Online Threat Alerts (OTA) - Alerting you to scams and frauds.

Is 202-771-7525 a Scam Telephone Number?
Is 202-771-7525 a Scam Telephone Number?

I got a call from 2027717525 from someone named Sarah Ferguson regarding tax mediation support services. I did some research and found that 202 area code scams use spoofed Washington, D.C. numbers to impersonate federal agencies (IRS, DHS, Social Security) or law enforcement, threatening victims with arrest or lawsuits to steal money via wire transfer, gift cards, or crypto. These calls often feature urgent, threatening, or recorded messages, sometimes originating from foreign scammers.

202 Area Code Scam

Scammers spoof caller ID to look like official DC government lines (e.g., 202-282-8000) to gain trust. They may claim you are under investigation or owe back taxes.

Government Impersonation: Pretending to be IRS or DHS agents.

"One-Ring" Scam: A missed call designed to trigger curiosity, resulting in high fees if you call back.

Do not answer calls from unknown 202 numbers.

  • Hang up immediately if a caller demands personal information or urgent payment.
  • Verify independently: If worried, look up the agency's official number and call them directly, rather than using the number provided in the call.
  • Report these calls to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
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