What to Do When You Get a Scam Call: A Quick Guide

Just a few days ago, my phone rang with an unknown number. I picked it up, and within seconds, I knew I was dealing with a scammer. But then I froze—what should I do next? Do I scold them? Should I shout? Maybe play along? Or just hang up? It’s a situation we’ve all faced, but how do you handle it effectively?

We've all heard the advice: "Don’t engage with scammers." But in the moment, when you know you're being targeted, it can be tempting to do just the opposite. Unfortunately, playing along or trying to outsmart the scammer can have unintended consequences.

Studies show that those who engage with scammers often end up on more scam call lists, sometimes as a form of retaliation.

Engaging with fraudsters or scammers significantly increases the risk of financial loss. Research shows that nearly half of the people targeted by scammers do not engage, but those who do are at a much higher risk of losing money. Specifically, if someone is exposed to a scam via social media, 91% of them engage, and 53% end up losing money. To reduce the chances of falling victim to a scam, it's important to be aware of common fraud tactics, seek advice from trusted individuals or organizations, and stay informed about the latest scams and how they operate. (Source - FINRA - https://www.finra.org/investors/insights/these-behaviors-make-you-scam-target)

The more you interact with scammers, the more they learn about you, increasing your risk of being targeted in more sophisticated ways.?

So, what should you do when you receive a scam call?

1. Keep Your Cool and Cut the Cord

When you realize it’s a scammer, don’t even bother engaging. Just hang up. Seriously, the best way to win this game is not to play at all. Scammers thrive on keeping you on the line—don’t give them that satisfaction.

2. Don’t Give Away the Goods

Whatever you do, don’t confirm or give out any information. Even saying something as simple as "Yes" or "No" can be risky.

E.g., when I received the call, the scammer put more emphasis on confirming if they had called the person they intended to call or of whose information they were holding. If you must respond, keep it vague or just stay silent.

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3. Report and Block

Once you’ve hung up, take a minute to report the number to your phone carrier or a scam-reporting agency like "Chakshu" in India, "Aman" in the UAE; And don’t forget to block the number—because who wants a repeat performance?

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4. Spread the Word

Scammers rely on people not knowing their tricks. So, the more you know—and the more you share with others—the better. Let your friends and family know what’s going on so they don’t fall into the same traps.

It was twice from my personal experience that I had to interrupt my family members to discontinue the conversation when they were on calls with strangers trying to manipulate them.

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5. Guard Your Number

How many times have you been asked to share your number, while billing at your favorite shopping store, or salon or even just to get entry to a building?

Be mindful of where you share your phone number. The fewer places it’s available, the less likely it’ll end up in the hands of scammers. A little privacy goes a long way.

Getting scam calls is annoying, no doubt about it. But with a little know-how, you can turn the tables on these scammers by not playing their game at all. The next time your phone rings with a suspicious number, you’ll be ready to tackle it like a pro—or better yet, avoid the hassle altogether.?

Remember, sometimes the best way to win is just to hang up! The next time you receive a suspicious call, you’ll know exactly what to do—and what not to do.