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When you receive an unsolicited phone call from an unfamiliar number — should you answer it or let it go to voicemail?
Social Catfish, an online identity verification service, warns there could be a scammer on the other line, KTLA’s sister station WPRI reports.
Scammers are known for using illegal “spoofing” techniques, according to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
Spoofing is when a scammer disguises their identity by manipulating the information transmitted to your caller ID display. Scammers often spoof their numbers to get through phone systems that block unknown callers.
Social Catfish warns that scammers often use local area codes to make themselves seem legitimate and trick people into answering the phone.
There are five area codes you should be wary of, according to Social Catfish: 268 (Antigua and Barbuda), 876 (Jamaica), 473 (Grenada and Carriacou), 649 (Turks and Caicos Islands) and 284 (British Virgin Islands).
Social Catfish urges everyone to ignore phone calls coming from numbers with those area codes, since all of them have been tied to various types of fraud.
If you do answer the phone, Social Catfish suggests not engaging with the caller. Instead, simply hang up.
Regardless, Social Catfish stresses the importance of never providing an unknown caller with personal or financial information.
Anyone who’s unsure whether an unfamiliar phone number is legitimate can easily verify a caller’s identity through an online search, according to Social Catfish.
The FCC urges anyone who receives a suspicious phone call from an unfamiliar number, or believes they’ve fallen victim to a spoofing scam, to report it.
If you’re looking for ways to prevent scammers from calling your phone, you can add your number to the National Do Not Call Registry. You can also utilize call-blocking software, which can send unknown callers straight to voicemail or prevent them from contacting you altogether.
FAQs
There are five area codes you should be wary of, according to Social Catfish: 268 (Antigua and Barbuda), 876 (Jamaica), 473 (Grenada and Carriacou), 649 (Turks and Caicos Islands) and 284 (British Virgin Islands).
What are the five area codes you should never answer on an iPhone? ›
There are five area codes you should be wary of, according to Social Catfish: 268 (Antigua and Barbuda), 876 (Jamaica), 473 (Grenada and Carriacou), 649 (Turks and Caicos Islands) and 284 (British Virgin Islands).
What are the area codes to avoid? ›
Some of the area codes most often associated with scam phone calls include:
- 216: Cleveland, Ohio.
- 469: Dallas, Texas.
- 657: La Palma, California.
- 332, 347, 646: New York City, New York.
- 218: Northern Minnesota.
- 712: Western Iowa.
The majority of abandoned calls are caused by automated calling systems known as diallers. These diallers, mainly used in call centres, dial telephone numbers automatically and connect people to call centre agents as soon as the phone is answered.
Is this a spam phone number? ›
Number doesn't match the caller ID name (e.g., says a big company but has a local number) Claims to be from a government agency like the IRS or FBI (they won't call you out of the blue) Caller ID shows "Scam Likely" or "Spam Risk" (your carrier has flagged it as potential spam)
What happens if you answer a spam call? ›
If you accidentally answer a spam call, scammers know your number is connected to a real person and can target you with more spam calls. These targeted spam calls will try to trick you into giving up your personal information which allows cybercriminals to steal your money, your identity and even your voice.
What code blocks all spam calls? ›
The star code *60 is used by many network providers to help block spam calls. Simply dial *60 and follow the instructions to block either the most recent number or a specific number. Check with your provider to see if they offer this service. The star code *77 automatically rejects blocked or unidentified numbers.
What area code should we not answer? ›
Some area codes to be weary of are: 268– Antigua and Barbuda. 284– British Virgin Islands. 473– Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.
How to stop spam calls? ›
You can register your numbers on the national Do Not Call list at no cost by calling 1-888-382-1222 (voice) or 1-866-290-4236 (TTY). You must call from the phone number you wish to register. You can also register at add your personal wireless phone number to the national Do-Not-Call list donotcall.gov.
Can you block area codes on your cell phone? ›
Choose Blocked and allow list, then select Blocked List. Tap + in the bottom right-hand corner, then A number to add an area code or number range. Enter the area code or number range and select Block to add the number to your blocked list. Optionally, you can add a label for quick identification.
Robocalls sometimes prompt you to take action, such as “press 1 to speak to a live representative” or “press 2 to unsubscribe” and so on. By following instructions, you confirm to the robocallers that you are a potential victim and invite further robocalls. Try to avoid taking any action.
Does * 61 block unwanted calls? ›
If you have a digital home phone with AT&T, *61 blocks unwanted calls as part of their free Call Blocking service. Press *61 then the “call” button to add the last call you received to your blocked call list. To stop receiving calls from all private numbers (calls without caller ID), dial *77.
Will my phone be hacked if I answer an unknown call? ›
It's impossible to get hacked by simply answering a phone call made through your network service provider. But that doesn't mean a phone call can't be exploited to compromise your security via a social engineering attack.
Is it better to ignore or decline spam calls? ›
Is it better to ignore or decline spam calls? It's better to ignore spam calls.
What is the code to block a number from calling? ›
Blocking a Number: Quick Instructions
Android: Open the Phone app, tap the three dots, tap "Call History," and select a number. Tap "Block/report spam" > "Block." Landline: Dial "*60" and follow the instructions, or contact your carrier.
How to check if a number is legit? ›
Use the IPQS free phone validation tool to verify phone numbers with 99.9% accuracy to check if a phone number is real and active. Lookup any phone number with international phone validation that enables worldwide coverage.
What are some scammer phone numbers? ›
These numbers are - (202) 221-7923, (469) 709-7630, (805) 637-7243, (878) 877-1402, (865) 630-4266, (863) 532-7969, (858) 605-9622, (312) 339-1227, (904) 495-2559, (917) 540-7996, (301) 307-4601, (347) 437-1689.
What is the hidden number for iPhone? ›
To make all outgoing iPhone calls private, go to Settings > Phone > Show My Caller ID and toggle off the switch. To hide your phone number for one private call, dial *67, followed by the phone number you're calling.
What are iPhone secret codes? ›
iPhone secret codes are also known as Unstructured Supplementary Service Data codes (USSD). These are shortcuts and access codes to enter unique settings and functions within the device. They were more popular in the past, when Settings apps weren't as advanced as today.
