Phony phone calls are fraudulent or deceptive phone calls in which the caller pretends to be someone else or misrepresents their intentions. These calls often involve attempts to scam or deceive the person answering the call.
There are a few red flags that may indicate a phony phone call, such as receiving a call from an unknown or unfamiliar number, the caller asking for personal information or money, or the caller using high-pressure tactics or threatening language. If you are unsure, it is always best to err on the side of caution and end the call.
If you receive a suspicious phone call, do not provide any personal information or money. Hang up the call and report it to your local authorities or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). You can also block the number to prevent further calls.
To protect yourself from phony phone calls, you can register your phone number on the National Do Not Call Registry, which will reduce the number of telemarketing calls you receive. You can also be cautious about providing personal information over the phone and avoid answering calls from unknown or suspicious numbers.
While it is difficult to completely stop phony phone calls, there are steps you can take to reduce the number of calls you receive. As mentioned, registering on the National Do Not Call Registry can help, as well as being cautious with your personal information and reporting any suspicious calls. Additionally, some phone service providers offer call-blocking services to their customers.