on April 23, 2025, 1:32 pm
Scammers in Europe frequently use phone calls and messages to trick people into handing over money or personal information. They may impersonate legitimate organizations like Europol or OLAF, or use tactics like Wangiri (calling and then hanging up to trick you into calling back a premium-rate number). It's important to be aware of these scams and take steps to protect yourself.
Warning Signs of Phone Scams:
Impersonation: Scammers may claim to be from organizations like Europol or OLAF, or impersonate other legitimate entities.
Accusations and Threats: They may accuse you of a crime or threaten you with legal action if you don't cooperate.
Requests for Money or Personal Information: Scammers will often ask for money, bank account details, or other personal information.
High-Pressure Tactics: They may use urgency or fear tactics to pressure you into acting quickly.
Requests to Download Apps or Files: They may ask you to download apps or files from the internet.
Unusual or Suspicious Calls: Be wary of missed calls from unknown numbers, especially if they ring only once (Wangiri).
Calls at Unusual Hours: Scammers may call at night or during off-work hours to reduce the chances of a legitimate call.
What to Do if You Receive a Suspicious Call:
Don't Call Back:
If you get a missed call from an unknown number, especially one that appears to be international, don't call back.
Verify the Caller's Identity:
If you're unsure about the legitimacy of a call, verify it with the organization or company they claim to be from.
Don't Share Information:
Refuse to share any personal or financial information unless you are absolutely certain the caller is legitimate.
Report the Scam:
If you believe you have been targeted by a scam, report it to your local police or the relevant consumer protection agency.
Examples of Scams:
Fake Police Officer Scams:
Scammers pretend to be police officers and accuse you of a crime, asking for money to avoid legal consequences.
Investment Scams:
They offer lucrative investment opportunities that turn out to be fraudulent.
Romance Scams:
Scammers build relationships with people online, then ask for money, often claiming they need funds for travel or other emergencies.
Package Scams:
Scammers pretend to be from a delivery company and ask you to pay a fictitious charge to receive a package.
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