PHONE SCAMS

Stop phone scams before they stop you.

Phone scams affect people of all ages and backgrounds, and the criminals behind them are skilled at creating fear, urgency, and confusion. This page is designed to help you recognize phone scams, protect yourself, and know what to do if you’re targeted.

Why This Matters

Phone scams cost individuals and businesses billions of dollars every year. Beyond financial loss, victims often experience stress, embarrassment, and loss of trust. Scammers rely on deception and pressure, but knowledge and awareness are your strongest defenses.

If you understand how these scams work, you are far less likely to become a victim.

Common Phone Call Scam Tactics

The caller pretends to be someone official or trusted, such as:

  • A police officer or sheriff’s deputy

  • The IRS or another government agency

  • A bank or credit card company

  • A technology company like Microsoft or Apple

Important: Law enforcement and government agencies do not demand payment or personal information over the phone.

Scammers try to rush you so you don’t have time to think:

  • “You owe back taxes and will be arrested today.”

  • “You’ve won a prize, but you must act now.”

They may ask for:

  • Social Security numbers

  • Bank or credit card information

  • Account passwords or verification codes

This is a major red flag. Legitimate businesses and government agencies never ask for payment using gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.

Red Flags to Watch For

Be cautious if the caller:

  • Pressures you to act immediately
  • Refuses to provide written confirmation
  • Asks for payment in unusual ways
  • Has a caller ID that looks official but seems suspicious (caller ID can be spoofed)

If something feels “off,” trust your instincts.

How to Protect Yourself

Verify Before You Act

Hang up and call the organization directly using a verified, official phone number—not the number provided by the caller.

Never Share Personal Information

Only share sensitive information if you initiated the call and are certain who you are speaking with.

Hang Up & Report

If the call feels suspicious:

  • Hang up immediately
  • Do not engage further
  • Report the call to your local police department or appropriate agency

Enable Call Blocking

Use your phone’s built-in call-blocking features or a trusted spam-blocking app to reduce scam calls.

Real Scam Call Examples

Scammer: 'This is the Federal Reserve calling. We’ve detected suspicious activity on your bank account. You must verify your information immediately to avoid legal action.'
Scammer: 'Hi, this is John calling from your credit card company. Your card was breached. Please verify your name, SSN, and credit card number.'
Scammer: 'Hello, this is Michael from Microsoft Technical Support. Your Windows computer has detected multiple viruses.'
Robocall: 'Your auto warranty is about to expire. Press 1 to speak with a representative.'
Fake child voice: 'Grandma, I’ve been arrested overseas. I need bail money ASAP. Don’t tell Mom or Dad.'

What To Do If You’re Targeted

  • Do not send money or information!
  • Save the phone number and any messages
  • Report the incident to the Duck Police Department by contacting Detective John Gilreath at 252-261-1112 or via email at jgilreath@ducknc.gov.

Common Text Message Scam Tactics

Messages often claim:

  • “Your package couldn’t be delivered. Click here to reschedule.”

  • “Suspicious activity detected on your bank account.”

These links may lead to fake websites designed to steal your information or install malware.

Scammers may text claiming to be:

  • The IRS

  • A local police department or sheriff’s office

  • A court or toll authority

They may threaten fines, warrants, or license suspension if you don’t respond immediately.

Examples include:

  • “You’ve won a prize—confirm now.”

  • “You qualify for a government refund or relief payment.”

You may receive a message with a login or verification code you didn’t request. This can mean a scammer is trying to access one of your accounts.

Red Flags in Text Messages

Be cautious if the message:

  • Creates urgency or fear
  • Contains spelling or grammar errors
  • Uses shortened or unusual links
  • Asks you to reply with personal or financial information
  • Comes from an unknown or suspicious number

How to Protect Yourself from Text Scams

Do Not Click Links

If you weren’t expecting the message, don’t click the link.

Never Share Personal Information by Text

Legitimate organizations will not ask for:

  • Social Security numbers
  • Bank or credit card information
  • Passwords or one-time codes via text

Don’t Reply

Replying, even with “STOP”, can confirm your number is active and lead to more scam messages.

Block and Report

  • Block the number on your phone
  • Report scam texts to your mobile carrier
  • Report the incident to the Duck Police Department by contacting Detective John Gilreath at 252-261-1112 or via email at jgilreath@ducknc.gov.