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Have you gotten a phone call with a pre-recorded message about a past due bill or credit card problem?

Before you push a button or all a number that is provided, watch out.

You could be targeted by a scam.

No matter how private you try to keep your number or diligent you are about registering your phone number on do not call lists, scam artists still seem to find a way to target you for any number of scams, including those that use a pre-recorded message to try to scare you about an unpaid bill or problem with your credit card.

If you get one of these calls, here is what you can do:

• Write down the phone number that appears on your caller ID, and Google it to see if more information can be provided about these numbers. You might also want to Google phone numbers listed in the message.

• Use voice mail or an answering machine to screen these calls and then check them out before you call back.

• If you are confused by the message and are not sure if the call is legitimate or not, contact your credit card company or order a free copy of your credit report to verify if the information provided is correct or not.

You can obtain a free copy of your credit report from annualcreditreport.com.

Quite often, these calls are coming from zombie debt collectors who are trying to collect for a debt that you may not owe.

• If the calls are persistent and you cannot get them to stop, contact your phone company and ask if they can assist you in blocking the number from calling your phone.

• You might also want to file a complaint with state and federal consumer protection agencies as well.

Sometimes it can be hard to distinguish whether a call is legitimate or not.

However, before you push buttons, call an unknown phone number, or release personal information, err on the side of caution, and check things out with reputable sources.