Scam Phone Numbers To Never Answer If They Call You

Once upon a time, when the phone rang it was either someone you knew or a wrong number. Times have changed, unfortunately, and today phones seem to ring nonstop with unsolicited robocalls and, even worse, scam phone calls. According to the online database USA Facts, Americas filed more than 3 million complaints about unwanted phone calls in 2022, however that number only reflects those calls that were reported and is likely even more skewed when it comes to how many people were actually scammed as a result. In fact, in its 2024 Global State of Scams report, the Global Anti-Scam Association (GASA) found that only 30% of individuals scammed reported the incident.

In 2023 BeenVerified, a background check company, created what they call the "Dirty Dozen" in response to the growing problem of scam phone calls. This list of 12 telephone numbers that have been verified to be behind well-known scams is designed to give people a starting point with which to protect themselves from scam phone calls. Scammers, however, are masters of adaptability and are constantly evolving their methods.

ReversePhone.com has compiled a helpful list of area codes that are common sources of scam phone calls. While the list is not exhaustive, and there is no reason to suspect that every call from these area codes is fraudulent, there have been enough complaints about numbers from these area codes to raise a red flag. The area codes most used by scammers in 2024 were: 720, 272, 959, 829, and 346. The site also reported the most commonly used phone numbers used by scammers for 2024 included: (763) 274-3899, (217) 402-1312, (202) 456-1111, (662) 255-3743 and (325) 244-7821.

Like with Instagram scams, it is hard to completely stop scammers from trying to separate you from your money and wreak havoc on your life. But you can arm yourself with knowledge and a little due diligence. Familiarize yourself with the most common phone scams and the most likely area codes scam numbers are generated from. If you get a call from a number you don't know, don't answer the call and let it go to voice mail instead. If you believe the phone call was a scam, block the number so they won't be able to harass you again from the same number in the future. You can also block a number before receiving a call from it by adding the number to your contact list and then blocking the contact or reach out to your cell phone carrier for assistance.

And most importantly, follow these top tips:

• Never give out personal information like passwords or account details
• Call companies, including banks and credit card companies directly to verify calls
• Register all your phone numbers with the National Do Not Call Registry

If you feel that you have been scammed, you shouldn't be ashamed. Scammers actually count on victims to be too embarrassed to say or do anything, which helps perpetuate their crimes. The Federal Trade Commission has created a website where you can go to report the crime. The FTC uses the information provided by victims to work with law enforcement to try to catch the scammers and prevent further victims from being affected.

Fraudsters use unscrupulous methods like cloning numbers and "spoofing" — using a number within your area code to contact you, so potential victims are more likely to answer a phone call. Additionally, they use manipulation and intimidation and prey on fear and loneliness, particularly with seniors, as a means of breaking down your defenses. According to Psychology Today, by using intimidation and scare tactics, they invoke a neurological effect known as the fight or flight response in which the brain stops using critical thinking skills and reacts emotionally, often making poor decisions.

Scammers often pose as a representative from a familiar company you are likely to do business with, like a financial institution, a computer software company, or even the IRS. They often claim that there has been suspicious activity or that you owe money, and ask you to provide private, sensitive information like social security numbers, passwords, and account numbers to help keep your accounts secure.

Should you happen to find yourself on the wrong end of a scam call, end it without engaging with the caller. If you actually have business with the provider who claims to be calling, return the call on your own using the customer service numbers you already have – not the numbers the caller provides – and do your own investigation to find out if there is really a problem.

Unfortunately scam phone calls (along with old school door-to-door scams) are a part of life. Some mobile phone carriers are doing a better job at identifying potential scams with caller ID, but that doesn't stop every call from getting through. And while most scam calls are not successful, enough are to keep the bad guys in business and keep them coming back for more.