defrauding and assaulting hundreds of women in multiple U.S. states by cold calling in phone directories and impersonating authority figures. He manipulated his victims by fabricating emergencies, putting loved ones in legal jeopardy, forcing payments or sexual favors with threats of jail time, often escalating to stealing thousands of people, and committing violent attacks at arranged meetings.
Minsky, who was convicted more than 80 times for crimes including rape, extortion and theft, used aliases to evade capture until he was arrested in 1999 and eventually sentenced to 146 years to life in prison. His scheme is a stark illustration of the dangers of phone scams and what some criminals are trying to steal from you.
To prevent this from happening, this article lists 12 common phrases that should immediately trigger scammer alerts. However, increased awareness and other preventive measures can help you avoid falling victim to these scams.
1. “This is an urgent public service announcement.”
When you hear this, your first reaction may be to listen carefully and act quickly. Scammers use this phrase to mimic an official alert and create a sense of urgency. Intentional use of this phrase causes people to bypass rational thinking and act without suspicion. But remember, true public services have other ways of contacting them. Be sure to double-check these alerts by contacting official sources through verified channels.
2. “You won a free vacation!”
It’s exciting to imagine a vacation to sandy beaches and sunny skies, especially if it’s free. However, these deals are often too good to be true. Additionally, they may lead to phishing attempts or hidden costs. This sentence is a classic scam and should automatically put you on high alert. Always ignore such claims and report suspicious numbers to consumer protection agencies.
3. “I need to verify your account details.”
This is a common tactic used by scammers posing as representatives of banks or service providers. Such scams become more common after data breaches. However, no credible organization would directly request sensitive details. Therefore, this sentence should immediately alert scammers.
When a data breach occurs, organizations establish processes and procedures to contain it. If you receive such a request, hang up the phone. Do not share any personal information. Instead, contact the agency directly using known and safe methods.
4. “There was a problem with your payment.”
This quote plays on your fear of financial disaster. Scammers know that people will do whatever is necessary to avoid extra charges and service interruptions. They use this phrase in hopes of catching you off guard so that you can give them your payment information in a panic.
Do not share your account information, but check the validity of their claims first. Please be sure to verify any payment issues by logging into your account independently or calling customer service directly. These measures can prevent you from wasting time and money.
5. “Confirm your identity using your password.”
If you hear this, that’s a major red flag! Legitimate companies and government agencies understand the security risks of sharing personal information. In fact, the policy prohibits them from asking you for your password or security code over the phone.
When you hear this, hang up the phone immediately. Then, report the incident to the company being impersonated or the government agency being impersonated. It can help prevent others from falling victim to these scams.
6. “This is your final warning.”
Using threats of legal or financial consequences is a common tactic to scare people. However, this is also often a red flag for scammers. A real organization does not operate this way but provides ample opportunities to resolve issues through appropriate channels. When you get this call, don’t panic. Instead, stay calm, don’t get involved, do some homework, and seek professional advice if needed.
7. “You owe taxes and they must be paid immediately.”
This scam is especially common during tax season and exploits people’s deep-seated fear of owing the government money. Taxes create a sense of anxiety in most citizens, and scammers exploit this feeling for their own benefit. Remember, the IRS communicates by mail, not unexpected phone calls. You can always verify any tax filing directly through official IRS channels to protect your finances.
8. “We noticed suspicious activity on your account.”
By suggesting that your account is at risk, scammers aim to get you to take hasty action to “protect” your assets. However, impulsive decisions may put you at greater risk. This phrase is a ploy to obtain your personal information or financial details. If someone contacts you, never give out these details. Instead, contact your bank directly using an official number, not the number provided in a suspicious call.
9. “This is technical support calling.”
Why would tech support call you if you didn’t request help? The answer shouldn’t surprise you. This is a tactic used to gain access to your computer or personal information under the guise of solving a problem. Some scammers are there to gain information, while others are trying to sell you useless software. Don’t become an unsuspecting victim. Be sure to contact the company they claim to represent to verify the legitimacy of the call.
10. “Can you hear me?”
This seems like a harmless question, right? Unfortunately, this is not the case. This is a way for scammers to record your voice saying “yes,” which they can use to authorize fraudulent charges. When you hear this question, it’s best to hang up the phone immediately. Then, check your account and statements for any unauthorized activity.
11. “Please donate.”
Charity scams often take advantage of your generosity during times of crisis. However, this should not stop you from donating to causes and organizations you want to support. To ensure your donation goes to a legitimate cause, please donate directly through the website of a trusted organization. Never respond to unsolicited calls or provide payment information when people call you.
12. “You have to make a decision now.”
Using the phrase “you must decide now” is a red flag for illegal scams. The perpetrators of these pranks use high-pressure tactics to force people to make quick decisions. The goal is for you to commit before you have a chance to think it over or consult with others.
However, never act impulsively when making important decisions. Instead, take your time, seek advice, and never make hasty financial commitments over the phone or via email.
prevention and awareness
By staying informed and cautious, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from these common scams. Remember, if something sounds fishy or too good to be true, it usually is. So if you hear any of these phrases, you should be alert to red flags and scammers. Always take the time to verify the legitimacy of any unsolicited communications. Stay safe and help others understand such strategies.
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Editor’s note: For this story, Savings advice Use generative artificial intelligence to help complete parts of the article. Editors verified information for accuracy before publication.
