This week, I’m taking a bit of a break from my usual columns about policy to remind my constituents that phone scammers will try anything to take advantage of us. Recently, my office had several calls from constituents raising their concerns over phone scammers; and not long afterward, someone tried scamming me at my home.

The Federal Trade Commission estimates that billions of dollars are lost due to fraudulent telemarketing scams. I thought it was important to share some tips and agencies you can call to better protect yourself.

Phone scams may sound like charity appeals, vacations, prizes that require cash deposits, and other ‘investment’ opportunities. The old adage that if it sounds too good to be true is a good guide to follow. Some scammers may try to glean personal and sensitive information from you. Don’t ever disclose that information. They may even say they are calling from a government agency or a well-known company. Keep in mind that the government won’t call you asking for personal information or for money.

Here are some other helpful tips for spotting a scam. Scammers will create a sense of urgency by using high-pressure language tactics. For example, they may say that you must act on an offer the same day it is made. They will be unwilling to send you written communication on the offer. They may try to get your credit card information or Social Security Number to verify your identity or qualify you for the prize. Be wary of contests you did not enter yourself.

You can take steps to protect yourself. Don’t send money or give out personal or banking information to a company you don’t know. You can ask for additional information on their offer in writing. Sometimes it is as simple as not answering unknown numbers; it is illegal for telemarketers to block their phone identification. Ask to be taken off their phone list; it is also illegal for telemarketers to call you back after you have made this request.

Please help us combat phone fraud by reporting suspected scams to local law enforcement. For more help, you may contact the New York State Attorney General Consumer Helpline at 800-771-7755 or visit www.ag.ny.gov; the Federal Trade Commission at 877-382-4357 or visit www.ftc.gov; or the New York State Department of Consumer Protection Helpline at 800-697-1220 or visit www.dos.ny.gov/consumerprotection. Our regional office of the Better Business Bureau can be reached at 716-881-5222 or you may visit them at www.bbb.org/upstate-new-york.

Lastly, the national Do Not Call Registry is a great tool to protect you from unwanted telemarketing. Telemarketers are prohibited from calling those on this list. Violators can face a fine of up to $11,000. To register, call 1-888-382-1222 or visit www.donotcall.gov.