12 Checks Before Trusting an Unexpected Phone Call

Inside this gallery: 12 historical photographs, each with the year, the place, and the story behind the picture.

• Check 1: Don't Trust Your Caller ID — the past. Scammers often falsify the information displayed on your screen to disguise their identity, a tactic known as spoofing.
• Check 2: Evaluate the Sense of Urgency — the past. Legitimate businesses will typically give you time to think an offer over and get written information before you commit.
• Check 3: Watch Out for Specific Payment Requests — the past. Be extremely cautious if a caller insists that you must pay using a specific method.
• Check 4: Find an Official Number Independently — the past. If you receive an unexpected call from someone claiming to represent a company or a government agency, hang up immediately.

Tap any photo above to jump in, or view the full story below.