If Someone Calls You on the Phone and Demands Any of These 7 Things, Know It’s a Fraudster
Introduction
Every day, millions of people across the world receive suspicious phone calls. These calls often come from individuals pretending to be government officials, bank representatives, delivery agents, or even family members in distress. Their main goal is always the same: to trick you into giving them money, sensitive information, or access to your personal accounts.
Sadly, thousands of people fall victim to these fraudsters daily, losing their hard-earned savings, damaging their credit, or compromising their identity. One major reason is that many people don’t know how to recognize the red flags. Fraudsters often sound convincing, polite, and sometimes even threatening, which can make you panic into doing what they say.
But here’s the truth: no genuine organization or authority will call you out of the blue and demand certain things over the phone. If you know these danger signs, you can protect yourself and your loved ones.
In this article, we’ll look at seven common things scammers demand during fraudulent phone calls. If anyone ever asks you for any of these, you should know immediately that you’re speaking to a fraudster.
1. Immediate Payment or Transfer of Money
The most common scam tactic is demanding money instantly. The fraudster may call and pretend to be:
A tax officer claiming you owe unpaid taxes.
A bank agent saying your account will be frozen unless you pay a “reactivation fee.”
A fake police officer claiming you’re in legal trouble but can avoid jail with a fine.
A delivery agent saying your parcel won’t be released unless you pay an extra fee.
Their strategy is always the same: pressure you to pay quickly without giving you time to think.
Why It’s a Red Flag
No legitimate institution will demand money over the phone in such a manner. Governments, banks, or delivery companies have official channels (letters, emails, or portals) for payments.
Real Example
Many victims of IRS scams in the U.S. have reported callers demanding immediate tax payments via phone, threatening arrest if they refused. Similar scams happen worldwide, where fraudsters impersonate local tax agencies.
How to Respond
Hang up immediately.
Contact the official organization directly through verified phone numbers or websites.
Never transfer money under pressure.
2. Your Personal Identification Information
Fraudsters often pretend to be from your bank, insurance company, or even hospital, asking you to “confirm your details.” They may request:
Your date of birth
National Identification Number (NIN, SSN, BVN, etc.)
Home address
Mother’s maiden name
Security questions
Why It’s a Red Flag
Fraudsters use this information to commit identity theft. Once they gather enough, they can impersonate you, access your accounts, or even take out loans in your name.
Real Example
In Nigeria, fraudsters often pose as bank officials, asking unsuspecting victims to “verify” their BVN to keep their accounts active. Once shared, the scammers use this info for unauthorized withdrawals.
How to Respond
Never give out personal details to unverified callers.
If unsure, hang up and call your bank or service provider directly.
Remember: your bank already has your information; they won’t call asking for it.
3. Your Bank Card Details or PIN
Another common demand is for you to “confirm your ATM card details.” Fraudsters may ask for:
Card number
Expiry date
CVV (the three digits at the back)
Your PIN
They may claim they need it for “security purposes” or to “resolve an issue.”
Why It’s a Red Flag
No real bank or payment company will ever ask for your PIN or CVV over the phone. Sharing these details gives scammers direct access to your funds.
Real Example
In India, thousands of people have fallen victim to “KYC scams,” where fraudsters pretending to be bank officials trick customers into sharing card details. Billions of rupees have been stolen this way.
How to Respond
Refuse politely and hang up.
Report the incident to your bank.
Educate family members, especially the elderly, who are often targeted.
4. Remote Access to Your Phone or Computer
Fraudsters may call pretending to be tech support agents from Microsoft, Apple, or your mobile network provider. They’ll say things like:
“Your device has been hacked; let me fix it.”
“We detected a virus on your computer.”
“We need to install an update for security.”
They’ll then ask you to install apps like AnyDesk, TeamViewer, or QuickSupport, which give them remote access to your device.
Why It’s a Red Flag
Once they gain access, scammers can:
Steal your files and passwords.
Transfer money from your bank apps.
Lock your device and demand ransom.
Real Example
In 2020, thousands of Australians were tricked into downloading remote access apps after receiving calls from supposed “Telstra staff.” Many lost huge sums.
How to Respond
Never grant remote access to strangers.
If you suspect an issue, call your service provider directly.
Install antivirus software to protect your devices.
5. OTP (One-Time Password) or Authentication Code
Fraudsters often say:
“We sent you an OTP, please read it out so we can confirm your transaction.”
“To reactivate your account, give me the code you just received.”
This is a classic trick. The OTP you receive is usually generated because the fraudster is trying to log into your account. Once you share it, they get full access.
Why It’s a Red Flag
OTPs are meant to protect you, not be shared. By giving it away, you’re handing criminals the keys to your account.
Real Example
In Kenya, mobile money fraud is rampant. Scammers trick users into sharing M-Pesa OTPs, then wipe out their balances instantly.
How to Respond
Never share OTPs with anyone.
Remember: banks and genuine companies will never ask for OTPs over the phone.
If you receive an OTP you didn’t request, it’s a sign someone is trying to hack your account.
6. Donations or Charitable Contributions Under Pressure
Scammers also prey on people’s kindness. They may call and say:
“We’re raising funds for victims of a disaster.”
“Your church/mosque/community group needs urgent support.”
“A loved one is in the hospital and needs emergency surgery.”
While some real charities make calls, fraudsters often use emotional manipulation and pressure tactics to make you donate instantly.
Why It’s a Red Flag
Legitimate charities don’t demand donations by phone without prior communication. Fraudsters use sad stories to make you act without verifying.
Real Example
During the COVID-19 pandemic, fraudsters worldwide created fake charity hotlines claiming to provide relief to struggling families. Millions of dollars were stolen from well-meaning donors.
How to Respond
Ask for official documentation.
Offer to donate through official websites, not phone transfers.
Take time to verify the organization before donating.
7. Silence, Secrecy, or Not Telling Anyone
One of the most dangerous demands fraudsters make is telling you to “keep this conversation secret.”
They may say:
“Don’t tell anyone or your account will be blocked.”
“Don’t involve the police; it will make things worse.”
“Keep this between us or you’ll lose everything.”
This is a clear attempt to isolate you from help so they can exploit you further.
Why It’s a Red Flag
No legitimate business, government, or bank will ask you to hide communications from family, friends, or authorities. Fraudsters thrive on secrecy because once you tell someone, their tricks will be exposed.
Real Example
Many elderly fraud victims in the UK were told by scammers posing as police that they couldn’t inform their children. Victims ended up losing life savings before anyone realized.
How to Respond
If asked to keep things secret, end the call.
Discuss suspicious calls with trusted family members.
Report to local authorities immediately.
How to Protect Yourself from Phone Fraud
Now that you know the seven red flags, here are additional ways to stay safe:
Don’t Panic – Fraudsters use fear and urgency. Stay calm and think.
Verify Caller Identity – Ask for their name, office, and call-back number. Then confirm through official channels.
Don’t Share Sensitive Info – Treat your PINs, OTPs, and BVNs like your house keys—never give them away.
Educate Your Loved Ones – Especially seniors and teenagers who are often targeted.
Register for Do Not Disturb (DND) – To reduce scam calls.
Report Fraudulent Calls – To your bank, telecom provider, or national anti-fraud hotlines.
JOIN POP AD NETWORKConclusion
Fraudsters are smart, but you can be smarter. If someone calls you demanding money, personal details, bank information, remote access, OTPs, pressured donations, or secrecy, it is a scam—no exceptions.
The more people know these tricks, the fewer victims fraudsters will claim. Share this knowledge with your friends, parents, children, and colleagues. Awareness is the strongest shield against fraud.
Remember:
👉 If it sounds urgent, suspicious, or too good to be true, it’s probably a scam.
👉 Hang up. Verify. Protect yourself.
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