Phone scams are still a popular way for criminals to steal money or even identities from unsuspecting Americans. According to a survey by TrueCaller, approximately 27 million Americans (11% of the adult population) were victimized by phone scams in 2015. Total losses to phone scams in that year were $7.4 billion, or an average loss of nearly $274 per victim.

Criminals are usually one step ahead of the police and other entities protecting everyday citizens. This might be true; however, the advent of the internet has made it possible for law enforcement to crack down on perpetrators much quicker than ever before.

To keep yourself and your parents and loved ones protected from scammers here is a quick list of the recent scams pulled on unsuspecting victims.

Publishers Clearing House Prize Scam

Publishers Clearing House is once again a popular way to deceive people. Scammers will call victims claiming they’ve won the sweepstakes. To collect the prize, the “winners” need to send money to pay for various processing fees and taxes.  

Scammers like to request money via Western Union, MoneyGram, or a prepaid gift card because it’s nearly impossible to trace that money. Victims will almost never get that money back either.

Paying to collect a prize is ALWAYS a scam.

Make-A-Wish Charity Scam

Imposters claiming to be with the Federal Trade Commission, or the fictitious “Consumer Protection Agency,” are calling to inform people about the Make-a-Wish Foundation prize they’ve just won. To claim the money, “winners” must first pay thousands of dollars to cover taxes or insurance on the prize. The call will also originate from a 202 (Washington, DC) area code. The headquarters for the FTC is in DC.

To avoid being duped by a phone scammer, it’s always best to ask yourself the most basic and obvious questions. In this case, why would a charity dedicated to helping sick children hold a contest to give away money? Why would the FTC be calling to inform you of your “win” instead of the Make-a-Wish Foundation? Once again, anyone calling and asking for money is a scammer.

Office Supplies & Utility Scams

This scam focuses on small businesses or people who do a bulk of their shopping online. Scammers will call people demanding money for supplies or goods that someone from the phone number ordered. Sometimes they’ll even go as far as sending boxes containing unordered merchandise. If you’re a target in this type of scam, contact the FTC immediately and return the package to the post office.

Scammers will also call claiming to be from a utility company and claim services will get (be?) cut off if “past unpaid bills” aren’t rectified. The only way to make the “payment” is by wiring the money or a prepaid card. Again, no real business or utility company works in this way.

Scams Targeting Veterans

This scam preys specifically on veterans. The Veterans Choice Program (VCP) is an initiative of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that allows certain eligible vets to use approved health care providers outside of the VA system. To verify eligibility, veterans must call the VCP’s toll-free number.  

Scammers have set up a fake telephone line that closely resembles the VCP’s real telephone number. They’re using the number to create confusion for unsuspecting vets by leaving the number in their voicemail and telling the former military employee that they are entitled to a rebate if they provide a credit card number. There is no rebate.

iTunes Card Scam

The last, and most ridiculous, of the scams involve payment with iTunes cards. Scammers will call and demand iTunes cards as payment for back taxes or a list of other fake reasons. These faux IRS agents tell people the police will come to arrest them unless they purchase an iTunes card and tell them the code over the phone. This scam was reported, but callers will claim grandchildren are in jail, and iTunes cards can be used instead of bail.

The only place iTunes cards work is on iTunes. No organization will ask for a gift card in exchange for a service. Just like the scams asking for money, these are ALWAYS a lie.

What To Do If You’ve Been Scammed

If you or a loved one were scammed out of money, gift cards or an identity, contact the FTC immediately. Go through their website https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/ or file a complaint https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/.