Phone Scams Return…

Phone scams are everywhere, and scammers are experts at tricking people. They try to rush you, scare you, or confuse you into giving up your money or personal info. We're currently seeing multiple calls per day from those who have been targeted by these scams. With a little know-how, you can spot a scam call from a Kerr County mile away. Here are 5 simple ways to stay safe on your phone:

- Don’t Trust Your Caller ID -

Scammers can fake phone numbers, so even if it looks like it’s the IRS, your bank, or the police, it might not be. Always be cautious.

- Keep Your Personal Info Private -

No legit company or government agency will call and ask for your Social Security number, passwords, or bank details over the phone. If they do, just hang up.

- Hang Up if You Feel Pressured or Threatened -

If someone’s yelling, threatening arrest, or demanding immediate payment, that’s a huge red flag. Real organizations don’t do business like that.

- Never Pay with Gift Cards or Cryptocurrency -

Scammers love these because they’re hard to trace. If someone asks you to pay this way, it’s a scam — plain and simple.

- Double-Check Before You Act -

If you’re unsure, hang up and call the company or agency back using a phone number from their official website or your own records. Take your time — scammers want you to act fast.

What To Do If You Think It’s a Scam

- Note the scammers number, even if it might be faked

- Hang up right away.

- Don’t share any info.

- Warn your friends and family, especially seniors

- Report scammers to law enforcement

Remember: If something feels off, it probably is. Stay alert to these scams so you can protect yourself and those around you.

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Common Phone Scams... and How They Work

These are some of the most common scams we're seeing these days. No matter the angle, if something does not feel right, hang up and verify from your own information.

Drum roll, please...

- The Government Authority Scam...

Also known as the “IRS, Arrest Warrant, Unpaid Tolls, DMV, or Jury Duty" Scam. You get a call saying you owe back taxes, have a warrant, unpaid tolls, or forgot jury duty and must pay right away or face arrest. They might sound official, but the IRS, DMV, and local law enforcement never call out of the blue demanding immediate payment, and never with gift cards.

- Tech Support Scam

Someone says your computer is infected and offers to “fix” it — for a fee or by getting remote access. Real tech companies don’t call you first like this.

- Grandparent or Emergency Scam

A caller pretends to be a family member in trouble and asks for money fast. Always check with other relatives before sending any cash.

- Bank or Credit Card Scam

They say there’s suspicious activity on your account and ask for info or money transfers. Your bank will never ask you to move money to a “safe” account — hang up and call your bank directly.

Remember from our previous post, a legit debt collector will never ask for gift cards of any kind for payment, and NEVER give your bank information over the phone to an unknown person. Doing your own verification from official agency or business resources (website, etc) will save you hours and maybe thousands of dollars.

On the roads, on the phone, and the information superhighway, stay safe, Kerr County!