Phone scammers can cause serious harm by tricking people into revealing sensitive financial details, leading to unauthorized charges and theft. A recent case involved a 4 Rivers employee who received a call from a scammer trying to access their Verizon account while also attempting to log in online. The scammer pretended to be a legitimate representative and asked the employee to verify account access through a text message.

Even though the employee was used to receiving verification codes due to multi-factor authentication (MFA), the scammer's message contained a link to "Allow" or "Deny" a password change, which was a major red flag. This example illustrates how scammers use various tactics, including spoofing phone numbers to look like they are from legitimate sources, to deceive individuals.

Scammers can target any type of account—whether it’s Verizon, Amazon, eBay, or even social media platforms like Facebook. The key is to remain vigilant when dealing with calls from unknown or unexpected numbers. Always be cautious about sharing personal information or access credentials.

Since scammers often use spoofed numbers, simply blocking them may not always work. Instead, verify any suspicious requests through official channels. For instance, if you get a call claiming to be from Verizon, hang up and contact Verizon directly using the contact information from their official website.

To protect yourself, always verify the legitimacy of unsolicited calls, handle personal information carefully, and report any suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities. Staying alert can help you safeguard your accounts and personal details from potential scams.