Don’t Pick Up That Call: Protect Yourself from Scams
Scammers are getting more creative every day, using phone calls to trick you into giving away personal information or installing malware on your devices. Whether it’s a “tech support” call, a fake bank alert, or an unknown number claiming to be from the government, the safest response is simple: hang up.
Here’s why:
Protect your personal info: Scammers may ask for passwords, Social Security numbers, or credit card details. Legitimate companies will never call to ask for sensitive information.
Avoid malware & ransomware: Some calls may try to convince you to install software on your computer or phone. This can lead to malware infections that compromise your devices.
Prevent stress and confusion: These calls are designed to scare or pressure you. Hanging up removes the immediate threat.
Tips to Stay Safe:
Ignore unknown numbers: Let calls go to voicemail and verify if they are legitimate before responding.
Register on the Do Not Call list: This can reduce telemarketing calls.
Educate yourself about common scams: Familiarity helps you spot suspicious calls faster.
Remember: if a call seems off, it probably is. Don’t engage—just hang up. Your phone, computer, and peace of mind will thank you.