what to do if someone calls with your info stating they are a lawyer and its a scam

How to know if a lawyer is a scam?

Try to Google the lawyer’s name or look up the law firm he/she represents. This will give you an indicator as to the reliability of the firm or individual. Do this research before you sign a contract with a lawyer or entrust them with your money. If the lawyer has had a history of scams, you will find out soon enough.

What to do if someone is Calling you about a lawyer?

If unknown people start calling you and claiming they’re affiliated with the lawyer, make sure to double-check. Do your research and analyze everyone calling or emailing you. Check out their email, phone number, law firm and more. Make sure the information adds up. Usually scammers act aggressive and pushy when they’re trying to get your money.

What should I do if I receive a scam phone call?

Scammers often use these tricks to identify and target live respondents. If you receive a scam call, write down the number and file a complaint with the FCC so it can help identify the scammer and take the appropriate action to help consumers targeted by illegal callers. Ask your phone service provider if it offers a robocall blocking service.

How do scammers get information about you?

Scammers use the regular mail, telephone, or email to set up individuals, businesses, payroll and tax professionals. The IRS doesn't initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text messages or social media channels to request personal or financial information.

Can you get scammed by answering a phone call?

If you answer the call, your number is considered 'good' by the scammers, even if you don't necessarily fall for the scam. They will try again because they know someone on the other side is a potential victim of fraud. The less you answer, the fewer robocalls you will receive.

Can someone steal your information by answering a call?

ID Theft Resources. If you receive a phone call with just silence on the other end of the line, there's a chance it could be part of a scam to collect information about you to attempt to steal your identity.

Why do I keep getting phone calls about legal action?

The BBB says scammers are mainly targeting the elderly - taking not just money, but also their personal information. Scammers on the phone are telling people they are being sued and need to respond with the proper information for legal action to be taken.

What do I do if I answered yes to a phone scammer?

If you fear that you may have answered with a yes, it does not necessarily mean that you will be hacked or scammed. But, pay attention to old charges on phone bills, credit card and bank statements, and dispute these immediately.

What information can a scammer get from my phone?

Scammers use auto-dialers and spoofed area codes to trick people into picking up the phone. From there, it's a numbers game. The scammers want to get as much personal information from the call recipient as possible. That can include anything from names and birth dates to credit card numbers.

What information does a scammer need?

Much like a Social Security number, a thief only needs your name and credit card number to go on a spending spree. Many merchants, particularly online, also ask for your credit card expiration date and security code. But not all do, which opens an opportunity for the thief.

What happens if you call back a scammer?

“It's the concept that people think may have missed an important call.” At the very least, answering the phone or calling back makes you vulnerable to future scams, says Eva Velasquez, CEO and president of Identity Theft Resource Center.

How do I report a scammer?

ReportFraud.ftc.gov is the federal government's website where you can report fraud, scams, and bad business practices. Visit consumer.ftc.gov to find tips and learn how to avoid scams.

What area codes should you not answer?

Unless you know that a call is legitimate, it's best to avoid calls from the following international area codes with a +1-country code:232: Sierra Leone.242: Bahamas.246: Barbados.284: British Virgin Islands.268: Antigua and Barbuda.345: Cayman Islands.441: Bermuda.473: Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.More items...•

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