Recent data reveals that nearly 30 percent of unknown calls are flagged as spam or fraud, making it crucial for individuals to exercise heightened caution when answering suspicious calls. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has received multiple reports in recent months about a recurring scam caller named ‘Jessica,’ who claims to be calling to approve a loan. Keep reading to discover how you can protect yourself from this and other similar scams.

A phone call phishing scammer named Jessica

Last week, the BBB issued a warning about a scammer named Jessica, who has been behind over 500 fraudulent phone calls since November 2024.

According to the official BBB alert, Jessica calls consumers claiming to be a member of a loan processing team and, “need to verify some final details to complete your approval.” 

Jessica’s voicemails consistently push for personal information, including consumer’s income, while enhancing her credibility by offering a callback number and application ID to make the message appear legitimate.

The report describes these scam calls as “aggressive,” with some people receiving “multiple calls per day, often from different phone numbers but with nearly identical voicemail scripts.” 

How to deal with scam calls

The BBB advises consumers to be cautious of messages with vague details, generic names or urgent callback requests and to hang up if targeted.

“Resist the urge to call back,” BBB’s Paula Fleming told NBC Boston. “If you are questioning whether it’s a legitimate call, if you have begun an application for a loan, call the bank directly—don’t call back that phone number.”

Those interested in further protecting themselves from phishing scams should consider registering for the Federal Trade Commission’s National Do Not Call registry.

Call-blocking applications are also an expert-suggested tool to better protect yourself from scams by filtering the calls you can receive.

If you enlist either of these tactics and still receive questionable phone calls, “that is another sign that it could potentially be a scam,” explained Fleming about scam artists typically ignoring no-call lists.

Other common scam cases and how to avoid them

Scammers are lurking in inboxes and answering machines in equal measure, so it is important to be aware of all how you might be subject to fraud. 

Peer-to-peer money transfer platforms are a common hotspot for scams. For example, last year, cases of account takeover and impersonation were rampant across Zelle. 

Scams involving gift cards, particularly e-gift cards, are also prevalent. From fake offers to bogus balance-checking sites, always verify the details before gifting or receiving a card.

The rise of AI has created new, more convincing opportunities for scammers, leading to a surge in AI voice scams.

In any situation where you might be vulnerable to scams, it’s crucial to stay vigilant and trust your instincts if something feels off. Always report suspicious calls or contacts, and never share personal information with anyone you don’t know.