Area Code Texts

This is a tried-and-true scam where you get a call or text from the same area code as your phone. If you aren’t paying attention, it can be easy to assume this is a relative or close friend that changed their number, or isn’t in your contacts (or perhaps a local business calling with an update). Don’t respond! These messages are trying to get you to send texts back to an international number and rack up hidden fees.

These scams may give themselves away by trying multiple times throughout the day with various numbers. However, they can be dangerous because they often pretend to offer important news or family emergencies that are easy to respond to on an instinctive level.