Phone scams are becoming increasingly common in today’s society, and they can often be difficult to detect. Scammers use a variety of tactics to trick victims into providing personal information or making payments, and the consequences can be devastating. To help you protect yourself, we’ve put together a list of the top 10 phone scams to watch out for in 2023.

1. Social Security Scams Scammers often impersonate Social Security Administration officials and threaten victims with legal action or arrest if they don’t provide personal information or make a payment. Be wary of unsolicited calls or emails claiming to be from the SSA.
2. IRS Impersonation Scams Similar to Social Security scams, fraudsters impersonate IRS agents and demand immediate payment for supposed unpaid taxes. Remember that the IRS will always send a written notice before calling, and they will never demand immediate payment over the phone.
3. Health Insurance Scams Scammers may call or text pretending to be representatives of health insurance providers, offering discounted or free services. They may ask for personal information or payment upfront, but remember to always verify the legitimacy of the caller before sharing any information.
4. Robocall Scams Robocalls have become a widespread problem, with scammers using pre-recorded messages to sell fake products, services, or investment opportunities. Don’t trust any unsolicited calls, and always hang up if you suspect a scam.
5. Phishing Scams Phishing scams involve scammers sending text messages or emails that appear to be from legitimate companies, asking victims to provide sensitive information such as passwords or credit card numbers. Be wary of any unsolicited requests for personal information.
6. Charity Scams Scammers often use natural disasters or other tragedies as a pretext for soliciting donations. Be cautious of any unsolicited calls or emails, and always verify the legitimacy of the charity before making a donation.
7. Tech Support Scams Scammers pose as tech support representatives and convince victims to download software or provide remote access to their computer. They may then steal personal information or install malware on the victim’s device. Never give access to your computer to anyone you don’t know or trust.
8. Utility Scams Scammers may call or text pretending to be representatives of utility companies, threatening to cut off service if the victim doesn’t make an immediate payment. Always verify the legitimacy of the caller and never give out personal information or payment over the phone.
9. Grandparent Scams Scammers often target the elderly, posing as grandchildren or other family members and claiming to be in trouble and in need of money. Always verify the identity of the caller and don’t send money until you’re certain of the situation.
10. Investment Scams Scammers use high-pressure tactics to convince victims to invest in fake or fraudulent opportunities, promising high returns with little or no risk. Always research investment opportunities carefully and be wary of any unsolicited calls or emails.

By remaining vigilant and following these tips, you can protect yourself from falling victim to phone scams. Always verify the legitimacy of any unsolicited calls or emails, and never give out personal information or payment over the phone without confirming the authenticity of the caller. Stay safe and stay alert to protect yourself from these fraudulent activities.