Scammers are coming for your money. Here’s the one thing you must never do

Imagine getting a phone call from your bank.

The bank's name is listed on the caller ID with the correct phone number.

They know key details about you—your name, your account numbers, maybe even your Social Security number or mother's maiden name.

They warn you that you have fallen victim to a financial scam.

But the plot twist is that they are the scammers! YOUR FAMILY COULD BE ONE PHONE CALL FROM A BANK SCAM This is happening across the country at an alarming rate.

Technology can help increase our productivity, but it also can boost scammers by enabling increasingly sophisticated tactics that allow them to impersonate companies, access sensitive information, and create a panic that causes even the savviest people to unwittingly help them complete their scams.

FRAUD EXPERT WARNS AI IS HELPING CRIMINALS OUTPACE THE GOVERNMENT: 'DON'T HAVE THE RIGHT TOOLS' So, how can you protect yourself from these growing scams, including those in which the scammer is impersonating your bank? If you see your bank, credit card company, Amazon, Microsoft, or any other company with whom you do business calling, and you aren't immediately expecting that call, do not answer your phone.

Scammers are "spoofing" phone numbers so that the phone number shows up on your phone with the name of a big company even though they are not affiliated with it.

Sometimes, it even shows the correct phone number even though they are calling from another number.

If you don't answer your phone, you take away a huge tool for scammers: their ability to create urgency and panic.

When you are told that you are the subject of fraud, that your money is at risk, or something similar, and you need to take action, you panic.

APPLE PAY TEXT SCAM THREATENS $8,250 LOSS IN 35 MINUTES In a state of panic, you do not think clearly, and this can lead you to take actions that you would never undertake in a calm state.

I personally suggest not answering any phone calls.

If you receive a call, try calling the person or business back using the number in your contacts if they leave a message.