Tech Support Scammer Numbers To Be Aware Of

Written By: Elizabeth Thorn
Reviewed By: Elizabeth Thorn

Phone calls from fraudsters are the top consumer complaint to the FCC. While phone scams can be easy to spot, they aren’t always so obvious.

It’s all too easy to accidentally give away personal data to a convincing call, especially when the phone number looks legit and the scammer claims to be from somewhere plausible, like technical support for something we all use, like Amazon.

Learning how to spot tech scams is easier than you think, and avoiding them altogether is as simple as getting a Burner phone.

What’s a Tech Support Scam?

In a tech support scam, a scammer pretends to be part of the support team for well-known tech companies. This could be something like Microsoft or Apple. Scammers also commonly claim to be customer support for antivirus software, such as Norton.

Scammers might call you directly, claiming that they’ve found phishing attempts or malware on your computer and they’re offering support services. Alternatively, pop-up warnings on websites can recommend security software to fix a problem with your operating system … all you have to do is call a support number.

These scams may be attempts at identity theft. They might attempt to get remote access to your computer and thereby private financial information to fix whatever the claim is wrong with your computer. Sometimes, they’re more direct, asking for credit card, gift card, or bank account information to pay for some kind of service or software.

What Scammer Numbers Should You Avoid?

The easiest way to avoid a scam call is not to answer it. Check your caller ID and look out for the following red flags in order to avoid these tech scammer numbers.

• Let’s start with the obvious: if your caller ID says Scam Likely, Potential Spam, or Spam Risk, do not pass Go. Do not collect $200. Ignore it!

• There are some area codes that are more likely to be attached to a scam number. This doesn’t mean any call from these area codes is a scammer spoofing local digits. But if you don’t know anyone from that area and aren’t expecting a call, it’s best to avoid 216, 469, 657, 332, 347, 646, 218, and 712 numbers.

• There are thousands of suspicious phone numbers reported yearly, but there are twelve numbers that are reported the most: (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, and (347) 437-1689.

Hang Up on Tech Scammers for Good

The main way scams work is by getting you to engage with them. The solution is simple: just don’t do it. A phone number app like ours can help you streamline and organize your communications, weeding out unwanted spam and scams without you lifting a finger.

Being aware of tech support scammers is good. Using Burner to stop them in their tracks is better.

Sources:

Stop Unwanted Robocalls and Texts  Federal Communications Commission
Scam Call Numbers: Check Full List and Block Them  The Economic Times
Spotting and Avoiding Tech Support Scams  Federal Trade Commission
Protect Yourself From Tech Support Scams  Microsoft