Spam calls often pretend to be the IRS, your bank, Amazon, a utility, or a relative in trouble. Hang up, check the claim through a number or account you already use, and don't send money, gift-card codes, or one-time passcodes because the caller is rushing you.

The lines below are reconstructed examples, not authenticated transcripts. Names, dollar amounts, callback numbers, and wording change constantly. Match the pattern, not the exact sentence.

Common spam call scripts and what they mean

1. IRS or government impersonation call

"This is the IRS. A lawsuit has been filed over unpaid tax debt. Press 1 now and pay with a gift card, or law enforcement will arrest you."

Other versions claim to be from the Treasury, Social Security Administration, immigration authorities, or local police.

Red flags: an arrest threat, an immediate deadline, a request for gift cards or cryptocurrency, or instructions to press a number to reach an "officer."

An unexpected call isn't automatic proof of fraud. The IRS guidance on recognizing IRS contact says officers may contact taxpayers in specific circumstances and should explain rights, obligations, options, and consequences. It also describes official identification and letters connected with certain contacts.

Don't trust the number on your screen, or a claim that the case is "sealed." Hang up, look at any tax notice you already received, and verify through an official IRS channel.

2. Bank fraud alert asking for a security code

"We blocked a transfer from your account. Tell me the six-digit code we just sent so we can cancel it."

The caller may already have your name, the last four digits of a card, or the name of your bank. That doesn't make the call genuine.

Red flags: a request for a one-time passcode, full password, PIN, debit-card number, or a transfer to a "safe" account.

Use the number printed on your card or shown in your banking app. Don't use a number the caller recites. If you already shared a code, contact the bank's fraud department and ask which accounts, cards, and transfers need protection.

3. Amazon order or Prime subscription scam

"Your card was charged $743 for an Amazon order. Press 1 to cancel the order or speak with billing."

Some recordings mention a Prime renewal, a fake order ID, or a package headed to another state. The usual aim is card details, remote-access software, or a fake refund.

Red flags: an unsolicited charge, a demand to call a separate "support" number, and pressure to act before you open your own account.

Go to Amazon yourself. Check Your Orders and use Amazon Customer Service. Don't confirm personal details just because the caller reads an order number.

4. Apple, Microsoft, or computer refund scam

"Your computer has a serious security problem. Install this support tool and let us connect. We need your bank details to process your refund."

A related pitch says a subscription renewed by mistake and asks you to move money so the caller can "correct" an overpayment.

Red flags: an unsolicited technical diagnosis, a request for remote access, a download, or payment required to receive a refund.

Contact the company through its official website or the support information already tied to your device. Don't give an unsolicited caller control of your computer or an online banking session.

5. Student loan forgiveness or repayment call

"You qualify for a federal hardship program. Pay a processing fee today to reserve your place and stop your payments."

The pitch may promise automatic approval, a lower payment, or full cancellation without anyone reviewing your account.

Red flags: guaranteed approval, an urgent enrollment deadline, a fee before any service, or a request for your Federal Student Aid login.

Don't share that login or pay from a cold call. Sign in through the loan account or servicer site you already use, then call a number you verified there. If the offer doesn't appear in your account, treat it as unverified.

6. Utility shutoff threat

"Your electric service will be disconnected today. Pay within 30 minutes with a gift card or wire transfer to keep it on."

Scammers often spoof a local number and may play a recording before transferring you to a live operator.

Red flags: a same-day shutoff threat, unusual payment methods, a refusal to let you call back, or instructions to stay on the line while you buy a gift card.

Call the utility using the number on a recent bill or its official website. The FTC says a demand to buy a gift card and read back its number is a scam; see avoiding and reporting gift card scams.

7. Auto warranty or vehicle service call

"Your vehicle warranty expires this week. Press 1 to lock in coverage before the offer ends."

Knowing the make, model, or approximate age of your vehicle doesn't prove the company is tied to your warranty or manufacturer.

Red flags: repeated "final notice" calls, vague company names, a refusal to mail terms, and pressure for card details on the spot.

Ask for the company's legal name and written terms, then check coverage on your own. If you want a service contract, compare it with documents from your manufacturer, dealer, or existing provider instead of taking an unsolicited offer.

8. Lottery, prize, or inheritance scam

"You've won $1 million. Send $250 for taxes or processing before we release the prize."

The fee may be described as refundable. Payment asks often involve gift cards, cryptocurrency, cash, or a wire.

Red flags: paying to receive a prize, secrecy, a foreign lottery you never entered, or banking details requested so winnings can be "deposited."

Don't pay or hand over financial details. If you think a genuine award is possible, reach the organization through a verified public number. A promise of reimbursement doesn't make an upfront payment safe.

9. Family emergency or grandchild scam

"Grandma, I've been arrested. Please don't tell anyone. Buy gift cards and read me the numbers so I can get out."

The voice may claim to be a relative, lawyer, police officer, or bail agent. A familiar-sounding voice still isn't proof, especially if you're told not to check.

Red flags: secrecy, an emotional emergency, gift cards or cash, and a demand that you not contact other family members.

Reach the relative through a number already saved in your contacts, or confirm the story with another family member. Don't call back a number sent by text or dictated during the call.

10. Job, task, investment, or cryptocurrency scam

"Rate products in a private chat. Your balance is $85, but you must deposit $100 in cryptocurrency to unlock your withdrawal."

These often start as a job offer, recruiter call, or easy-profit pitch. Fake screens can show earnings that aren't there.

Red flags: paying to get paid, "recharging" an account, guaranteed returns, a move to encrypted chat, or a fee to withdraw "your" money.

Stop the conversation and don't send another payment. Contact the bank, payment app, or cryptocurrency exchange used for the transfer as soon as you can. A request for more money to recover an earlier payment is usually another scam.

The warning signs that matter most

A suspicious call usually stacks several of these:

• Urgency: you must act now or lose an account, service, job, or your freedom
• Impersonation: government, bank, retailer, employer, or a relative
• Unusual payment: gift cards, cryptocurrency, a wire, cash, or a transfer to a different account
• Secrets: don't check with anyone else, and don't tell your bank, family, or employer
• Sensitive information: password, PIN, one-time code, Social Security number, or full card details
• Remote access: install software or share your screen for "help" or a refund
• Caller-ID confidence: a local number, familiar business name, or official-looking number treated as proof
• A fee before a benefit: pay first to get a prize, loan relief, job earnings, refund, or withdrawal

A local number, a convincing voice, a partial account number, and a polished recording can all be faked. None of that replaces a check you start yourself.

Robocalls and live scam calls use the same playbook

A robocall may be short and ask you to press a number. A live scammer may spend 20 minutes building rapport, transferring you between fake departments, or repeating a script. The voice changes. The decision points don't:

Treat an AI-generated or familiar-sounding voice the same way you treat any other unsolicited voice: hang up and verify on a separate channel.

What to do during a suspicious call

1. Don't press a number or argue. Hang up. Staying on the line often leads to more calls and more pressure.
2. Don't call the number back. Use a bill, card, account, official app, or a website address you type yourself.
3. Don't provide passwords, PINs, one-time codes, or remote access. If an institution needs to talk about your account, you can reach it through a route you already trust.
4. Check the account yourself. Look at bank transactions, Amazon orders, a utility or loan account, or device settings without using links or numbers from the call.
5. Save the evidence. Keep the voicemail or message. Note the displayed number, date, time, claimed organization, script, and any payment instructions.
6. Block and report the number. Blocking cuts repeat calls from that number, though scammers can switch numbers.

If you already shared information or sent money

Move quickly. Recovery still isn't guaranteed, and the payment method decides whom you call first.

• Gift card: stop communicating, keep the card and receipt, and contact the issuer on its official number. Say the card was used in a scam.
• Credit or debit card: call the number on the card. Ask about blocking or replacing it and reporting the transaction.
• Bank transfer, ACH, or payment app: contact the bank or provider and ask whether it can stop, recall, or investigate the transfer.
• Wire transfer: call the wire company and your bank and request a fraud review or recall.
• Cryptocurrency: contact the exchange or platform used to send the funds. Don't pay a second company that promises guaranteed recovery.
• Password or account access: change the password from a trusted device, sign out other sessions, and turn on multifactor authentication. Change it anywhere else you reused it.
• Remote computer access: disconnect from the internet, remove unauthorized software, and have a trusted technician or security professional check the device before you use online banking again.

If you handed over an identity document or other sensitive personal information, monitor financial accounts and contact the affected institutions directly. Keep receipts, messages, emails, phone numbers, and transaction records for the fraud report.

How to report a spam or scam call

Report the fraud to the FTC

Use the FTC's ReportFraud form for an impersonation scam, payment scam, unwanted call, or other fraud. Include:

• The phone number shown and any callback number
• The date, time, and time zone
• The organization or person the caller impersonated
• The words used in the recording or conversation
• The payment method and amount, if money was sent
• Websites, email addresses, wallet addresses, or account names the caller provided

Don't put passwords or unnecessary complete account numbers in the report.

Report IRS-themed emails and texts correctly

For a suspicious IRS-related email, the IRS reporting guidance says not to reply, click links, or open attachments. Send the email to [email protected].

For a suspicious text, use the subject line Text and include the sender's number, your number, the message, and the date, time, and time zone received. Delete the original after you report it. You can also forward the text to 7726, which spells SPAM.

Use the Do Not Call Registry alongside blocking

Registering a number and reporting unwanted sales calls can help the FTC analyze calling patterns. The National Do Not Call Registry FAQs also recommend looking into call-blocking and call-labeling tools. Use those together; registration doesn't tell you whether an incoming caller is real.

FAQ

Are these genuine, word-for-word spam call transcripts?

No. They're representative scripts based on recurring scam formats. Scammers change names, amounts, accents, caller-ID information, and payment instructions, so exact wording isn't a reliable test.

Should I press 1 to speak with someone or remove my number?

No. Hang up and use your phone's blocking or spam-reporting feature. If you need to check an account, contact the organization through a number you found independently.

Can the IRS call a taxpayer?

It can contact taxpayers in specific circumstances, so "the IRS never calls" is too broad. A demand for gift cards, cryptocurrency, or immediate payment to avoid arrest is a strong scam warning. Verify any tax issue through official IRS information and notices.

What if the caller knew my name and address?

That information may come from public records, data breaches, previous contacts, or purchased lists. It doesn't prove the caller represents the organization named.

What should I do if I only pressed a button but gave no information?

Hang up, block the number, review relevant accounts for unusual activity, and report the call. If you installed software, gave access, or shared any security information, follow the account-protection steps above immediately.

If a recording is still on your phone, save it, then file the displayed number, claimed organization, and payment ask at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.