As phone scams continue to rise, it is crucial to remain vigilant against hackers and cybercriminals. One of the latest phone call scams making headlines is associated with area code 657.
Area code 657 scams represent a novel tactic con artists employ to trick individuals into divulging their confidential information. Residents across the United States have expressed frustration over receiving these scammers’ spam calls and text messages. The trustworthiness of phone numbers with area code 657 is notably low in this region.
This blog post will delve into area code 657 and explore how to protect yourself from falling victim to such scams.
What Is Area Code 657?
Area code 657 serves Southern California and encompasses a wide-ranging area, including cities like Anaheim, Buena Park, and Westminster. It is a relatively recent addition compared to the well-established 714 area code established in 1951.
The history of the entire numbering plan in this region extends further back, dating back to 1947, when the 213 area code was first introduced. Over time, due to the increasing demand for telecommunication services in California, there have been multiple splits and changes to regional area codes.
How Area Code 657 Scams Operate
In the case of the First Generation, or “FGT” scam, a company acquires a legitimate phone number from a telecommunications provider. It is the modus operandi behind area code 657 scams. When a customer dials this number, the call is routed through the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), a network comprising switching centers and long-distance lines that link all customers. The call is ultimately directed to a call center, creating the illusion that the customer has dialed a local phone number.
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Our online investigation has uncovered numerous instances where individuals have received text messages, phone calls, and even emails originating from phone numbers starting with the prefix 657. Many of these communications employ enticing offers and promises of financial rewards in exchange for completing surveys, leading many to suspect that they are encountering a new form of scam.
Among these messages, some recipients have reported receiving texts from Area Code 657 Scams that prompt them to click on a link for parcel delivery information, posing as a reputable courier service like USPS. In other cases, individuals have received text messages under the guise of a “System Warning,” urging them to click on a link, alleging that cybercriminals have detected vulnerabilities in their devices.
Furthermore, these scams have even gone so far as to instruct victims to schedule job interviews, even if they never applied for such positions, by clicking on links sent via email.
How Can You Safeguard Yourself Against Area Code 657 Scams?
While the area code itself may be legitimate, there is a substantial likelihood that fraudsters are using this number to create the illusion of a local call. Suppose you encounter an unfamiliar area code or suspect a call is part of a scam. In that case, it’s advisable not to answer and promptly disconnect the call. The most effective way to protect your personal information from these scams is to refrain from disclosing any financial details and to never respond to messages or calls from unfamiliar numbers.
Common Scams Associated with Area Code 657
1. The Lotto Fraud:
In this scam, individuals receive a call informing them that they have won a substantial amount of money in a lottery. They are then asked to provide their bank account information for the supposed prize to be deposited. However, this scheme is fraudulent, and the promised winnings must materialize.
2. The IRS Rip-Off:
Scammers impersonating representatives from the IRS call victims, claiming they owe back taxes and must make immediate payments to avoid arrest. It is a deception, and the individuals targeted do not owe any taxes.
3. The Charity Scam:
Perpetrators contact individuals and solicit donations for a charitable cause. Unfortunately, these requests are often part of a scam, and the donated money does not benefit any legitimate charity.
Steps Towards a More Secure Future:
Staying Informed:
Stay updated on the latest scams linked to callers using area code 657 by monitoring reliable news sources and maintaining communication with local law enforcement. Awareness serves as your initial defense against scammers.
Blocking Unknown Numbers:
Modern smartphones have features that enable you to block calls from unknown numbers. If you regularly receive scam calls from area code 657, consider blocking calls originating from that region entirely.
Verifying Job Offers and Requests:
Suppose you receive unsolicited job interview invitations or requests for personal information. In that case, verifying the legitimacy of these opportunities is crucial. Scammers frequently employ enticing offers to entrap victims into divulging sensitive information.
Conclusion: Safeguarding Against Area Code 657 Scams
Area code 657, once merely a component of a phone number, has now become a tool for scammers. You can shield yourself from their deceitful schemes by comprehending their strategies and equipping yourself with knowledge.
Maintain vigilance, independently verify information, and refrain from sharing confidential details over the phone or through text messages. In the digital age we inhabit, safeguarding your personal and financial information is of paramount importance.
