If you suspect that you're receiving a fraudulent call, the logical step would be to hang up. However, how can you be certain it’s a scam?

Fraudsters are highly skilled at deceiving unsuspecting individuals and manipulating them into divulging personal financial details or granting remote access to their devices. The most effective way to protect yourself against scams is by maintaining a healthy level of scepticism and being cautious. If an offer seems too good to be true, it likely is.

To help you identify potential scams, here are five common warning signs:

1. Impersonating Trusted Organisations
   You might receive calls that appear to come from legitimate businesses, government agencies like the IRD (Work and Income), or well-known companies. Scammers use a technique called ‘spoofing’ to make the call look genuine and earn your trust.

If you weren’t expecting a call, it’s best to ignore it. If the matter is important, the legitimate organisation will find another way to contact you. To verify the call, disconnect and contact the company using a verified phone number from their official website.

1. Creating a Sense of Urgency
   A common tactic scammers use is to instil panic by insisting that immediate action is required. They may claim that failure to comply could result in legal consequences, service disruptions, or data breaches.

If a caller pressures you to provide sensitive information or make a payment immediately, be wary. Scammers often claim your computer has a virus or demand outstanding payments. Stay calm, hang up, and verify the claims independently.

1. Unusual Calling Hours
   Consider the timing of the call. Is it during normal business hours? Legitimate companies typically adhere to standard operating hours, such as 9 am to 8 pm on weekdays and 10 am to 3 pm on Saturdays for Research Companies.

If you receive a call outside of these hours—especially for issues unrelated to ongoing enquiries—it’s likely a scam. Additionally, reputable organisations will never ask for remote access to your device through unsolicited calls.

1. Persistent Calls from Unknown Numbers
   Receiving frequent calls from unfamiliar numbers or numbers impersonating well-known brands is a red flag. If the caller is legitimate, they will leave a message if you don't answer.

If you aren’t sure about the caller’s authenticity, allow the call to go to voicemail and research the number before returning the call. Stay cautious of numbers you don’t recognise.

1. Promises of Unexpected Rewards
   Scammers often attempt to entice victims by offering financial rewards or prizes. Remember the golden rule: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Be sceptical of calls claiming you’ve won a prize or have access to a lucrative opportunity, particularly if you don’t recall entering any contests.

Whenever you’re uncertain about the legitimacy of a call, it’s best to end the conversation and verify the information independently. Please do not share personal details or banking information with unknown callers, regardless of how credible they may seem.

By staying vigilant and informed, you can avoid falling victim to phone scams and protect your personal information from fraudsters.

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