Every year, millions of Americans receive phone calls from scammers pretending to be the IRS, banks, or Medicare representatives. Many of these calls sound professional, but they share the same warning signs.
In this blog, we’ll help you recognise the top indicators of scam calls and explain how landline call blockers can keep your home and family safe.
Why Do Scammers Target Landline Users?
Landlines remain a primary target because:
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Many seniors still use them daily.
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Numbers are easier to find through directories.
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Fewer built-in spam filters exist.
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Scammers assume older adults may trust phone calls more than emails.
According to the FTC, more than $10 billion was lost to phone scams in 2024, much of it through landlines.
Summary: Landlines are easy for scammers to exploit because they’re publicly listed, lack spam filters, and are trusted by older Americans.
What Are the Top Signs That a Landline Call Might Be a Scam?
Watch out for these common red flags:
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Unfamiliar or blocked numbers – Fraudsters often use spoofed local codes.
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Urgent requests or threats – Real institutions never demand immediate action.
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Payment demands via gift cards or wire transfers – A classic scam tactic.
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Requests for Social Security or banking details – Legitimate agencies will never ask for these.
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Robotic or recorded voices – Many scams use automated robocalls.
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Too-good-to-be-true offers – “You’ve won a prize” or “free cruise” calls are nearly always fake.
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Poor grammar or accent inconsistency – Signs of overseas call centres.
Summary: Scam calls often involve urgency, payment demands, fake prizes, or requests for personal information.
Why Do People Fall for Phone Scams?
Scammers know how to sound credible. They use:
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Authority: Impersonating the IRS or Medicare.
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Fear: Threatening arrest, fines, or cancelled benefits.
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Urgency: Demanding immediate payments or verification.
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Sympathy: Pretending to represent charities or hospitals.
Example: In 2025, a Texas senior reported losing $6,000 after a caller claimed to be from “Medicare Security,” urging her to “verify” her policy information.
Summary: Scammers exploit emotions like fear and trust to pressure victims into compliance.
How to Protect Yourself From Landline Scams
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Hang up immediately – Don’t engage with suspicious callers.
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Verify directly – Call back using official numbers from the company’s website.
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Register with the Do Not Call Registry – Helps reduce legitimate telemarketing.
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Install a call blocker – Devices like CPR Call Blocker and apps like Nomorobo filter scam calls automatically.
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Report scams – File complaints with the FTC or the FCC.
Summary: Protect yourself by hanging up, verifying calls independently, registering with the Do Not Call list, and using a call blocker.
How Do Call Blockers Help Prevent Scam Calls?
Call blockers provide an added layer of defence:
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Pre-loaded scam number databases block known offenders.
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One-touch blocking lets you stop new scams instantly.
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Whitelist features ensure important calls get through.
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Compatibility with most US carriers, including AT&T and Verizon.
With a quality call blocker, you can reduce unwanted calls by up to 95%.
Summary: Call blockers prevent scams by filtering calls, blocking known numbers, and allowing trusted contacts only.
Conclusion
Knowing the signs of a scam call is the first step toward protection. When paired with a reliable landline call blocker, awareness gives you complete control over who can reach you—and who can’t.
Explore CPR Call Blocker to protect your loved ones today.
FAQs
Q: How do I know if a call from the IRS is real?
A: The IRS almost always contacts by mail first and never threatens arrest.
Q: Can scammers fake caller ID?
A: Yes, through spoofing technology. That’s why call blockers are important.
Q: Should I press buttons to unsubscribe from robocalls?
A: No, that confirms your number is active and leads to more calls.
Q: Who should I report scam calls to in the US?
A: Report them to the FTC or FCC.
