A caller can sound familiar and still be an impostor. Caller ID can also be misleading. Do not try to decide whether audio is AI-generated while the caller is applying pressure. End the call and verify the claimed identity independently.
During the call
- Share nothing new. Do not confirm names, relationships, travel, account providers, addresses, or answers to security questions.
- Refuse money and codes. Banks and online services use one-time codes to protect access. Giving a code to a caller can let that person take over an account.
- Do not install anything. A caller asking you to install screen-sharing or remote-access software is asking for control of your device.
- End the call. You do not owe an unknown caller an explanation. Pressure, secrecy, threats, and instructions to stay on the line are reasons to disconnect.
- Call back safely. For a relative, use the number already saved in your contacts. For an organization, use its official app, statement, payment card, or independently typed website.
Use observations carefully
- A convincing voice: not proof of identity.
- Personal details: may come from public posts, stolen data, or earlier conversation.
- A local-looking number: not proof the caller is nearby or owns that number.
- A demand for secrecy: prevents the independent check that exposes many scams.
- A demand for an unusual payment: gift cards, cryptocurrency, cash pickup, and transfers can be difficult to reverse; do not proceed.
After the call
Write down the time, displayed number, claimed identity, exact request, and payment instructions. Preserve voicemail and screenshots. Block the number after saving useful evidence, then report it through your phone provider or the relevant official organization. If the caller claimed to be a family member, tell the family so others are prepared.
If you disclosed information, approved a payment, or installed software, do not wait for certainty. Follow the response checklist using a different trusted device if you suspect yours is remotely controlled.