SCARS Institute’s Encyclopedia of Scams™ Published Continuously for 25 Years
Robocalls Are Something Everyone With A Phone Hates – Interrupting You Almost 24 Hours A Day!
What’s A Robocall?
Robocalls are automated calls that use a recording instead of a live person. If the robocall is trying to sell you something, chances are it’s an illegal robocall. Many are also scams. Here are some examples of illegal robocalls.
Robocall Scams
Robocall scams are a major problem in the United States. In 2021, Americans received an average of 25 robocalls per month, and billions of dollars were lost to these scams.
Robocall scams can take many different forms, but they all have one thing in common: they are designed to trick you into giving up your personal information or money. Some common robocall scams include:
- Imposter Scams: These scams involve someone calling you pretending to be from a legitimate company, such as the IRS or your bank. They may say that you owe money or that your account has been compromised. If you give them your personal information, they can use it to steal your identity or commit fraud.
- Tech Support Scams: These scams involve someone calling you claiming to be from a tech company, such as Microsoft or Apple. They may say that your computer has a virus or that your software is out of date. If you give them remote access to your computer, they can install malware or steal your personal information.
- Sweepstakes and Lottery Scams: These scams involve someone calling you claiming that you have won a prize. They may ask you to pay a fee to claim your prize, but the prize is actually non-existent.
- Extended Warranty Scams: Almost everyone in the U.S. that has a car or truck has received a robocall offering extended warranties. Most are scams, and all are illegal.
If you receive a robocall, it is important to be very cautious. Do not give out any personal information, and do not click on any links in any message or follow them in any voicemail. If you are unsure whether a call is legitimate, hang up and call the company back directly using the number on their website.
Robocall Examples:
Auto warranty scam
Here’s an example of an auto warranty robocall scam. The scammer wants you to think that you must extend your manufacturer’s auto warranty, but it’s not true. It’s a scam to get you to pay. If you get this call, don’t press any numbers. Simply hang up or delete the message.
Amazon Suspicious Charge Scam
Here’s an example of a business impersonator robocall pretending to be from Amazon. The scammer wants you to think there are suspicious charges to your account, but it’s not true. It’s a scam. If you get a call like this, don’t press any numbers. Simply hang up or delete the message. If you’re ever worried about potential charges on your Amazon account, log into your Amazon account or call Amazon customer support using a number you know is real.
Social Security Administration Scam
In this example of a scammer pretending to be from the Social Security Administration (SSA), the scammer is trying to get your attention by saying there’s a law enforcement action against you, but it’s not true. It’s a scam. If you get a call like this, don’t press any numbers. Simply hang up or delete the message. If you’re ever worried about a problem with your account, call the SSA field office closest to you. Find their contact information at ssa.gov/locator/.
Apple Tech Support Scam
Here’s an example of a robocall from a scammer pretending to be from Apple tech support. It’s not Apple calling — it’s a scammer. Hang up if you get a call like this.
Before using any devices or going online, please contact Apple Support Advisor. Press 1 to connect to Apple Support Advisor. Press 2 to listen to this again. Thank you.
Utility Company Impersonator Scam
Here’s an example of a scammer calling, pretending to be your utility company, and offering you a rebate. But there’s no rebate — it’s a scam. Hang up if you get a call like this. If you ever need to reach your utility company, call directly using a number you know is real.
Hello. This is an apology call from your electric utility. You got overcharged by your third party supplier. You will be receiving a rebate check along with a 30% discount on your electric and gas bill. Please press 1 to get your rebate check.
Student Loan Debt Relief Scam
Here’s an example of an illegal robocall that’s trying to get student loan borrowers to give out personal information. This is not a program affiliated with the federal government. It’s a scam. Hang up if you get a call like this.
Hello. I am an artificial intelligent notification bot. The purpose of this call is to make you aware that as a U.S. resident, you are now able to take advantage of alternative federal student loan repayment options and hardship programs. These programs are only for individuals who have less than $160,000 in federal student loan debt. Having debt obligations may cause a hardship when added to your overall monthly bills. Using our automated approval technology, you are now able to obtain enrollment information based on your current situation.
IRS Impersonator Scam
Here’s an example of an illegal robocall pretending to be from the IRS. It’s not the IRS calling — it’s a scammer. Hang up if you get a call that says it’s from the IRS. If you ever need to reach the IRS, call directly at 1-800-829-1040.
Hello. I am an artificial intelligent notification bot. The purpose of this call is to make you aware that a recent lawsuit settlement now requires the IRS to settle all old tax debt that any U.S. residents currently have. This means you do not need to pay back your past due taxes, as they are temporarily non-collectable and can be forced into a settlement on your behalf. Using our automated approval technology, you are now able to obtain enrollment information based on your current situation. To use our AI automation and find the program you are approve… [CALL CUTS OUT]
Social Security Administration Scammer
Here’s another example of a robocall pretending to be from the SSA. This one threatens to suspend your Social Security number. But it’s not the SSA — it’s a scammer. Hang up if you get a call like this.
We will be suspending your Social Security Number because we found some suspicious activities on your Social Security. If you want more information about this case, press 1. Thank you.
Interest Rate Reduction Scam
Here the scammer pretends to be offering you a reduction on your interest rate and gives an ultimatum to create urgency. The offer isn’t real — it’s a scammer calling. Hang up if you get a call like this.
Thanks to your good payment history and good credit score, you have been qualified finally for interest rate reduction between 0 to 5%. Several attempts were made to reach you. This is your final courtesy call before we are unable to lower your interest rates. So press 1 now.
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Table of Contents
- Listen To Actual Robocall Scam Calls
- Robocalls Are Something Everyone With A Phone Hates – Interrupting You Almost 24 Hours A Day!
- What’s A Robocall?
- Robocall Scams
- Robocall Examples:
- Auto warranty scam
- Amazon Suspicious Charge Scam
- Social Security Administration Scam
- Apple Tech Support Scam
- Utility Company Impersonator Scam
- Student Loan Debt Relief Scam
- IRS Impersonator Scam
- Social Security Administration Scammer
- Interest Rate Reduction Scam
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Important Information for New Scam Victims
- Please visit www.ScamVictimsSupport.org – a SCARS Website for New Scam Victims & Sextortion Victims
- Enroll in FREE SCARS Scam Survivor’s School now at www.SCARSeducation.org
- Please visit www.ScamPsychology.org – to more fully understand the psychological concepts involved in scams and scam victim recovery
If you are looking for local trauma counselors please visit counseling.AgainstScams.org or join SCARS for our counseling/therapy benefit: membership.AgainstScams.org
If you need to speak with someone now, you can dial 988 or find phone numbers for crisis hotlines all around the world here: www.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines
A Note About Labeling!
We often use the term ‘scam victim’ in our articles, but this is a convenience to help those searching for information in search engines like Google. It is just a convenience and has no deeper meaning. If you have come through such an experience, YOU are a Survivor! It was not your fault. You are not alone! Axios!
A Question of Trust
At the SCARS Institute, we invite you to do your own research on the topics we speak about and publish, Our team investigates the subject being discussed, especially when it comes to understanding the scam victims-survivors experience. You can do Google searches but in many cases, you will have to wade through scientific papers and studies. However, remember that biases and perspectives matter and influence the outcome. Regardless, we encourage you to explore these topics as thoroughly as you can for your own awareness.
Statement About Victim Blaming
SCARS Institute articles examine different aspects of the scam victim experience, as well as those who may have been secondary victims. This work focuses on understanding victimization through the science of victimology, including common psychological and behavioral responses. The purpose is to help victims and survivors understand why these crimes occurred, reduce shame and self-blame, strengthen recovery programs and victim opportunities, and lower the risk of future victimization.
At times, these discussions may sound uncomfortable, overwhelming, or may be mistaken for blame. They are not. Scam victims are never blamed. Our goal is to explain the mechanisms of deception and the human responses that scammers exploit, and the processes that occur after the scam ends, so victims can better understand what happened to them and why it felt convincing at the time, and what the path looks like going forward.
Articles that address the psychology, neurology, physiology, and other characteristics of scams and the victim experience recognize that all people share cognitive and emotional traits that can be manipulated under the right conditions. These characteristics are not flaws. They are normal human functions that criminals deliberately exploit. Victims typically have little awareness of these mechanisms while a scam is unfolding and a very limited ability to control them. Awareness often comes only after the harm has occurred.
By explaining these processes, these articles help victims make sense of their experiences, understand common post-scam reactions, and identify ways to protect themselves moving forward. This knowledge supports recovery by replacing confusion and self-blame with clarity, context, and self-compassion.
Additional educational material on these topics is available at ScamPsychology.org – ScamsNOW.com and other SCARS Institute websites.
Psychology Disclaimer:
All articles about psychology and the human brain on this website are for information & education only
The information provided in this article is intended for educational and self-help purposes only and should not be construed as a substitute for professional therapy or counseling.
While any self-help techniques outlined herein may be beneficial for scam victims seeking to recover from their experience and move towards recovery, it is important to consult with a qualified mental health professional before initiating any course of action. Each individual’s experience and needs are unique, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another.
Additionally, any approach may not be appropriate for individuals with certain pre-existing mental health conditions or trauma histories. It is advisable to seek guidance from a licensed therapist or counselor who can provide personalized support, guidance, and treatment tailored to your specific needs.
If you are experiencing significant distress or emotional difficulties related to a scam or other traumatic event, please consult your doctor or mental health provider for appropriate care and support.
Also read our SCARS Institute Statement about Professional Care for Scam Victims – click here to go to our ScamsNOW.com website.
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