Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why am I getting so many scam calls all of a sudden?

A sudden increase in scam calls is rarely personal. It’s often the result of your phone number being part of a data breach at a company you’ve done business with. Once your number is on a list, it is often sold and distributed among different criminal networks. It can also be the result of randomly dialed numbers hitting your line. It is not a sign that you have done anything wrong, but rather a reflection of the widespread nature of these criminal operations.

Is it rude to just hang up on someone?

It is not rude; it is safe and smart. Your safety and privacy are more important than the feelings of an unsolicited caller, especially one with criminal intent. Think of it this way: someone has entered your “home” via the phone line without an invitation and is trying to harm you. You have every right to remove them immediately without apology. Polite society rules do not apply to criminals trying to steal from you.

What is the “Grandparent Scam”?

The “Grandparent Scam” is a particularly cruel form of emotional manipulation. A scammer calls an older person and says something like, “Grandma? It’s me.” They wait for the person to respond with a grandchild’s name, like “David?” The scammer then pretends to be David. They will spin a story about being in trouble—a car accident, arrested for a DUI, or stuck in a foreign country—and desperately needing money sent immediately via wire transfer or gift cards. They will often add an element of secrecy, begging the grandparent not to tell their parents. The best defense is to hang up and immediately call your grandchild (or their parents) directly, using a phone number you know is real, to verify the story.