Don't Answer That Phone!
Growing up, the phone was a simple convenience. Most homes shared a single phone nobody wanted to answer. Sometimes they were on party lines with multiple households that allowed others to listen in on our calls. Prank calls were probably the biggest annoyance. Then came caller ID, and suddenly the phone gained unwarranted authority. When your smartphone shows your bank calling, you're tempted to pick up. Don't.
Phones Are Not Secure
Telephony protocols were never built for security. From analog to digital, from caller ID to text messaging, the system stayed vulnerable. No real safeguards were added along the way. A skilled scammer can spoof any caller ID they want. With a rehearsed script and solid acting, they can pose as your bank's security team, claiming to stop a fraud. Instead, they drain your account.
Why Phone Scams Are Still a Big Deal
Phone scams aren't going away. In fact, they're evolving. Scammers now use advanced technology to spoof numbers, making it look like they're calling from your local area or even a trusted organization. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) report Top scams of 2024, scams like these contributed to $12.4 billion in losses in 2024. That's a lot of money and a lot of headaches.
OSINT Is Making Things Worse
Two major issues are making these phone scams convincing. The first is information available from online data aggregators and brokers, known as Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT). This information could include information like a full name, street address, email address, phone number, and known relatives.
The next problem is with the record number of data breaches that have occurred recently. In 2024, multiple data breaches exposed consumer details beyond names and addresses. Information leaked in these breaches could include sensitive information like social security numbers, dates of birth, or financial information.
Pair that with AI, which can mimic a voice in seconds, and scammers have a new edge. They can call pretending to be a grandchild in trouble, needing money fast. Armed with personal data from OSINT and breaches, their impersonations feel real and convincing.
Protect Yourself with These Steps:
- Voicemail:
- Switch to the default system greeting.
- Personalized messages give scammers information to exploit.
- Don't Answer:
- Let calls from financial institutions go to voicemail.
- Listen, then call back using a known number, like the one on your card or statement.
- If You Do Answer:
- Never say the word "Yes" or press any buttons.
- Hang up and call back using a known number, like the one on your card or statement.
- If it's a legitimate call, the customer care agent will fully understand why you hung up.
- Safety Word:
- Set one with family and friends for emergencies.
- If they don't know it, don't trust the call.
- Hang up and call them back at their known number or call someone close to them to verify the situation.
Follow these tips. Share them with others. We may not have anything to hide, but we have everything to protect.
