Security expert shares three red flag phrases to look out for in unexpected phone calls

A security expert has revealed important signs you should listen out for in order to tell if a phone call could be a scam.

If you've seen Netflix's The Tinder Swindler you'll know a thing or two about scammers, or perhaps you've even had the misfortune of being a victim of scamming yourself.

You never think it's going to happen to you, but phone call scams in particular are becoming more and more cunning - scammers sometimes conduct schemes over a period of months to trick people into giving away personal details and getting access to their money.

Just earlier this year, a teenager was left heartbroken after they lost their entire life savings as a result of a phone scam. But how do you know whether a call is dodgy or not?

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Senior vice president of content security, code and mobile app protection software company Verimatrix, Dr Klaus Schenk, has revealed the three warning signs that should raise suspicion if you're on the phone to someone you don't know.

The first sign is if you don't recognise the number that's calling you, and you weren't expecting a call either.

Dr Shenk notes scammers may create an 'emergency situation' and pose as someone trying to help such as an 'airline representative' when actually their 'true intention is to steal identities and money'.

Looking up the phone number or company they caller says their from and doing a 'quick internet search' can help 'verify the caller's legitimacy' and is 'always a prudent step,' Dr Shenk tells the Sun.

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A second red flag to look out for is any caller who tries to get you to make an 'immediate payment,' invest in something, or a caller who offers you a 'free gift'.

Dr Shenk says: "Be wary if the caller asks for immediate payment or requests you to disclose personal information.

"Promises of lucrative financial opportunities or gifts, along with emotional manipulation tactics, should also raise suspicion."

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If anyone over the phone tries to convince you to 'install an app', that's a sign something may be fishy as well.

And anyone interested in your personal information or details should also raise suspicion.

If you hear them say any of the above or just get the feeling something's not quite right, just hang up the phone.

If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, you can contact Victim Support on 08 08 16 89 111, start a live chat, or visit the website, all of which are available 24 hours seven days a week.