Scammers follow a script, and knowing the lines helps you spot the trap.
Phone scams thrive on pressure, fear, and manipulation. The callers often sound confident, professional, and even kind, but behind the act is a set of predictable phrases designed to make you panic or hand over personal information. These lines aren’t random—they’re crafted to push you into quick decisions.
Recognizing them is the first step to staying safe. Here are thirteen common things scammers almost always say when you pick up the phone.
1. “This is the IRS, and you owe money.”
Scammers love pretending to be government officials because it instantly creates fear. They’ll claim you owe taxes, threaten legal action, or suggest agents are already on the way. The goal is to shock you before you question the call.
The IRS doesn’t call people out of the blue demanding payment. If someone insists on immediate action, especially with threats, it’s a scam. Fear is their weapon, and panic is their leverage.
2. “There’s a problem with your bank account.”
This line is designed to make you worry about your money. The caller might say suspicious charges were detected, or that your account is frozen until you verify information. It feels urgent, so you’re more likely to respond without thinking.
Banks don’t ask for sensitive information over random calls. If you hear this, hang up and call your bank directly. Scammers thrive on catching you before you verify.
3. “You’ve won a prize, but need to pay fees first.”
A common hook is promising lottery winnings, gift cards, or expensive prizes. The catch always comes when they say you must pay a processing fee or provide personal details before claiming it.
Legitimate prizes don’t require upfront payments. The scam works because excitement lowers your guard. Once you agree, you’ve given them exactly what they want—money or access to your identity.
4. “We’re calling about your car’s extended warranty.”
This one has become a running joke, but scammers still use it because people respond. They’ll claim your warranty is expiring and pressure you into renewing right away.
The caller may even know your car model, which feels convincing. But real companies won’t demand instant decisions. If the call feels rushed or scripted, it’s a scammer reading off a playbook.
5. “Your Social Security number has been suspended.”
Hearing that your Social Security number is compromised can spark instant anxiety. Scammers use this phrase to make you fear losing access to benefits or facing legal consequences.
In reality, Social Security numbers aren’t “suspended.” The phrase is pure scare tactic. Once you panic, the caller will push for your full number or payment to “restore” it, which is their real goal.
6. “This is Microsoft, and your computer is infected.”
Tech support scams start with claims that your computer has a virus or security breach. They’ll pressure you into downloading software or giving them remote access.
That’s the moment they install malware or steal files. Big tech companies don’t cold-call about problems. If a stranger insists on fixing your device, it’s a scam designed to make you open the door.
7. “We noticed unusual activity on your credit card.”
Scammers know that anything tied to credit cards makes people nervous. They’ll say your card was used for large or foreign purchases, then ask you to confirm details.
It feels protective, but it’s really fishing for your information. Actual card companies send secure alerts or ask you to log in directly. If a caller presses you for details, it’s time to hang up.
8. “You must act immediately or face legal action.”
Urgency is one of the strongest tools scammers use. They’ll threaten lawsuits, arrests, or frozen accounts if you don’t comply right away. That urgency keeps you from thinking clearly.
Legitimate organizations give you time and send official notices. Anyone who insists you have only minutes to act is trying to force a mistake. Calm, steady processes don’t sound like threats.
9. “You can pay with gift cards to settle this.”
The request for gift cards is a giant red flag. Scammers claim it’s the fastest way to resolve debt, fees, or overdue bills. They’ll even guide you step by step through buying and reading the numbers aloud.
No legitimate business or government agency asks for payment in gift cards. The moment a caller suggests this, you know they’re a scammer looking for easy cash.
10. “We need to verify your identity.”
Scammers often pose as official organizations and say they need to confirm details like your birthday, address, or account number. The framing makes it sound routine.
But once you share, you’ve handed them the keys to impersonate you. Real companies won’t cold-call for sensitive details. If someone asks you to “verify” without you initiating contact, it’s an attempt to steal.
11. “This is a limited-time offer you can’t miss.”
Scarcity makes people act fast, and scammers know it. They’ll insist that the opportunity expires within hours, hoping you’ll commit before you think it through.
The limited-time pitch is designed to silence hesitation. But any deal worth having will still be there later. If a caller pressures you with disappearing offers, they’re selling lies, not opportunities.
12. “You owe on a payday loan or past debt.”
Another tactic is dredging up debts, real or imaginary. The caller insists you owe money and must pay now to avoid lawsuits or wage garnishment.
Even if you once had debt, real collectors send written notices first. Scammers count on your fear or embarrassment to override caution. They’re not collecting—they’re inventing.
13. “We can lower your interest rates.”
This one sounds like a friendly financial break. The scammer claims to represent a lender or credit card company offering to slash your interest. To proceed, they just need your card details.
The pitch feels helpful, but the outcome is theft. Real financial institutions already have your information and won’t call to ask for it again. Scammers use the promise of savings to mask their intent.