The post 10 Best Things to Say When You Get a Spam Call first appeared on Crafting Your Home.
Spam calls are designed to catch people off guard, but you do not need to stay on the line trying to figure out whether a caller is genuine. Consumer protection guidance from the FTC and FCC recommends keeping responses brief, avoiding sharing information, and verifying any real concerns through official channels instead of trusting an unexpected caller.
The best response is often not a clever comeback. It is a simple sentence that protects your information and helps you end the conversation quickly.
Here are practical lines to use the next time an unfamiliar caller reaches you.
“Who is calling?”
This is a simple way to ask the caller to identify themselves before you provide any information. It shifts the responsibility to the person on the other end without confirming your name, account details, or other personal information.
The FCC advises consumers to be cautious about answering questions during unexpected calls, especially questions designed to get a “yes” or “no” response or collect personal details.
Honest verdict: A useful first question, but do not treat a caller’s answer as proof that they are legitimate.
“What is this regarding?”
If someone claims to represent a company but doesn’t explain why they are calling, this question asks them to give a clear reason. A legitimate caller may be able to explain the purpose of the contact without asking for sensitive information.
Keep in mind that a familiar company name or local-looking number does not automatically prove the caller is genuine because caller ID information can be spoofed.
Honest verdict: Useful for gathering context, but do not treat a convincing answer as proof that the caller is legitimate.
“I don’t discuss account information on incoming calls.”
This is a strong boundary if someone claims to be from your bank, insurance company, phone provider, utility company, or another organization and asks you to “verify” details.
Instead of continuing the call, contact the organization yourself using a number from an official website, statement, or other trusted source.
Honest verdict: One of the safest responses because it ends the pressure without stopping you from checking a real issue.
“I’ll contact the company using the number on my bill or its official website.”
Unexpected calls about suspicious activity, refunds, account problems, debts, or urgent deadlines can create pressure to act immediately. This response makes it clear that you will handle the situation on your own terms.
The FTC warns that some unexpected calls involving urgent financial problems may be impersonation scams, so contacting the organization yourself is a safer way to verify the claim.
Honest verdict: A practical exit line that works whether the call is suspicious or turns out to involve a real company.
“Please put the details in writing through your official customer channel.”
If a caller claims to represent a company you actually use, this line moves the conversation away from an unexpected phone request. It gives you time to check the information through a company’s official website or app.
Be cautious with links, messages, or callback numbers the caller sends because they aren’t independent proof of identity.
Honest verdict: Helpful when you want to slow things down and verify before taking action.
“I don’t make decisions or payments during unsolicited calls.”
This is useful when someone pushes you to buy something, pay immediately, start a subscription, or decide quickly. Unexpected urgency is a common reason to slow down and check what is happening.
A legitimate opportunity can usually wait while you confirm the details independently.
Honest verdict: A simple way to stop pressure without arguing with the caller.
Related: How to Identify and Avoid AI Scams
“No, thank you. I’m not interested.”
For an ordinary sales call, this short response can help you end the conversation without getting drawn into a long pitch. Keeping it brief is usually better than debating with the caller.
If you hear a recording asking you to press a button to opt out, do not interact with it. The FCC advises hanging up rather than responding to those prompts.
Honest verdict: Works best for simple sales calls, not suspicious automated messages.
“I do not give personal or financial information to unexpected callers.”
This response is useful when someone asks for account numbers, passwords, payment details, identification information, or other sensitive details.
Unexpected callers should not receive private information just because they claim to represent a trusted organization.
Honest verdict: A clear rule that can help prevent accidental sharing of important information.
“I won’t share a verification code.”
Some callers may ask you to read back a code sent by text or email. You should decline this request, regardless of who the caller claims to be.
Verification codes are meant to stay private, so sharing them during an unexpected call is not a good idea.
Honest verdict: A short refusal is enough — there is no need to explain further.
Related: 6 Common Travel Scams Targeting Boomers and How to Avoid Them
“I need to verify this independently. Goodbye.”
This is a useful final line when a caller becomes pushy, unclear, threatening, or overly urgent. After you say it, disconnect rather than keep negotiating.
Sometimes the safest response is even simpler: say nothing and hang up. Unexpected recordings, pauses, or suspicious automated prompts do not require a reply.
Honest verdict: Ending the call is often the most effective move.
If a call feels suspicious, the best “script” is often the shortest one: protect your information, verify independently, and move on.
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