If you’ve ever received a phone call on your iPhone that looked legit, only to discover too late that it’s actually spam, you know how easy it is to be tricked. The problem with scammers is that once they know you’re onto one method they use, they’re already creating another method to get by you. But that doesn’t mean you can’t take back as much control over possible. Being aware of the area codes most often used by scammers is one way to keep yourself from answering calls and getting frustrated. Tech experts explain which areas codes could be spam (assuming you don’t know anyone from these area codes) and how to best protect yourself from this annoyance.
Area codes connected to spam
The five areas of codes that need to be avoided are 876 (Jamaica), 649 (Turks and Caicos Islands), 268 (Antigua and Barbuda), 284 (British Virgin Islands), and 473 (Grenada and Carriacou), according to Tech Expert Ryan Faber, who founded Copymatic. “These all have cases of fraudulence attached to them and are therefore risky,” Faber says. “In the digital age, where data is so vulnerable, it is really a wise step to avoid getting into trouble. As strong and complex as Apple’s security is, it doesn’t make it 100% unhackable. As Neil Rerup, the cybersecurity expert said, cybersecurity is about preparing for what is next.”
Clues that you’re being spammed
Determining whether a call is likely spam based solely on the area code is difficult, as scammers often use spoofed or fake numbers that may appear to come from a legitimate area code, says Tech Expert Charan Bhatia at Lonelyaxe. “However, some area codes are known to have a higher prevalence of spam calls than others — for example, area codes associated with telemarketing hubs or call centers may be more likely to be used for spam calls,” Bhatia says.”In addition to the area code, there are several other clues that can help you identify whether a call is likely spam.:
These include:
1. Caller ID: If the caller ID displays a suspicious or unfamiliar name or number, Bhatia says it may be a sign of a spam call.
2. Robocalls: If the call begins with a pre-recorded message or a voice that doesn’t sound like a real person, it’s likely a robocall.
3. Urgency: If the caller insists that you must act quickly or face dire consequences, it’s likely a scam, Bhatia notes.
4. Request for Personal Information: If the caller asks for personal information such as your Social Security number, bank account information, or passwords, it’s likely a scam. And you should never (ever) provide this info over the phone.
How to filter out spam calls
To filter out spam calls, Bhatia suggests taking several steps, including:
1. Register your phone number with the National Do Not Call Registry. This will help prevent legitimate telemarketers from calling you.
2. Use call-blocking apps. Many smartphone apps can identify and block spam calls based on known numbers and patterns.
3. Don’t answer calls from unfamiliar numbers. Let the call go to voicemail, and if it’s important, the caller will leave a message.
4. Be cautious about giving out personal information. Don’t share personal information with callers unless you’re sure they’re legitimate.
5. Consider using a virtual phone number or call forwarding service. This can help protect your primary phone number from spam calls.
You may not always be able to avoid all spam calls, but following these tips can help you begin to figure out which calls aren’t legit and protect yourself against future calls.
