How do I recognize fake tech support calls?

Real companies like Microsoft or Apple never call customers unprompted. If someone claims your computer is infected and asks for remote access, hang up immediately.

Can I get my money back after a phone scam?

If you shared bank details, contact your bank immediately to freeze your card. For wire transfers, recovery is harder but possible if you act within 24–48 hours.

Complete Guide

Phone Scam : The Complete Guide 2026

Phone scams are up 40% in 2026. This guide helps you recognize fraud, protect your data, and react if you are targeted.

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Top 10 phone scams worldwide

1. Fake tech support

A caller pretends to be from Microsoft, Apple, or your ISP. They claim your computer is infected and ask you to install remote-access software. No legitimate company contacts customers this way.

2. Bank fraud (vishing)

A call spoofing your bank's number. The fraudster quotes personal details and asks for a verification code or transfer to a 'secure account'.

3. Fake tax collection

A fake tax agent threatens seizure if you do not pay a fictional debt immediately. Real tax authorities never demand payment over the phone.

4. Fake bailiff

A fake bailiff announces immediate seizure and demands payment by credit card over the phone.

5. Prize or lottery scam

You have 'won' a trip, iPhone, or cash. To claim your prize, you must pay processing fees upfront.

6. SIM swap fraud

The fraudster obtains a duplicate of your SIM card and intercepts your banking SMS verification codes.

7. Energy supplier scam

A caller impersonates your energy provider and tricks you into signing a much more expensive contract.

8. Fake delivery / package

An SMS or call announces a package awaiting delivery. A fraudulent link steals your bank details under the guise of delivery fees.

9. Aggressive telemarketing

Call centers push solar panels, insurance, or loans with misleading offers and hidden clauses.

10. Romance scam (catfishing)

Started on a dating site, the relationship moves to phone. The suitor asks for money for a plane ticket or medical emergency.

Warning signs — The anti-scam checklist

Artificial urgency: "You must act now or your account will be suspended"

Requests for sensitive info: bank codes, passwords, SMS verification codes

Unusual payment methods: gift cards, crypto, Western Union transfers

Premium-rate numbers (089, 118) or unexpected international prefixes

Too-good-to-be-true promises: "You won without entering"

Threats: police, court, bailiff, seizure

Premium-rate numbers — The hidden trap

Prefix	Rate	Usage
0800 / 800	Free	Customer service, public services
0820 / 844	Low rate	Commercial services
0890 / 900	High rate	Contests, games
0899	Very high rate	Premium services
118	Directory assistance	Information services

How to protect yourself

Never give in to pressure

A legitimate organization never threatens immediate sanctions. Take time to verify.

Never share codes

Your bank, carrier, or police will never ask for your confidential code or SMS verification code.

Verify before paying

No administration asks for payment via gift cards, crypto, or Western Union.

Check on Clairmo

Before calling back an unknown number, check if it has been reported by the community.

What to do if you are a victim

Follow these steps immediately:

Contact your bank immediately to freeze your card
Block the number on your phone
Report the number on Clairmo to help the community
File a report with your national fraud center
In case of financial loss, file a police report
Change all your passwords if you shared any

Phone scams — Frequently asked questions

Scammers use premium-rate prefixes like 089 (France), 900 (US), 09 (UK), and 118 (international directory). Any unexpected call from these prefixes should be treated with extreme caution.

Protect yourself now

Check instantly if a number has been reported. Do not fall into the trap.

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