Phone scams and fraudulent calls have become increasingly common in recent years. Scammers use ever more convincing schemes, posing as bank employees, government officials, police officers, or even family members. They often create a sense of urgency to pressure people into acting without careful consideration.

Fortunately, awareness is the best defense — scam calls can be prevented if you know what warning signs to look for.

What Are the Most Common Scam Calls?

One of the most frequent schemes is the so-called “bank or security call,” where the caller claims that suspicious activity has been detected on your account. Victims are asked to provide confirmation codes, PIN codes, or even Smart-ID credentials.

Another common tactic is a “government authority call,” where the scammer pretends to be a police officer or tax official and threatens fines or legal action. Increasingly popular are also “emergency calls from relatives,” claiming that a family member has been in an accident and urgently needs money.

All of these calls follow the same pattern — creating panic and pressuring the victim into making a quick decision.

Warning Signs to Watch Out For

Scam calls usually share several common characteristics. If the caller asks for personal or banking information, it is a clear sign of fraud. You should also be cautious if the call feels emotionally intense, threatening, or unusually urgent. Scammers may use a foreign accent or a hidden phone number, although these signs alone are not always decisive.

It is important to remember: banks, government institutions, and trustworthy companies never ask for PIN codes, passwords, or login details over the phone.

How to Respond to a Suspected Scam Call

If you suspect that a call may be fraudulent, end the conversation immediately. Do not argue or try to explain — simply hang up. Then contact the institution the caller claimed to represent, using an official phone number. If necessary, report the incident to your bank or the police.

It is also advisable to enable spam call filtering on your phone and to warn close relatives, especially elderly family members, who are often targeted by scammers.

Financial Security Starts with Informed Decisions

Scam calls often involve financial pressure — urgent requests for money, unexpected “problems,” or promises to resolve the situation instantly. In such moments, it is crucial to make calm and well-considered decisions rather than acting out of fear.

If you genuinely need financial support for planned expenses, it is wise to choose transparent and reliable solutions. Laen.ee offers official financial products with clear terms, allowing you to make decisions calmly and without pressure.

Whether it’s a customer loan, a small loan, or another financial solution, a safe and trustworthy choice helps prevent situations where scammers can take advantage of uncertainty.

Awareness, calm thinking, and the use of reliable services are the best protection against scam calls and other financial risks.