The AARP Bulletin, June 2022, contained a very handy guide to identifying and handling phone scam attempts. The article lists 7 recent phone scams AARP has come across. I’m including the quoted phone pitch as well as an explanation as how you can identify it as a scam. Use this guide to help you avoid phone scams to prevent lose money and keep your retirement safer.

Scenario 1

Hello, is this Mrs. Perl? This is Bill from Genetic Testing Services. Your doctor reached out to us because he is concerned with the cancer that runs in your family and would like you to take a DNA swab test. Medicare covers this test, and we just need your Medicare number to process and ship out the order.

Response: Hang up when you hear any request for your Medicare number. This is a scam aimed at billing Medicare for unnecessary tests, many of which it does not cover.

Scenario 2

Good morning, this is Apple Inc. We are calling to tell you there is a problem with your phone, and someone has placed malware on it. We will need you to download AnyDesk onto your phone so we can help you.

Response: Hang up when anyone you do not know asks for remote access to your phone. Scammers are looking to steal personal information for identity theft or fraud.

Scenario 3

This is Agent McMurphy from the IRS, and I am calling to inform you that you have a federal arrest warrant for not paying your taxes. Please press 1 on your keypad to be connnected to my desk so we can clear up this matter.

Response: Hang up in any call you believe is coming in as a computerized robocall. IRS employees never demand money or threaten you over the phone. They may call to set up appointments or discuss audits, but only after trying to notify you by mail.

Scenario 4

Nana, it’s me, Henry. I was away for spring break and got arrested because my friend that was driving was drunk, and we hit a pregnant woman! Please don’t tell Mom and Dad. I need your help.

Response: Hang up and reach out to your grandchild or another family member to check the story out. This is almost certainly a form of the “grandparent scam” that uses personal information about your grandchild gleaned from social media to deceive you. Don’t panic and send money or reveal any banking or financial information.

Scenario 5

Hello sir. This is Amazon Security calling to inform you that there’s been an attempt to order items on your account. But don’t worry, we can help with the refund. I just need a few pieces of information from you to get this started.

Response: Hang up when asked for information to access your bank or other private accounts remotely. If you think there is a problem, go directly to your Amazon account and contact the company directly through its website.

Scenario 6

This is Denver Energy Company, and we are notifying you that you have missed your last two payments. And, unfortunately, your electricity will be shut off by the end of today unless you can pay immediately over the phone.

Response: Hang up when threatened over the phone, especially by a robocall. Utility shutoffs are not handled this way. You get notification in the mail.

Scenario 7

This is the Social Security Administration, and your Social Security check has been frozen due to fradulent activity. Press 1 to take care of this matter.Response: Hang up when any government official says you need to pay money over the phone or asks for personal information. That doesn’t happen.