Phone and Text Scams: How to Verify Caller Claims

Why verification matters

Phone and text scams (voice phishing or “vishing,” and SMS phishing or “smishing”) are a leading vehicle for identity theft and financial loss. Scammers use spoofed caller IDs, automated robocalls, urgent threats, and convincing scripts to pressure targets into sending money or revealing account logins. According to consumer protection agencies, fraud from phone and text channels continues to cost Americans significant sums and generate large volumes of complaints each year (FTC; CFPB). Protecting yourself depends less on hoping calls are legitimate and more on learning reliable verification steps you can apply every time.

Common scam tactics to recognize

• Spoofed numbers: the displayed phone number matches a real company or local area code. Do not trust caller ID alone (FCC guidance on spoofing).
• Urgency and threats: “Pay now or be arrested,” “Your account will be closed,” or “Immediate action required.” Scammers use fear to prevent verification.
• Requests for remote access: asking you to install software or grant remote-control access to your device.
• Payment by unusual methods: gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or reloadable cards—these are red flags.
• Links in texts asking for login or verification: these often lead to fraudulent pages designed to capture credentials.

Quick verification checklist (use this every time)

1. Stop and don’t give information. Never provide Social Security numbers, account passwords, or one-time codes to an unsolicited caller or text.
2. Hang up. If the call or text claims to be from a company, call back using an official phone number from the company’s website, your account statement, or a trusted directory—never the number supplied by the caller.
3. Search official sources. Verify claims on the company’s official site, government agency pages (IRS.gov, FTC.gov), or authoritative consumer sites.
4. Check for scams online. Search the company name plus the phrase “scam” or the text you received; many scams leave a trail of complaints and warnings.
5. Use account portals. Log in to the official website or mobile app of the institution (bank, government agency) to check for alerts—do not click links in the suspicious message.
6. Record details. Note the time, number (even if spoofed), script details, and any payment method requested—this helps reporting and recovery.

Step-by-step scripts you can use

• If you get a threatening call: “I don’t give personal information on unsolicited calls. Please send any notice by mail or I will call you back at the official number listed on your website.”
• For an account problem claim: “I’ll verify this directly. Please hold while I find your number on your official website.” Then hang up and call the official number.
• For a text link: Do not click. Reply: “Please provide the official company phone number or email so I can verify this through your website.” (Often scammers will not supply a reasonable response.)

Verifying specific common scenarios

• IRS impersonation calls: The IRS will not call demanding immediate payment or threaten arrest; most legitimate IRS first contacts are by mail. If you’re told you owe taxes, hang up and visit IRS.gov or call the IRS at the number shown on the official site. (IRS guidance: https://www.irs.gov)
• Bank or credit card alerts: Go to your bank’s official website or app and check messages; call the customer service number on the back of your card—not the number in the text/call. (CFPB resources on contacting financial institutions: https://www.consumerfinance.gov)
• Tech support calls: If someone claims your computer has a virus, don’t grant remote access. Instead, run antivirus scans and contact your device maker or legitimate IT support using published contact info.

Tech tools and settings that help

• Block and report spam calls and texts: Use your phone’s built-in spam filter and third-party apps that maintain scam-number databases. Many carriers offer free call-blocking tools.
• Use STIR/SHAKEN protection: Carriers are rolling out caller authentication that helps reduce spoofed numbers; check with your provider for options.
• Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA): Prefer app-based or hardware security keys over SMS-based 2FA when possible to limit damage if a number is compromised.
• Register with Do Not Call lists and enable carrier spam protection—but know scammers still reach numbers despite these measures.

Special considerations for seniors and small businesses

• Seniors: Scammers target seniors with impersonation of government agencies or family-in-need stories. Encourage using a verification buddy—a trusted family member or advisor—before acting on unusual calls. AARP provides guidance tailored to older adults (https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/).
• Small businesses: Verify vendor or payroll-change requests by contacting known vendors using pre-established contact data. Require written change requests and dual approvals for payment changes.

What to do immediately if you shared information or money

1. Contact your bank or card issuer right away to report fraud—ask for reversals or holds where possible.
2. Place a fraud alert or consider a credit freeze with the three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) to stop new accounts from being opened in your name.
3. Change passwords and 2FA methods for affected accounts; monitor email and financial accounts for unauthorized activity.
4. Report the scam to the FTC at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov and to your state attorney general. If it involved the IRS impersonation, report it at IRS.gov. Reporting preserves possible recovery and helps agencies track trends.

Reporting and recovery resources

• Federal Trade Commission (FTC): reportfraud.ftc.gov — file a complaint and get recovery resources. (FTC: https://www.ftc.gov)
• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB): resources for bank or credit issues and complaints. (CFPB: https://www.consumerfinance.gov)
• IRS impersonation and tax-related scams: guidance and reporting at IRS.gov. (IRS: https://www.irs.gov)
• Federal Communications Commission (FCC): information on spoofing and robocall rules. (FCC: https://www.fcc.gov)

Also see these related guides on FinHelp for step-by-step help and documentation templates:

• How to Spot a Financial Scam: Red Flags and Immediate Actions — https://finhelp.io/glossary/how-to-spot-a-financial-scam-red-flags-and-immediate-actions/
• Reporting Scams: A Step-by-Step Guide to Government Portals — https://finhelp.io/glossary/reporting-scams-a-step-by-step-guide-to-government-portals/
• Recognizing Scam Notices vs. Genuine IRS Correspondence — https://finhelp.io/glossary/recognizing-scam-notices-vs-genuine-irs-correspondence/

Practical verification policy you can adopt (one-page)

• Never provide personal identifying information or one-time passcodes to unsolicited callers or texts.
• Require independent verification for any payment or account-change request: call a published number, check official portals, and document the verification.
• Use written confirmation for any large transfer and a second reviewer for payments over a preset threshold.

Closing guidance and disclaimer

Verifying caller claims takes a few extra minutes but often prevents major losses. When in doubt, hang up, verify using official channels, and report suspicious activity. These recommendations are educational and based on consumer-protection best practices; they do not replace personalized legal or financial advice. For complex or high-loss situations consult a licensed attorney or financial professional.

Sources and helpful links

• Federal Trade Commission (FTC): https://www.ftc.gov
• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB): https://www.consumerfinance.gov
• Internal Revenue Service (IRS): https://www.irs.gov
• Federal Communications Commission (FCC): https://www.fcc.gov

Author note: Over 15 years advising individuals and small businesses on fraud prevention has shown that a consistent verification routine—hang up, look up, confirm, document—stops most scams before they start. Apply the checklist above as a habit and review account settings monthly to keep protections current.