Phone Scam — Recognize and Avoid Fraud Calls
Phone scams are rising worldwide. Learn the warning signs, protect your personal data, and discover what to do if you suspect a fraudulent call.
Most common phone scams
Fake tech support
A caller claims to be from Microsoft, Apple, or your internet provider, saying your computer is infected. They ask you to install remote-access software. No legitimate company calls customers this way.
Bank fraud (vishing)
The caller spoofs your bank's phone number, quotes personal details, and asks for a verification code or transfer to a 'secure account'. Banks never ask for codes over the phone.
Tax or government impersonation
A fake IRS, HMRC, or tax office agent threatens arrest or seizure unless you pay immediately. Real tax authorities communicate by mail first.
Prize or lottery scams
You have 'won' a prize, trip, or inheritance. To claim it, you must pay fees or taxes upfront. If you did not enter, you did not win.
SIM swap fraud
The scammer convinces your carrier to transfer your phone number to a new SIM card. They then intercept your SMS verification codes and access your bank accounts.
Warning signs — the scam checklist
How to protect yourself
Never give in to pressure
Legitimate organizations never threaten immediate sanctions. Take time to verify the caller independently.
Never share codes
Your bank, carrier, or the police will never ask for your password or SMS verification code over the phone.
Verify before calling back
If you miss a call from an unknown number, check it on Clairmo before calling back. Avoid premium-rate traps.
Use spam blockers
Apps like Hiya, Truecaller, or your phone's built-in spam filter can automatically block known scam numbers.
Phone scam — Frequently asked questions
Red flags include: urgency ('act now or your account will be closed'), requests for sensitive information (passwords, PINs, verification codes), payment via gift cards or crypto, and calls from premium-rate numbers.
Hang up immediately. Do not press any buttons or provide information. If you shared financial details, contact your bank right away. Report the number on Clairmo to help others.
Premium-rate numbers (often starting with 089 in France, 900 in the US, or 09 in the UK) charge high per-minute fees. Scammers use 'ping calls' to trick you into calling them back.
No, simply answering a call cannot steal your data. The danger comes from what you say or do during the call (giving passwords, installing software, or visiting malicious links).
You can report it on Clairmo, your national fraud reporting service (e.g., FTC in the US, Action Fraud in the UK), or your phone carrier's spam-reporting tool.
Protect yourself now
Check if a number has been reported by our community before you call back.
Check a number now