In an era dominated by technology, phone scams have become an escalating concern for individuals and businesses alike. The ubiquity of smartphones has given scammers new avenues to exploit unsuspecting victims. According to a recent study, 87% of consumers believe unidentified calls are fraudulent.
The alarming rise of phone scams has recently affected Eversource, New England’s largest energy delivery company, servicing customers in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire.
As we explore the tactics employed by scammers, it becomes evident that the need for awareness and protective measures is more crucial than ever. Learn how to identify a potential scam and protect yourself or your business from becoming victims.
What types of scams have impacted Eversource?
The Eversource scam is a deceptive ploy that preys on unsuspecting individuals, often leveraging the trust associated with reputable companies. Eversource, a prominent utility company, becomes a target for scammers seeking to exploit the relationship between the company and its customer base. The impact of such scams on consumer trust is significant; an astounding one in three consumers admits that an impersonated call makes them suspicious of any calls purportedly coming from that business.
Tactics scammers often use to deceive customers
The Eversource scam involves a range of tactics designed to manipulate individuals into divulging personal information or making financial transactions. These tactics include overpayment schemes and phishing/smishing attempts. Scammers often pose as legitimate representatives of Eversource, capitalizing on customer trust and urgency in a company providing an essential service like utilities.
Check out Hiya's breakdown for a detailed explanation of unwanted calls, spam, and scams.
Manipulation of Caller ID
Scammers go to great lengths to appear legitimate to unsuspecting victims. Manipulating caller ID information is a common tactic, making it challenging for individuals to distinguish between a genuine call and a scam. This tactic contributes to the success of the fraud and erodes trust in the reliability of caller ID systems. To combat this, phone carriers maintain lists of suspicious numbers and assign labels like “Spam Risk” or “Scam Likely” to signal customers to be more wary of incoming calls.
Psychological tricks
The success of the Eversource scam often hinges on the psychological manipulation of victims. Scammers employ tactics that create a sense of urgency and fear, compelling individuals to act impulsively without verifying the call's legitimacy. Understanding these psychological tricks is crucial for individuals to safeguard themselves against such scams.
Tips to avoid falling victim to the Eversource scam
- Caller Identification
One of the most effective ways to protect yourself from scams is to prioritize caller identification. A staggering 72% of consumers are more likely to answer calls if they know who's calling. Utilizing caller ID to screen and verify incoming calls can be a powerful defense against scams.
- Verify the authenticity of the caller
Verifying the authenticity of calls is paramount. Individuals should refrain from providing personal information, such as financial details or social security numbers, without confirming the caller's legitimacy. Being cautious and adopting a skeptical approach can thwart scammers attempting to exploit trust.
How Hiya helps
It is imperative to remain vigilant in the face of the escalating threat posed by scams like the Eversource scam. Consumers can also download the Hiya app to protect themselves from spam and fraud calls.
Businesses, in particular, bear the brunt of the rise in spam calls, impacting their communication with customers. Carriers can shield their customers from phone scams by adding Hiya Protect, which blocks or labels spam and scam calls with high accuracy and without blocking essential calls. Not only does it reduce crime over the phone, but many phone carriers, mobile phone manufacturers, and network providers adopt Hiya Protect to bolster their customer satisfaction and business offerings.
Enterprises can do their part to help their customers feel safe answering the phone by adding Hiya Connect, which enables businesses to display their company name, logo, and reason for the call on the recipient’s mobile phone. Branded caller ID identifies who is calling so customers will not be afraid to answer their phones when your business tries to reach them.
When evaluating branded caller ID solutions, there are a few questions you should ask. Get the full list and make the best decision for your organization by checking out our Branded Call Checklist and Buyer's Guide.
