Robocall Scam Examples

Robocalls are automated calls that use a recording instead of a live person. If the robocall is trying to sell you something, chances are it’s an illegal robocall. Many are also scams. Here are some examples of illegal robocalls.

Auto warranty scam

Here’s an example of an auto warranty robocall scam. The scammer wants you to think that you must extend your manufacturer’s auto warranty, but it’s not true. It’s a scam to get you to pay. If you get this call, don’t press any numbers. Simply hang up or delete the message.

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Amazon suspicious charge scam

Here’s an example of a business impersonator robocall pretending to be from Amazon. The scammer wants you to think there are suspicious charges to your account, but it’s not true. It’s a scam. If you get a call like this, don’t press any numbers. Simply hang up or delete the message. If you’re ever worried about potential charges on your Amazon account, log into your Amazon account or call Amazon customer support using a number you know is real.

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Social Security Administration scam

In this example of a scammer pretending to be from the Social Security Administration (SSA), the scammer is trying to get your attention by saying there’s a law enforcement action against you, but it’s not true. It’s a scam. If you get a call like this, don’t press any numbers. Simply hang up or delete the message. If you’re ever worried about a problem with your account, call the SSA field office closest to you. Find their contact information at ssa.gov/locator/.

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Apple tech support scam

Here’s an example of a robocall from a scammer pretending to be from Apple tech support. It’s not Apple calling — it’s a scammer. Hang up if you get a call like this. Read How To Spot, Avoid, and Report Tech Support Scams to learn more.

Utility company impersonator scam

Here’s an example of a scammer calling, pretending to be your utility company and offering you a rebate. But there’s no rebate — it’s a scam. Hang up if you get a call like this. If you ever need to reach your utility company, call directly using a number you know is real. Read Scammers Pretend To Be Your Utility Company to learn more.

Student loan debt relief scam

Here’s an example of an illegal robocall that’s trying to get student loan borrowers to give out personal information. This is not a program affiliated with the federal government. It’s a scam. Hang up if you get a call like this. Read Paying for School and Avoiding Scams to learn more.

IRS impersonator scam

Here’s an example of an illegal robocall pretending to be from the IRS. It’s not the IRS calling — it’s a scammer. Hang up if you get a call that says it’s from the IRS. If you ever need to reach the IRS, call directly at 1-800-829-1040. Read How To Avoid a Government Impersonator Scam to learn more.

Social Security Administration scammer

Here’s another example of a robocall pretending to be from the SSA. This one threatens to suspend your Social Security number. But it’s not the SSA — it’s a scammer. Hang up if you get a call like this. Read How To Avoid a Government Impersonator Scam to learn more.

Interest rate reduction scam

Here the scammer pretends to be offering you a reduction on your interest rate and gives an ultimatum to create urgency. The offer isn’t real — it’s a scammer calling. Hang up if you get a call like this. Read Avoiding Scams To Lower Your Credit Card Interest Rate for more information.