603 Area Code Scam - Protect Yourself

603 Area Code Scams

Scammers often impersonate government agencies to create a sense of urgency. Recent reports include:

• Law Enforcement Impersonation: Scammers pose as NH State Troopers or local police (such as Manchester or Hollis), claiming you have an active warrant for missed jury duty or unpaid taxes. They typically demand immediate payment via gift cards, Western Union, or Bitcoin to avoid arrest.
• DMV Text Scams: Fraudulent texts claiming to be from the NH DMV demand payment for fake traffic violations. The New Hampshire DMV confirms they only send text reminders for appointments, never for payments.
• Police/Charity Donations: Callers solicit "donations" for police training or local rescue services. Agencies like the Hollis Police Department state they do not solicit donations over the phone.
• Lottery or Prize Scams: Callers claim you have won a prize but require a "processing fee" via a pre-paid card to release it.

Warning Signs

• Urgency and Threats: High-pressure tactics, such as threats of immediate arrest or legal action.
• Specific Payment Methods: Requests for payment through gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers—methods that are untraceable and non-refundable.
• Personal Information Requests: Asking for your Social Security number, birth date, or credit card security codes.

Protect Yourself

1. Hang Up and Verify: If someone claims to be from a government agency, hang up and call the official number for that agency (e.g., the NH State Police at 603-223-4381) to verify.
2. Don't Trust Caller ID: Technology allows scammers to display any number they choose, including those of real police departments.
3. Use Screening Tools: Consider using apps like Truecaller to identify "Likely Fraud" numbers or register with the National Do Not Call Registry.
4. Report Scams: You can report fraudulent activity to the FTC or the FBI.