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FAQs

Why am I getting calls from toll-free numbers? ›

Spoofing is often used as part of an attempt to trick someone into giving away valuable personal information so it can be used in fraudulent activity or sold illegally, but also can be used legitimately, for example, to display the toll-free number for a business.

A robocall is a phone call that uses a computerized autodialer to deliver a pre-recorded message, as if from a robot. Robocalls are often associated with political and telemarketing phone campaigns, but can also be used for public service, emergency announcements, or scammers.

(838) 221-1534 is a Robocall.

(833) 968-1755 is a Robocall.

Unfortunately, the ease of obtaining toll-free 888 numbers makes them a prime choice for scammers who want to use them for nefarious purposes. While not all 888 numbers are scams, there is a higher likelihood that you'll receive a scam, spam, or robocall if you answer an unsolicited 888 number.

If you keep receiving unwanted calls from suspicious 866 numbers, this most likely means that your personal number has been leaked on the web. Illegitimate businesses or scammers may try and make the most of this, reaching out to you in an attempt to trick you into paying them money.

Ignoring spam calls is a more effective approach than rejecting them. This is because interacting with the call can give scammers confirmation that your number is operational, possibly resulting in an increase of unwanted calls in the future.

If you accidentally answer a spam call, scammers know your number is connected to a real person and can target you with more spam calls. These targeted spam calls will try to trick you into giving up your personal information which allows cybercriminals to steal your money, your identity and even your voice.

Contrary to popular wisdom, we found that answering calls makes no difference in the number of robocalls received by a phone number.

How do you look up a suspicious phone number? ›

One way to check if a number is potentially a scam is to use a reverse phone number lookup service. These websites and apps allow you to enter a number and see public information associated with it, such as the registered name, location, and carrier.

Some popular reverse phone lookup services include: Whitepages, AnyWho, Zaba, Truecaller, BeenVerified. Search social media. Many people list their phone numbers on their social media profiles. You can try searching for the phone number on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and other social media platforms.

In recent weeks, we've been tracking a wave of CVS Pharmacy scams utilizing phishing SMS text messages and emails. (Real CVS text short code is 898287.)

It's considered a “toll-free” area code, like 800 or 888, used by many legitimate businesses and organizations. However, scammers and fraudsters often spoof calls to make them appear from familiar or trustworthy area codes like 833 to trick people into answering.

So, if you receive a text message from an 833 area code, keep in mind that it may just be a scam artist or telemarketing company. Such individuals use texts to determine whether or not your personal number is still active and if there's a chance you'll call them back.

Toll-free numbers are telephone numbers with distinct three-digit codes that can be dialed from landlines with no charge to the person placing the call. Such numbers allow callers to reach businesses and/or individuals out of the area without being charged a long-distance fee for the call.

Ignoring spam calls is a more effective approach than rejecting them. This is because interacting with the call can give scammers confirmation that your number is operational, possibly resulting in an increase of unwanted calls in the future.

Install a spam call blocking or spoofing protection app

Ask your mobile carrier if they offer any security services that cover spam calls and calls from spoofed numbers.

Toll-free calls are paid by the recipient or owner, not the one placing the call. There is an exception, and you might be charged a small amount by your service provider (if you are the caller) if you are out of the unlimited plan (or out of minutes) on your phone.