This is what to say to a scammer to scare them—because staying silent won’t stop them. Learn powerful phrases that make scammers back off instantly.
We help you respond with confidence and control. Whether it’s a phone scam, fake message, or phishing email, we’ve got the right words to shut them down.
Don’t just ignore it—fight back smartly with expert-crafted replies. Your safety starts with the right response.s
Sorry Generator
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Scam Messages
It may seem easiest to just delete or hang up. But sometimes, scammers keep trying if they think your number is active. Scaring them off early can help keep you and others safe.
You don’t need to fight or yell. A calm, strong response shows you’re not an easy target. Real-life example: A woman told a scammer, “This line is monitored by the FBI,” and the scammer hung up immediately.
What to Say:
- “This number is being tracked by law enforcement.”
- “You’ve reached a secure federal line.”
- “All your info has been reported to authorities.”
- “I know this is a scam, and I’m recording this call.”
What Not to Say:
- “Wait, who are you again?”
- “Are you sure this is a scam?”
- “Please don’t take my money.”
- “How did you get my info?”
Use Authority to Make Them Nervous
Scammers are afraid of getting caught. Pretending to be connected with the FBI, police, or cybercrime units can make them stop quickly.
Even if it’s not true, they don’t know that. A scammer’s worst fear is being tracked or exposed. Using big, official words makes them feel watched.
Real-life scenario: A man answered, “This is Officer Jenkins with the Cybercrime Task Force. Who is this?” The scammer immediately hung up.
What to Say:
- “This call is being recorded for the Cybercrime Division.”
- “We’ve already flagged this number for fraud.”
- “You’ve contacted a government-registered device.”
- “Your voiceprint is being scanned for identity.”
What Not to Say:
- “I don’t know what’s going on.”
- “Can you tell me more first?”
- “Let me get my credit card to check.”
- “Is this about my computer?”
Ask Them Questions to Confuse or Trap Them
Scammers usually follow a script. When you ask odd or smart questions, you throw them off. They don’t like thinking on their feet.
Try asking things they can’t answer—like details only the real company would know. This frustrates them and shows you’re not an easy mark.
Real-life scenario: A woman asked a fake IRS caller, “Can you give me my file ID from last year’s audit?” They hung up right away.
What to Say:
- “What’s my full account number then?”
- “Who was the agent I talked to last week?”
- “Which office are you calling from?”
- “Can you confirm my past payment history?”
What Not to Say:
- “My name is…”
- “Let me double-check that with you.”
- “Oh, I don’t remember, maybe you’re right.”
- “Okay, what do I do next?”
Pretend You’re Not Who They Think You Are
If you confuse their target, they often give up. Scammers rely on believing you are who they’re looking for. Break that trust, and they’ll move on.
Real-life trick: A scammer called asking for “Michael.” The woman replied, “This is Detective Ruiz, not Michael.” The call ended.
What to Say:
- “This is a business line, not a personal one.”
- “Sorry, you’ve reached the fraud department.”
- “I’m not the person you’re looking for.”
- “This line is used for sting operations.”
What Not to Say:
- “Yes, that’s me.”
- “You have the right number.”
- “I’ve been waiting for your call.”
- “What should I do next?”
Use Humor or Sarcasm (If Safe) 😄
Sometimes, a funny or weird response can throw a scammer off completely. While this isn’t for every situation, it can work if you feel safe and confident.
Example: Someone answered a robocall with, “This is the Pizza Police. Step away from the anchovies.” It confused the bot and made them hang up.
What to Say:
- “Hi, this is Santa Claus. Have you been naughty again?”
- “You’ve reached the Alien Reporting Center.”
- “I only take calls in song—please sing your scam.”
- “One moment, I’ll get the unicorn line.”
What Not to Say:
- “I’m scared, please stop.”
- “Is this real?”
- “Don’t hurt me.”
- “I don’t know what to do!”
What If the Scammer Gets Angry?
Some scammers may push back or threaten you. Stay calm. Don’t give them any personal info. Hang up or stop responding if it feels unsafe.
Remember, their words are just scare tactics. They can’t hurt you through the phone or email. Report the number to local fraud centers or online scam trackers.
What to Say:
- “Your threats are recorded and reported.”
- “You’re violating fraud laws right now.”
- “I’ve already sent this to the fraud alert system.”
- “Thanks, your info is logged with my attorney.”
What Not to Say:
- “I’m sorry, I’ll pay you.”
- “Please don’t call the police on me!”
- “Wait, are you serious?”
- “Okay, just don’t hurt my family.”
Final Thoughts
Knowing what to say to a scammer to scare them can help you stay calm and confident in a tough moment. Whether it’s using official-sounding replies, asking smart questions, or even using a little humor, you have the power to turn the call around.
You don’t need to fight or panic. Just stay smart, say the right things, and report the scam. Together, we can stop scammers one call at a time.
