While any number or area code can be a phone scam, there are certain area codes that scammers seem to prefer. New York State residents should make note of these area codes. There’s one thing you can count on in life… as the saying goes, “scammers cheat.”
3D illustration depicting an illuminated neon sign with a fraud concept.
GoBankingRates.com has compiled a list of “scam-prone” area codes. According to the website, about 60 million Americans have reported a phone scam in 2021. I swear I get about 2 to 10 calls every day that are potential scammers. They’re all numbers I don’t recognize, from areas where I don’t know anyone. I don’t bother answering. I just decline the call and block the number immediately. God forbid it’s actually something serious, lol.
According to GoBankingRates.com, fraudulent activity is often underway in these area codes (or VoIP may be used to spoof the area code or number).
Fraudulent phone numbers and area codes are phone numbers and area codes where fraudulent activity is widespread.
According to McAfee, scammers can use Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) to pretend to call from a specific phone number or name that does not match their actual location or identity.
Call spoofing is when the caller intentionally sends false information to change the caller ID. In most cases, spoofing is done using a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service or an IP phone that uses VoIP to transmit calls over the Internet. VoIP users can usually choose their preferred number or name to appear on the caller ID when setting up their account.
Be careful when calling from these area codes:
1. 232 – Sierra Leone (West Africa)
2. 268 – Antigua and Barbuda (Caribbean)
3. 284 – British Virgin Islands (Caribbean)
4. 473 – Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique
5. 649 – Turks and Caicos Islands
6. 664 – Montserrat (Caribbean)
7. 767 – Commonwealth of Dominica
8. 809, 829, 849 – Dominican Republic
9. 876 – Jamaica
GoBankingRates.com points out some area codes within the continental United States to look out for as well. This is a little trickier since you’re more likely to know someone in that area, but they recommend doing a quick Google search of the number to get an idea of whether it’s real or not.
712 – Western Iowa
218 – Northern Minnesota
646 – Manhattan
657 – La Palma, California
332 – New York City
347 – New York City
469 – Dallas, Texas
216 – Cleveland, Ohio
You can find further information and tips on common scams here.
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