Beware: The 21 Most Common Scam Phone Numbers

Submitted by Dave Won. on Tue, 03/12/2024

In today's digital age, where smartphones are ubiquitous, scam artists are constantly devising new ways to trick unsuspecting individuals. One prevalent method is through scam phone calls, where fraudsters attempt to deceive people into divulging sensitive information or extorting money. To help you stay vigilant, we've compiled a list of the 50 most common scam phone numbers that you should be wary of answering.

Understanding Scam Phone Calls

Scam phone calls come in various forms, including:

  • Impersonation Scams: Fraudsters pose as representatives from legitimate organizations, such as banks, government agencies, or tech support, to trick victims into revealing personal or financial information.

  • Robocalls: Automated calls deliver pre-recorded messages, often claiming to offer free vacations, debt relief, or other too-good-to-be-true offers.

  • Tax Scams: Scammers impersonate tax authorities, threatening victims with legal action or arrest if they don't pay supposed back taxes immediately.

  • Social Security Scams: Fraudsters impersonate Social Security Administration officials, claiming there's a problem with the victim's Social Security number or benefits.

The 21 Most Common Scam Phone Numbers

Here's a list of scam phone numbers reported by victims and identified by consumer protection agencies:

  1. Bank account temporarily on hold scam: (858) 605-9622
  2. Wells Fargo text message scam: (865) 630-4266
  3. Failed delivery attempt scam: (469) 709-7630
  4. Debit card frozen scam: (863) 532-7969
  5. Student loan forgiveness scam: (202) 221-7923
  6. White House Impersonation Scam: 202-456-1111
  7. USPS scam: (301) 307-4601
  8. Apple Support Scam: 800-275-2273
  9. IRS Tax Scam: 888-495-8501
  10. Weight loss and delivery scam: (312) 339-1227
  11. Unpaid taxes scam: (347) 437-1689
  12. IRS Impersonation Scam: 202-622-2000
  13. Vehicle Warranty Scam: 844-308-6819
  14. AT&T raffle winners: (904) 495-2559
  15. FBI Impersonation Scam: 202-644-8750
  16. Jamaican Lottery Scam: 876-xxx-xxxx
  17. Fake Publisher’s Clearing House win: (805) 637-7243
  18. Card lock scam: (878) 877-1402
  19. Social Security Administration Scam: 800-772-1213
  20. Medicare Scam: 800-876-1715
  21. Microsoft Tech Support Scam: 800-366-4484

Protecting Yourself from Scam Calls

Here are some tips to help you avoid falling victim to scam phone calls:

  • Verify Caller Identity: If you receive a call from a suspicious number, don't provide any personal information. Instead, hang up and independently verify the caller's identity by contacting the organization directly using a trusted phone number.

  • Don't Trust Caller ID: Scammers can spoof caller ID to make it appear as if they're calling from a legitimate organization. Never rely solely on caller ID to determine the authenticity of a call.

  • Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Offers: If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Be wary of unsolicited calls offering free gifts, prizes, or services, especially if they require you to provide payment or personal information.

  • Report Suspicious Calls: If you receive a scam phone call, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your local consumer protection agency. Reporting scam calls helps authorities track down fraudsters and protect others from falling victim.

Conclusion

Scam phone calls are a persistent threat in today's digital landscape, but with awareness and vigilance, you can protect yourself from falling victim to fraudsters. By familiarizing yourself with common scam phone numbers and adopting best practices for handling suspicious calls, you can safeguard your personal and financial information from exploitation. Remember, when in doubt, it's always best to err on the side of caution and trust your instincts.