Scammers are becoming more and more sophisticated in their tactics, and one of the latest methods they’re using is to call from a phone number with an area code that appears to be local. One area code that has been used frequently in scams is 657, which is an overlay of the 714 and 949 area codes in southern California. If you receive a call from a number with the 657 area code, it’s important to be aware that it could be a scam and to know how to protect yourself.
What is the 657 Area Code Scam?
The 657 area code scam is a type of phone scam in which the caller pretends to be a representative of a legitimate organization, such as a government agency or a well-known company. They may claim to be calling about a problem with your account, a debt that needs to be paid, or a prize that you’ve won. The goal of the scam is to trick you into giving them personal information or money.
One common variation of the 657 area code scam is the “IRS scam.” In this scam, the caller claims to be from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and says that you owe taxes that need to be paid immediately. They may threaten to arrest you or take other legal action if you don’t pay. However, the IRS will never call you to demand immediate payment, and they will never threaten to arrest you over the phone.
Another variation of the 657 area code scam is the “tech support scam.” In this scam, the caller claims to be from a well-known tech company, such as Microsoft or Apple, and says that there is a problem with your computer. They may ask for remote access to your computer or for you to download a program to fix the problem. However, legitimate tech companies will never call you unsolicited and ask for remote access to your computer.
How to Recognize a 657 Area Code Scam?
There are several red flags that can indicate that a call from a 657 area code is a scam. Here are a few things to look out for:
- The caller is asking for personal information. Legitimate organizations will not ask for personal information, such as your Social Security number, credit card number, or bank account information, over the phone.
- The caller is asking for money. Legitimate organizations will not demand payment over the phone, and they will not ask for payment in the form of gift cards, wire transfers, or Bitcoin.
- The caller is threatening you. Legitimate organizations will not threaten you with arrest, legal action, or other consequences if you don’t comply with their demands.
- The caller is using high-pressure tactics. Scammers may try to rush you into making a decision or giving them information by telling you that the offer is only available for a limited time or that there is a problem that needs to be resolved immediately.
- The caller ID appears to be a local number but is not. Scammers can use technology to make it appear that a call is coming from a local area code when it is not.
How to Protect Yourself from the 657 Area Code Scam?
Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself from the 657 area code scam:
- Don’t give out personal information over the phone. Never give out personal information, such as your Social Security number, credit card number, or bank account information, to someone who calls you.
- Don’t pay money over the phone. Never pay money to someone who calls you, and never make a payment in the form of gift cards, wire transfers, or Bitcoin.
- Don’t rush into making a decision. Scammers will often try to rush you into making a decision, so take your time and don’t let them pressure you into doing something you’re not comfortable with.
- Hang up if you suspect a scam. If you receive a call that you suspect is a scam, hang up. If you’re not sure if the call is a scam, you can hang up and call the organization back using a phone number that you know is legitimate.
- Use call-blocking services. Many phone companies offer call-blocking services that can block unwanted calls, including those from known scam numbers.
- Report scams to the authorities. If you receive a call that you suspect is a scam, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the IRS. You can also report scams to your state attorney general’s office.
- Be cautious with unsolicited calls. Be cautious with unsolicited calls, even if they appear to be from a legitimate organization or a local area code.
Conclusion
The 657 area code scam is a growing problem and it is important to be aware of this type of scam. Scammers will try to trick you into giving them personal information or money by pretending to be a representative of a legitimate organization, such as a government agency or a well-known company. By knowing the red flags and how to protect yourself from this type of scam, you can avoid falling victim to this type of scam.