## Phone Scams: What They Are and How to Spot Them
Phone scams are one of the most common ways criminals try to steal money from seniors. Knowing what to look for is your best defense.
### Common Phone Scam Types
**The IRS Scam:** Someone calls claiming to be from the IRS (tax office) and says you owe money. They demand immediate payment by gift card or wire transfer. **The real IRS never calls you demanding immediate payment.**
**The Grandchild Scam:** A caller pretends to be your grandchild in trouble — arrested, in an accident, or stranded — and asks for money urgently. Always hang up and call your grandchild directly on a number you already know.
**The Lottery Scam:** You receive a call saying you won a prize, but you must pay a fee to claim it. Legitimate lotteries never ask you to pay to receive winnings.
**The Tech Support Scam:** Someone calls claiming your computer has a virus and they need remote access to fix it. Legitimate tech companies do not call you unsolicited.
### Warning Signs of a Scam Call
- They create **urgency** ("You must act NOW!")
- They ask for payment in **gift cards** or **wire transfer**
- They ask for your **Social Security number**
- They threaten **arrest or legal action**
- The caller ID shows a government agency
### What to Do
**Hang up immediately.** You do not owe politeness to a scammer. If you are unsure, hang up and call the organization back using a number from their official website.