Phone Safety Guide
Scammers can make their calls look like they come from anywhere. Here is how to protect yourself.
See our verification history
See when we reviewed the directory, which details changed, and which checks remain unresolved. Each dated summary includes a company-by-company report with official source links.
View verification logsCaller ID is easily faked
A technique called "spoofing" allows anyone to change what appears on your caller ID. Scammers frequently spoof numbers to make it look like your bank, utility company, or a government agency is calling you.
The Golden Rule: Hang Up and Call Back
When they call you
If someone calls asking for personal information, money, or account access—even if the caller ID says it is your bank—hang up immediately. Do not press any buttons.
When you call them
Look up a source-checked number using this directory, the back of your bank card, or your official bill. Dial the number yourself. This reduces the chance of calling an impersonator, but a phone number alone cannot prove who is on the line.
Red Flags of a Scam
- •Urgency or Threats: They claim your account is frozen, you owe a fine, or you will be arrested if you don't act immediately.
- •Specific Payment Methods: They ask for payment via gift cards (like Target or Apple), wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. These requests are strong warning signs—hang up and contact the company through an official route.
- •Asking for Codes: They ask you to read back a verification code sent to your phone. They are trying to log into your account.
Read the primary safety guidance
For current reporting and prevention guidance, read the government sources directly: