What information should I not give over the phone?

The Unspoken Secrets: What Never to Share Over the Phone

In today’s interconnected world, the telephone remains a vital communication tool. However, its accessibility also makes it a prime target for scammers seeking personal information. Protecting yourself requires understanding what information is absolutely off-limits when answering an unexpected call. This isn’t just about preventing minor inconveniences; it’s about safeguarding your financial security, identity, and peace of mind.

The “Never Share” List: This isn’t exhaustive, but covers the most crucial information:

• Social Security Number (SSN): This is the cornerstone of your identity. Legitimate organizations rarely request it over the phone, and doing so is a major red flag.
• Bank Account Details: This includes account numbers, routing numbers, PINs, and online banking passwords. Never provide these details in response to an unsolicited call.
• Credit Card Information: Similar to bank account details, sharing credit card numbers, expiry dates, and CVV codes over the phone is incredibly risky.
• Passwords and PINs: This includes passwords for online accounts, email, banking, or any other service. Legitimate companies will never ask for your passwords.
• Mother’s Maiden Name: Often used as a security question, this is a piece of personal information readily used by identity thieves.
• Full Address: While providing your city and state might be acceptable in some situations, avoid sharing your complete street address, especially to unfamiliar callers.
• Driver’s License or Passport Number: These documents contain vital identifying information that should be fiercely protected.
• Date of Birth: Combining this information with other details can be a goldmine for identity theft.
• Medical Information: Avoid discussing any health conditions or treatments over the phone, especially with unknown callers.

Beyond the Specifics: Recognizing the Red Flags

Even if a caller doesn’t explicitly ask for sensitive data, be wary of these tactics:

• Urgency and Pressure: Scammers often create a sense of urgency to pressure you into acting quickly without thinking.
• Unfamiliar Requests: If a call feels unexpected or the request seems unusual for the purported organization, be suspicious.
• Vague or Confusing Explanations: Legitimate organizations will provide clear and concise reasons for their requests.
• Threatening Language: Beware of callers who use aggressive or threatening language to intimidate you into compliance.
• Requests for Remote Access: Never allow anyone you don’t explicitly trust to access your computer or phone remotely.

Your Shield Against Scammers:

• Hang Up and Verify: If you’re unsure about a call, hang up immediately. Contact the organization directly using a phone number found on their official website or other trusted sources.
• Never Initiate Contact: Only call organizations you’ve proactively chosen to contact.
• Educate Yourself and Others: Share this information with friends and family to raise awareness about phone scams.

By being vigilant and refusing to share sensitive information over the phone, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim of fraud. Remember, your personal data is precious; protect it fiercely.