Area Codes to Avoid: Save Yourself From Scammers
In just 2023, over 56 million Americans fell victim to phone scams despite growing awareness of fraudulent tactics. However, most scam networks are still concentrated at specific locations, making it easier to identify and avoid them from their phone codes.
In this article, we’ll uncover what area codes are fake and practical tips on recognizing scam calls. Plus, we’ll introduce a reliable tool to help you verify unknown numbers and stay one step ahead of scammers.
Why Do Scammers Keep Calling You?
Ever wondered why you, specifically, are on the receiving end of relentless scam calls? It might feel random, but there’s a method to the madness.
Scammers operate on volume. They dial thousands of numbers, hoping that a few people will take the bait. Think of it like casting a wide net: the more lines they throw out, the higher their chances of catching someone.
But what do they actually want? In most cases, they’re after your personal information, such as your Social Security number, bank account details, or credit card information – anything they can use for identity theft or financial fraud.
The more sophisticated ones may pose as government agencies, demanding immediate payment to avoid legal trouble, while others dangle fake lottery winnings and ask you to pay a “processing fee” before you can claim your nonexistent prize.
What Numbers Should You Avoid Answering?
Even though scammers frequently “spoof” numbers to appear local, certain area codes are notorious for fraudulent activity. Here’s your cheat sheet of area codes to avoid.
U.S. Danger Zones:
- 216: Cleveland, Ohio
- 218: Northern Minnesota
- 469: Dallas, Texas
- 646: Manhattan
- 657: La Palma, California
- 712: Western Iowa
- 901: Memphis, Tennessee
Global Scam Hotspots:
- 91: India
- 232: Sierra Leone
- 234: Nigeria
- 355: Albania
- 375: Belarus
- 473: Grenada
- 829, 849, 809: Dominican Republic
- 868: Trinidad and Tobago
- 876: Jamaica
- 649: Turks and Caicos Islands
- 242: Bahamas
- 268: Antigua and Barbuda
- 284: British Virgin Islands
While not every call from these numbers is a scam, you should always exercise caution when receiving calls from these scam area codes. If you’re unsure, it’s best to let it go to voicemail and verify the number before calling back.
Is It a Scam? Clues to Catch a Fraudulent Caller
Before you even think about answering a call, there are several ways that can help you distinguish between legitimate calls and scams.
Use Searqle to Instantly Verify Scam Area Codes
Searqle is a trusted phone number search service that helps you identify unknown callers in seconds. Simply enter the phone number on the Searqle website, and it will search public records across the United States to provide:
- The general location of the area code
- Caller’s name
- Email address
- Home address
More importantly, Searqle will also show if other users have reported the number as spam or a potential scam. If you’re wondering what the area codes to avoid are, this tool makes it easy to check before you even answer.
Google and Social Media Checks for Scams
Individuals regularly report numbers on spam alert websites, forum threads, and comment boxes. A simple Google search for the phone number may bring up any such scam complaints related to that number. You may also look up the number on popular social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, or Reddit.
Additionally, legitimate businesses typically have their contact information openly listed. If you cannot discover any verified information on the number, or if it does not coordinate with the information provided by the scammer, that’s a serious red flag.
Recognizing the Red Flags: Classic Scam Tactics
Even if you inadvertently answer a scam call, there are clear warning signs that can help you spot fraud. Be cautious of callers who:
- Put you to make quick decisions: Scammers often create a sense of urgency, making it seem like you need to make snap decisions to avoid negative consequences.
- Ask for sensitive personal data: Legitimate companies will never ask for your Social Security number, banking information, or passwords over the phone.
- Demand payment through unusual ways: If they insist on payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency, it is a scam. These methods are difficult to trace, and that’s why scammers prefer them.
- Claim to be from a government agency: Scammers often masquerade as IRS agents, Social Security officers, or law enforcement to terrorize victims. No government agency makes unsolicited calls asking for payments.
- Offer something “too good to be true”: If someone calls you out of the blue claiming you’ve won a lottery, grant, or vacation, but you must pay a fee upfront – be sure it’s a scam.
Sometimes, it might take a while before you realize the seemingly legitimate person on the other end of the line is trying to deceive you. Trust your gut feeling – if something feels off, it probably is. Hang up immediately and never answer calls from these area codes again.
The Bottom Line: Protect Yourself by Avoiding Scam Calls
Ultimately, the best defense against phone scams is not to answer calls from numbers you don’t know – particularly if they have scam area codes.
It can be tempting to answer, particularly if the number appears familiar, but it’s far safer to let unknown calls go to voicemail. If the call is genuine, the caller will leave a message identifying who they are and why they are making contact. This provides you with an opportunity to screen the call and determine what numbers you should avoid answering.
By remaining vigilant, you’ll significantly minimize your risk of being scammed, saving you time, anxiety, and even financial loss.
Conclusion
The world of unsolicited phone calls is a minefield, but learning why scammers are calling you, what area codes are spam calls, and how they work can keep you one step ahead.
While caution is paramount, using tools like Searqle adds an extra layer of security. With its instant lookup service, you can speedily check unfamiliar numbers and make educated decisions before answering the phone. Remain vigilant, trust your instincts, and always double-check unfamiliar numbers before answering.
