Phone scams come in many forms, but they are easy to spot if you know what to look for.

Note: If your phone is listed on the National Do Not Call Registry it is illegal for a company to call you. If a company is already breaking the law, there is a good chance it’s a scam or it’s a company you don’t want to do business with anyway.

Phone Scam Warning Signs:

• The caller asks for money in order to claim a prize that you have supposedly won. If you have to pay in order to claim a prize, it’s not real.
• Threats of arrest. Local or federal law enforcement agencies will never call and threaten you.
• Requests to pay with a gift card.
• Requests to disclose sensitive information like your social security number or date of birth
• Offers that are only valid during the call. Most valid offers allow a period of time for you to make your decision.

What to do:

• Hang-up
• List your phone number on the National Do Not Call Registry at DoNotCall.gov or dial 1-888-382-1222 from the phone you want to register. It’s free.