What is the difference between legit call and scam call? We get calls from the companies we associate with every day, from banks to our favorite stores. But sometimes, we get calls from people claiming to be from these companies that are actually just trying to scam us. People lurk in the shadows with some very convincing arguments, but if we know what to listen for, it’s easy to tell when someone’s trying to scam us.
Here’s how you can tell the difference between legit call and scam call. Let’s discuss the fact.
The Demeanor
A scammer will often be very pushy, trying to get you to act quickly without thinking. They might also be evasive when you try to ask questions, or they may give you a fake name and number. On the other hand, a legitimate caller from a company will usually be happy to answer any questions you have.
There is usually a level of professionalism to a legitimate call that you can pick up on. The caller will have a script they are following, but they should also be able to deviate from it if needed. A scammer, on the other hand, may not be as polished and might not be able to answer your questions satisfactorily. A scammer may also get flustered or angry if the call isn’t going the way they want it to.
The Request
When a legitimate company calls, they will usually have a specific reason for doing so. They might be trying to sell you something, but more often, they are calling for customer service reasons. They might need to verify your account information, or they may be trying to collect a debt.
Scammers, on the other hand, will often have a vague reason for calling. They might say they are from a “security department” or a “government agency,” but they will never give you a specific name. They might also claim to be from a charity or a sweepstakes company, but again, they will be very vague about it.
When a legitimate caller asks you for personal information, they will usually already have some of your information on hand. They might need to verify your address or your date of birth, but they will usually have at least some of your information before they even start the call. A scammer, on the other hand, will often ask you for personal information that they should already have. They might try to get your social security number or your bank account information.
Keep in mind that someone having some of your information on hand is no guarantee that they are legitimate. Scammers can easily find information like your address and date of birth online. Be vigilant regardless of how much information the caller already has.
The Pressure
A legitimate caller will never try to pressure you into doing something. They might try to sell you something, but they will never try to force you into it. They will give you time to think about it, and they will be happy to answer any questions you have.
Of particular concern is when a caller tries to get you to do something you don’t want to do during that very call. For example, they might try to get you to give them your credit card information over the phone, or they might ask you to wire them money. These are both huge red flags that you are dealing with a scammer.
If something like this happens, forcibly end the call and use something like a reverse phone lookup to see if you can find out who the caller really is. More often than not, you’ll find that the number belongs to a scammer.
It’s always better to report a scam call to the authorities rather than just let it go. In many cases, they might be able to track down the people responsible and put a stop to it.
Conclusion
Hope now you know, what is the difference between legit call and scam call. Phone scams are just one of the ways criminals try to steal your money. Be vigilant and don’t let them get away with it. Always be aware of who you are talking to and never give out personal information to someone you don’t know. If you think you might be talking to a scammer, hang up the phone and report it to the authorities.
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