Scam phone calls aren’t as commonplace as phishing emails because they can’t be automated to millions of customers in seconds.
But that human touch means that people can often let their guard down and reveal more than they should, possibly leading to ID theft or fraud.
In an effort to protect its customers from the potentially devastating consequences of engaging with a spam caller, Sky has provided six tips about how to deal with unsolicited calls. While Sky provided these for its customers, the advice is general enough that it can apply equally well to those with other networks such as Three, O2 and EE.
Tips for avoiding phone scams
The advice is mostly common sense, but it bears repeating.
- Firstly, Sky says you shouldn’t give your name or number when you answer the phone, because it gives scammers additional information to make their approaches sound more legitimate in the future.
- For the same reason, you shouldn’t give out any personal details. To check it’s really Sky calling you for personal information, you could ask to ring them back using the direct number on their website. This ensures you know you’re speaking to a Sky representative.
- You should test their knowledge of you, rather than providing information. “If they ask ‘What number is this?’ don’t tell them but ask ‘What number did you dial?’” Sky suggests.
- Sometimes you’ll answer a call and be left with dead air. In that instance, just hang up, Sky says. You should also do this if you’re asked to follow menu options from an unsolicited call too, the company says.
- While it’s intended for when you’re busy, Sky advises using voicemail to screen incoming calls, as — unlike legitimate businesses — most scam callers won’t leave a message and move on to the next person instead. However, you should “make sure your voicemail greeting doesn’t include your number or that you’re on holiday”.
- Finally, if you’re suspicious, Sky has a couple of suggestions as to how you can turn the tables on a scammer to make them feel paranoid. “Press a digit on your keypad so it sounds like you’re starting a call trace and speak as if someone else is in the room,” it suggests.
Of course, scammers will try to make telling them apart from real customer service operatives as difficult as possible. They’re even able to spoof legitimate numbers on your incoming call screen, so Sky has some telltale signs to look out for.
Other behaviours scammers use
Scammers may, for example, claim to have identified a problem on your computer, phone or tablet, and ask you to install software for them to help remotely. In actual fact, this will allow the scammer to lift passwords and banking details.
If they become agitated, rude or angry when you get them to confirm their identity, that’s a red flag too — real operatives would be happy to provide proof.
They may also use words like “suspicious” or “illegal activity” to scare you into acting without thinking.
“Don’t assume the call is authentic just because they use your name or some basic details,” Sky says. “Trust your instincts and stay in control. If it feels wrong then have the confidence to refuse requests. If you are feeling confused or overwhelmed, just end the call and call the genuine company later when you have had time to think about it.”
