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

Area Code 332 Scam - How to Protect Yourself
Area Code 332 Scam - How to Protect Yourself

Area code 332, which serves Manhattan, NYC, is frequently used for phone scams and spoofing because it appears as a legitimate local, US-based number. Scammers use 332 to phish for personal information, send fake "wrong number" texts, or impersonate government agencies, often leading to financial loss.

332 Scam Tactics

  • Death Threat/Cartel Scams: Scammers send graphic images and texts demanding money, claiming they are coming to your location. These are fake scripts used to incite panic.
  • "Wrong Number" Phishing: A simple "Hello" or "Is this [Name]?" text intended to verify if your number is active.
  • Package Delivery Alerts: Texts claiming a "found package" at a sorting center with a malicious link.
  • One-Ring Scam: The phone rings once, tempting you to call back. Calling back can result in high international toll charges on your bill.

How to Protect Yourself

  • Don't Answer or Reply: Engaging with a scammer confirms your number is active, leading to more frequent calls.
  • Block and Report: Use your phone's built-in block feature and forward suspicious texts to 7726 (SPAM).
  • Register Your Number: Add your phone to the National Do Not Call Registry.
  • Official Reporting: If you've lost money, report the incident to the FTC Fraud Report.
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