Tech Talk: Scam Phone Calls

November 1, 2026
Tech Talk_ SCAM PHONE
You can’t depend on technology to protect you from scam calls.  You are the best defense.

By Jarren Ringle

“Hiya” is trusted by global businesses, carriers, and consumers to provide secure, engaging connections and stop unwanted calls.  Hiya’s 2024 State of the Call report reveals that 28% of unknown calls were scams or fraud and that 16% of consumers fell victim to phone scams in 2023, costing scammed consumers nearly $2,300 on average.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has made scam phone calls, emails, and text messages more convincing.  Generative AI can make grammar and dialect flawless.  In fact, AI can now even mimic your voice or your loved ones’ voices.  That phone call from your grandchild asking for help may be a scammer.

You can’t depend on technology to protect you from scam calls.  You are the best defense.

The Federal Communications Commission lists the following ways to stop unwanted robocalls and avoid phone scams:

  • Don’t answer calls from unknown numbers. If you answer such a call, hang up immediately.
  • Beware of unknown “local” numbers. You may not be able to tell right away if an incoming call is spoofed. Be aware: Caller ID showing a “local” number does not necessarily mean it is a local caller.
  • Do not follow prompts to press buttons. If you get a call asking you to press a button to stop future calls, hang up. Scammers often use this trick to identify potential targets.
  • Do not respond to any questions, especially if they can be answered with “Yes.”
  • Never give out personal information such as account numbers, Social Security numbers, mother’s maiden names, passwords, or other identifying information in response to unexpected calls or if you are at all suspicious.
  • Verify the caller’s identity. If someone claims to represent a company or government agency, hang up and verify their request by calling the number on your account statement, in the phone book, or on the official website. Legitimate organizations usually send a written statement before calling, especially if they request payment.
  • Use caution if you are being pressured to provide information immediately.
  • Set a password for your voicemail account. If your phone service includes voicemail, it’s important to set a password for it. Some voicemail services are configured to allow access if you call from your own phone number. However, a hacker could spoof your home phone number and gain access to your voicemail if you don’t have a password set.

I can make it simpler.  It sounds drastic, but don’t answer your phone.  If the number is unknown or questionable, let it go to voicemail, then decide whether to return the call.  Your friends, loved ones, doctors, etc., will leave a message.  Scammers very seldom do!

Be safe out there!

Jarren Ringle is a SourcePoint member and volunteer instructor. SourcePointers come to Jarren for help with their tablets, laptops, and the most popular of all devices, cell phones. He teaches various technology classes throughout the year, including one-on-one sessions and group classes. Jarren also volunteers at the Delaware County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. With many years of project management experience in various technology fields, he enjoys helping others with technology.

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