Evita ser víctima de estafas telefónicas: Conoce cómo identificar y protegerte de los números de teléfono de Estados Unidos utilizados para engañarte

Avoid Phone Scams: We offer you a list of phone numbers from the United States from which they call you to scam you and steal your money or data.

Technological advances have brought benefits, but also the increase in phone scams and fraudulent messages. A joint study by Truecaller and Harris Poll revealed that in the first quarter of 2022, losses from phone scams in the United States amounted to $39.5 billion.

The theft of money and data through phone calls and text messages is so frequent that some states have seriously warned their residents and told them how to act immediately.

Such is the case of Texas, where losses from these scams reached $39.5 billion in the first quarter of 2022, according to Truecaller and Harris Poll data. Learning to identify phone scams and take preventive measures is essential to protect yourself from possible fraud.

How to identify these scam calls?

Scammers use persuasive tactics to deceive people. Some common signs of phone scams include:

1. Tempting offers or appeal to charity: Scammers try to capture attention with attractive promises or donation requests.
2. Pressure to make quick decisions: Pressure is exerted for the victim to make impulsive decisions.
3. Avoid direct questions: Scammers avoid providing clear information about the company or the offer.
4. Request confidential information: They ask for confirmation of sensitive personal or financial information.
5. Unusual payment methods: They request payments in cash, gift cards, or transfers, which are uncommon in legitimate transactions.
6. Threats: They use threats, even of arrest, to force the victim’s cooperation.
7. Robocalls or recorded messages: They start the call with pre-recorded messages.
8. Pretending to be friends or family: They pretend to be acquaintances who urgently need money.

How to protect yourself?

1. Do not answer calls from unknown numbers: Avoid answering calls from numbers you do not recognize to reduce the risk of scams.
2. Register on the do-not-call list: Register your number on the federal do-not-call list at donotcall.gov and on the Texas list at texasnocall.com to reduce unwanted calls.
3. Use services to block calls: On mobile phones, install programs that block unwanted calls. Many companies offer similar services for residential phones.
4. Verify before providing information: Before sharing confidential information, confirm the identity of the calling entity.
5. Report scams: Use ReporteFraude.ftc.gov to report scams and contribute to the fight against phone fraud.
6. Educate others: Share information about phone scams with family and friends to raise awareness and prevent potential victims.

Protect your privacy and finances by following these measures. Prevention and awareness are key to avoiding phone scams.

United States phone numbers from which you can be scammed

BeenVerified analyzed more than 157,000 suspicious messages and calls, identifying 12 key phone numbers in scam tactics. Know these numbers to protect yourself:

1. (917) 540-7996: Marketing campaign inspired by “Scream”.
2. (805) 637-7243: Announces fake million dollar prizes.
3. (301) 307-4601: Pretends to be the Postal Service, warning about withheld packages.
4. (863) 532-7969: Informs about frozen debit cards.
5. (865) 630-4266: Pretends to be Wells Fargo personnel, freezing fictitious accounts.
6. (904) 495-2559: Notifies of prizes won in special AT&T raffles.
7. (312) 339-1227: Related to scams of miraculous products and package shipment.
8. (469) 709-7630: Pretends to be family members, requesting calls to fake numbers.
9. (858) 605-9622: Pretends to be bank personnel, warning about accounts on hold.
10. (347) 437-1689: Informs about failed deliveries, requesting personal information.
11. (878) 877-1402: Communicates card blocks, requesting PIN from fake employees.
12. (202) 221-7923: Incorporates personal data to capture attention, requesting PIN.

Preventive measures and resources

Stay alert to calls from unknown numbers. Register on the National Do Not Call Registry and use services to block unwanted calls on your mobile devices. Also, know and report scams through ReporteFraude.ftc.gov.

Additional resources from the US government:

Protect your privacy and finances. Do not let phone scams affect your security.