Receiving a call from an unknown number may seem harmless, but it could be the start a scam. Criminals are using increasingly sophisticated tactics to deceive you into revealing personal information or making payments. Here are three tips to protect yourself from unknown callers.

Let it ring. The easiest thing to do is not answer the call. If it is important, the caller will leave a message or call back again.

Let the caller speak first. Most scammers use an auto dialer – an automated system that calls a bunch of random numbers at the same time and connects to a live person when someone answers the phone. That brief pause or delay before the caller speaks is a red flag that the call could be a scam.

Block suspicious calls. Check with your service provider to learn about options to block spam and scam calls.

Be a fraud fighter! If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam. 

Need a scam prevention speaker for your group? Click the link to fill out our online form or send an email to me@aarp.org.

Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork