Robocall Scams: What They Are & How to Protect Your Small Business

Robocalls are automated phone calls that deliver pre-recorded messages. Businesses often use them for legitimate reasons, such as reminders for appointments or alerts about canceled flights. Unfortunately, scammers have also adopted robocalls, using them to trick businesses into sharing private information or purchasing fake products and services. This article explains what robocalls are, how they can harm your small business, and how you can protect yourself.

Types of Robocall Scams & How to Spot Them

Here are the 12 common types (but not the only ones) of robocalls your business might receive, along with clear warning signs:

Credit Card Scams. You get a call claiming to be from your bank or credit card provider, asking for personal or financial information to resolve an alleged account issue or offer a new card. Legitimate financial institutions never request sensitive details over the phone.

2. IRS Scams Scammers pretend to be IRS officials, demanding immediate tax payments through suspicious methods like wire transfers or gift cards. The real IRS never makes these requests by phone.

3. Tech Support Scams. Callers pose as tech support representatives from well-known companies, claiming your device or software has problems. They may request payment or access to your computer. Genuine tech support won't call you unsolicited.

4. Debt Collection Scams. Fake debt collectors use aggressive tactics, pressuring you to make immediate payments using unusual methods. While real collectors can call, you can always request they stop contacting you.

5. Google SEO Scams. Targeted at small businesses, scammers claim your Google business listing needs immediate updating or payment for SEO services. Google never makes such robocalls.

Telemarketing Scams. Fraudulent telemarketers sell nonexistent products or services, often using high-pressure tactics. Always verify independently before purchasing anything offered in an unsolicited call.
Map Verification Scams. Callers claim they need you to confirm your business's location for online maps but trick you into providing sensitive information. Legitimate verification processes rarely occur through unsolicited calls.
Loan Scams. Scammers offer loans or credit cards at low interest rates in exchange for upfront fees or personal details. Real lenders don't ask for upfront payments or personal data over the phone.

9. Insurance Scams. Scammers present seemingly great insurance offers and pressure you for immediate personal information or payment. Genuine insurers give you time to review and independently verify their proposals.

10. Free Trial Scams. Callers offer a free trial but request your credit card details for shipping costs. Once provided, your card is charged without delivering any actual product.

11. Charity Scams. Fraudsters exploit popular charities or current events to solicit donations, urging quick payment via credit cards. Real charities encourage independent verification and never rush donations.

Auto Warranty Scams. Commonly targeting vehicle owners, scammers push fake auto warranty extensions, demanding immediate payment. Legitimate auto warranty services never pressure you into instant payments by phone.

Robocalls vs. AI Voice Scams

Robocalls, which use pre-recorded, generic messages, are a nuisance, but AI voice scams take deception to a new level. These scams employ advanced artificial intelligence to mimic real voices, often those of people you trust or recognize, making them even more difficult to detect. For instance, AI voice scams might impersonate your business associates or senior company executives, attempting to deceive you into authorizing transactions or sharing confidential data.

By staying informed, questioning suspicious calls, and verifying requests through independent channels, you can prevent fraud and keep your business secure.

How to Protect Your Business from Robocalls

Follow these simple steps to keep robocalls from disrupting your business:

Use a Robocall Blocking App for your Business. Download reputable call-blocking apps on your business phones. These apps help identify and block known scam numbers automatically.
Sign up for the Do Not Call (DNC) registry: Registering your number at the DNC registry will opt you out of receiving robocalls from telemarketers. However, it only applies to companies that follow the law and doesn't include scammers.
Identify Scam Warning Signs. Look out for urgency, demands for sensitive information, threats, or suspiciously generous offers. These are red flags that should immediately raise your caution and make you end them immediately.
Verify Callers Independently. Never trust caller IDs alone. If a caller claims to represent a company or agency, hang up, and contact the organization directly using their official contact details.
Don't Publicly Share Your Number. Avoid posting your business phone number online or on social media. If you must share it, ensure the platform or entity is trustworthy.
Report Scam Calls. Report robocalls to your phone service provider and the FTC at donotcall.gov. Reporting helps authorities track and block scammers effectively. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) also encourages consumers to report unwanted callers at their website donotcall.gov.
Choose Secure Communication. Providers Select phone or VoIP providers that offer strong security measures against robocalls and fraud. Many phone service providers offer built-in spam filtering options. Check with your provider to enable these features for added protection.
Never Press Any Numbers: Robocalls sometimes ask you to press a number to "opt-out" or "speak to someone." Doing so confirms your number is active, increasing future robocalls.

Are you protecting your small business enough?

Bitdefender Ultimate Small Business Security provides comprehensive protection against phishing, scams, and fraud. With the built-in AI-powered Scam Copilot, you'll instantly know if an email or message is safe before you click. Plus, breach monitoring alerts you if your sensitive information is leaked—helping you stay safe, productive, and confident while working remotely.

Check out our plans for small businesses.

FAQs

How do I stop robocalls from reaching my business?

You can reduce robocalls by using a call-blocking app, enabling spam filters from your phone provider, registering your number on the National Do Not Call list, and avoiding answering unknown numbers.

What's the difference between robocalls and AI voice scams?

Robocalls use pre-recorded messages to make automated calls, while AI voice scams use advanced artificial intelligence to mimic real voices—often impersonating someone you trust—to trick you into revealing sensitive information.

Can scammers fake caller ID to make robocalls seem legitimate?

Yes. Caller ID spoofing allows scammers to disguise their number to appear as a trusted business or local contact. Always verify requests through official channels rather than relying on caller ID alone.