The top 12 numbers scammers use to text or call (2024)

FAQs

The top 12 numbers scammers use to text or call? ›

Things You Should Know

Ignore calls from 3-digit international area codes that are likely to be scams, including 232, 268, 284, 473, 664, 649, 767, 809, 829, 849, and 876. Be wary of calls from unknown numbers with your own area code. These may be international caller ID spoof scams that appear local.

Things You Should Know

Ignore calls from 3-digit international area codes that are likely to be scams, including 232, 268, 284, 473, 664, 649, 767, 809, 829, 849, and 876. Be wary of calls from unknown numbers with your own area code. These may be international caller ID spoof scams that appear local.

Best Scammer Phone Number Lookup Websites. Essential Insights: Trusted resources such as Social Catfish, Spokeo, and Truecaller are effective in safeguarding personal data. Additionally, search engines and social media platforms can be utilized to identify the proprietor of a phone number.

Online: Visit DoNotCall.gov. By phone: Call 1-888-382-1222 or TTY: 1-866-290-4236.

Truecaller will also identify and warn you about robocallers, scammers, fraudsters, telemarketers and other unwanted or unknown phone numbers. The Advanced Spam Detector will automatically block and protect you from unwanted calls and SMS.

In North America, the area served by the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) system of area codes, fictitious telephone numbers are usually of the form (XXX) 555-xxxx.

You might be dealing with an online scammer if they request sensitive personal information, money, or insist on speaking on a chat app of their choice. You might be dealing with an online scammer if they request sensitive personal information, money, or insist on speaking on a chat app of their choice.

Tracing a scammer demands persistence, leveraging online resources, and often legal assistance. Initiating with digital footprints like email addresses or phone numbers, employing reverse search tools, and reporting to authorities can unearth valuable leads.

The Google authentication process prompts the scammer to prove that they own the number by entering a six-digit code sent to the victim's phone. The scammer tricks the victim into sharing the verification code, then uses this to “prove” they have access to the victim's U.S. number.

What are the five area codes you should never answer? ›

Sign up to the Do Not Call Registry

To stop spam calls for free you can add your number to the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) Do Not Call Registry by calling 1-888-382-1222 or by texting a message to 1-866-290-4236.

With Truecaller, you can identify and block spam calls or SMS, and search for unknown numbers with ease.

That's because scammers can use technology to fake the name or number on your caller ID. Even when your caller ID shows a local number, it could be a scammer calling from anywhere in the world. The good news? You can block a lot of these calls with mobile apps, internet services, or call blocking devices.

Imaginary numbers are numbers that are not real.

Unless you're waiting for an unknown call, don't answer those showing as “unknown caller” or “no caller ID.” While some of these calls may come from legitimate callers, others may come from scammers. Follow the tips below to manage anonymous calls: Ask your phone service provider to block calls from telemarketers.