• If you receive a phone call and you DO NOT recognize the number, let it go to your voicemail or answering machine. If it is important, they will leave a message and you can call them back. 
• DO NOT call anyone back if they did not leave a message.
• Entities like the IRS or the Sheriff will not call you. Please ignore these calls. 
• If you are not sure if the call was from someone you do business with, then use a different resource like online search, bank statement, etc. to get a verified number to call back.

Spam phone calls continue to affect consumers globally. Over the last year, spam phone calls have increased 325%. It is only getting worse due to the profit motives of cybercriminals. We have taken steps here at Panorama to reduce these calls. However, cybercriminals are adapting so we need to adapt as well. 

The most common types of spam phone calls in the US

• Computer Support Scam - The caller is claiming there is something wrong with your computer and they can help you repair the problem.
• Internal Revenue Service Scam - The caller pretends to be with the IRS and demands money for unpaid taxes or will trick the recipient into sharing private information.
• Neighbor Scam - Phone fraudsters use Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) software to mimic (also known as spoofing) the first few digits of a user’s phone number to trick consumers into thinking a nearby friend or business is calling.

Common types of phone call scams globally

• Bank Account Scam - Callers pretend to be an official representative of the bank and request sensitive information or items which will allow them to access the victim’s bank account.
• Extortion/Kidnapping - These scammers call random phone numbers and demand payment for the return of a “kidnapped” family member or friend.
• Credit Card Scam - Thieves will trick victims out of their personal information. They might call, posing as their bank, to “assist” while phishing for card details. Random scammers might even call hotel rooms acting as the front desk to “confirm” credit card details.
• Wangiri Scam (“One Ring”) - For years, the Wangiri scam, also known as the ‘One-Ring Scam,’ has been preying on victims and enticing them to call back international numbers. The victim, in this case, does not realize that they’re being charged for premium rates.

Jeff Harley, Director of Information Technology