Phone scams are becoming increasingly common, and New Jersey residents are not immune to these deceitful tactics. Scammers are constantly changing their strategies to trick people into handing over personal information, financial details, or even cash. If you’re in New Jersey, it’s essential to stay alert and recognize scam calls when they come your way. The last thing anyone wants is to become a victim of fraud.
The key to avoiding scams is knowing which phone numbers to watch out for. You might get random calls from unknown numbers, and sometimes, it can feel like your phone is buzzing nonstop. These calls often seem harmless or are disguised as important notifications or promotions. However, they could be attempts to steal your personal details.
Many of us have received phone calls like this: “You’ve won a huge prize!” or “Your bank account is under threat, call this number immediately!” While these may seem like great news, they’re actually scams designed to catch you off guard. The trick is to make the scam sound legitimate, so they can manipulate you into giving them information.
Common Scam Tactics to Watch Out For
Some scams are carried out through phone calls, while others may come through text messages. If you receive a message claiming your debit card has been frozen or that your bank account is on hold, it’s a red flag. Scammers often use urgent messages to make you panic and act quickly, without thinking through the situation.
Text messages are another common way scammers reach people. Many residents report receiving messages warning them that their cards have been locked or that suspicious activity has occurred in their accounts. These messages are typically phishing attempts that try to trick you into clicking links that lead to fraudulent websites.
6 Scam Numbers All New Jerseyans Should Look Out For
To help protect New Jersey residents, “Been Verified,” a site dedicated to tracking phone scams, has compiled a list of numbers that have been flagged as high-risk scams. Here are six phone numbers you need to be aware of, as they are commonly associated with scams:
1. (469) 709-7630 – Failed Delivery Attempt for ________ (SCAM)
This number often claims that they missed delivering a package to your home and needs you to confirm your details. Don’t fall for it! Scammers use this trick to gather personal information.
2. (805) 637-7243 – You Won Publishers Clearing House! (SCAM)
Everyone dreams of winning a big prize, but this is a common scam. Scammers claim you’ve won a prize from Publishers Clearing House and ask for payment to “process” your win. Don’t share any personal or financial information.
3. (858) 605-9622 – Your Bank Account Is on Hold (SCAM)
Scammers pretending to be from your bank may contact you saying that there’s an issue with your account. The goal is to make you panic and hand over sensitive details like your bank account number and PIN. Remember, legitimate banks will never ask for this information over the phone.
4. (863) 532-7969 – Debit Card Is Frozen (SCAM)
Another common scam involves calls or texts telling you that your debit card has been frozen due to suspicious activity. This scam preys on your concern for your financial security, but it’s simply a tactic to get you to provide private information.
5. (904) 495-2559 – AT&T with You Won Something (SCAM)
You might get a call claiming you’ve won a prize from AT&T, but they’ll ask for your personal details to “process” your win. If you get a call like this, hang up immediately. Legitimate companies don’t operate this way.
6. (878) 877-1402 – Text Message – Card-Locked Alert (SCAM)
This text message claims that your card has been locked and urges you to click on a link to unlock it. Scammers use this trick to get you to enter personal information on fake websites that look like your bank’s official page.
How to Protect Yourself from Phone Scams
It’s crucial to stay vigilant and be cautious when answering phone calls or responding to messages from unknown numbers. Here are a few tips to help you protect yourself:
- Don’t Share Personal Information: If a call or message asks for your personal details, hang up or ignore the message. Your bank, service providers, and other legitimate institutions will never ask for sensitive information over the phone.
- Use Call Blocking Apps: Consider using call-blocking apps that can help screen and block scam calls. Many smartphones have built-in features that can identify and filter suspicious calls.
- Don’t Click on Suspicious Links: If you receive a message with a link, don’t click on it unless you’re sure it’s from a trusted source. Scammers often use fake links to steal your information.
- Report Scams: If you’ve received a suspicious call or message, report it to the authorities or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). This helps keep others safe and may lead to investigations into the scammers.
- Stay Informed: Regularly check trusted websites like Been Verified to stay up to date on the latest scams and phone numbers that are being used by fraudsters.
Scam Area Codes in New Jersey
According to Been Verified, the top scam area code in New Jersey is 201. Other regions like Pennsylvania and New York also have high-risk area codes, including 717 and 917, respectively. Being aware of these area codes can help you spot potential scams before they have a chance to trick you.
In conclusion, phone scams are a growing threat, but with vigilance and knowledge, you can protect yourself from falling victim. Always be cautious when dealing with unsolicited calls and texts, especially if they sound too good to be true. Stay safe, and remember that your personal information is valuable—keep it protected!
Disclaimer: This article has been meticulously fact-checked by our team to ensure accuracy and uphold transparency. We strive to deliver trustworthy and dependable content to our readers.
