Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall just issued a public warning about a surge in phone scams. While this alert was directed at Alabamians, the message applies to all of us.
Scammers don’t care where you live. They’re not targeting a zip code—they’re targeting whoever picks up.
“We’re from the government, and we’re here to scam you.”
Okay, not in those exact words. But that’s the lie behind the script.
According to the AG’s alert, scammers are impersonating:
- Social Security Administration
- Medicare
- Local police and sheriff departments
- The Alabama Attorney General’s Office itself
And what do they want?
Your money. Your identity. Or both.
Some scammers are aggressive—claiming there’s a warrant for your arrest. Others pretend to be helpful—offering a fake refund or asking to “verify” your info.
They can sound incredibly convincing.
Why Do These Scams Work?
Because they hit you where it hurts—trust, urgency, and fear.
You hear a serious voice, maybe even a familiar name. They sound official. And before you know it, your guard is down.
This isn’t about being naïve.
It’s about being human.
How to Shut Down a Scam Call in 10 Seconds
- Don’t answer unknown numbers. Let it go to voicemail.
- Never give personal info to someone who calls you out of the blue.
- Hang up immediately if they ask for:
- Gift cards
- Wire transfers
- Your Social Security number
- Medicare or banking info
- Call the real agency directly to check—using the number from their official website.
- Report the scam at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
If something feels off, it probably is.
Caller ID Is Lying to You
Scammers use spoofing technology to fake the number that shows up on your screen.
It might look like a local police station. Or even a government office.
But appearances mean nothing here. Trust your instincts, not your caller ID.
Think You’re Too Smart to Fall for It?
So did I.
Until I got a call from someone claiming to be from Amazon. Said my account was hacked and I needed to press 1 immediately.
Sounded legit—until I paused and realized: Amazon doesn’t call people like that.
And neither does the real Attorney General’s Office.
Share This With Someone You Love
This isn’t just a warning for seniors.
Scammers target anyone who answers the phone—young or old, tech-savvy or not.
So if you’ve got a friend, a parent, a neighbor who might not see this warning coming, now’s the time to talk about it.
A short conversation could save them thousands of dollars—or months of stress.
Do You Have a Question You'd Like Help With? Contact Debt Coach Damon Day. Click here to reach Damon.
Final Thought
If a stranger calls and tries to scare you into action, remember this:
You don’t owe them anything.
Hang up. Verify. Breathe.
Then report it.
Let’s stop falling for their games—and start spreading the word.
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