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

737 Area Code Scam Calls or Messages
737 Area Code Scam Calls or Messages

Scams using the 737 area code (serving Austin, Texas) often involve "neighbor spoofing," where scammers use local-looking numbers to bypass suspicion. These scams include phishing calls pretending to be local utilities, text messages asking "Hey, are you awake?", or "one-ring" scams designed to make you call back and incur charges.

Common Scam Tactics

  • Neighbor Spoofing: Scammers fake the 737 caller ID to look like a local call, often for scams involving unpaid tickets or toll bills.
  • Text Scams: Messages starting with "Do you have a minute?" or offering fake jobs/deals to initiate conversation.
  • Spanish Language Spam: Reports indicate automated or live callers using Spanish, uttering words like "Claro," "Gato," "Sucio," or asking for names.
  • Phishing/Utility Fraud: Posing as local entities like "Austin Energy" to get personal information.
  • Silent Voicemails: Calls that go to voicemail, leaving silence to fill up, potentially to meet quotas or test.

Protect Yourself

  • Do not answer: Let calls from unknown numbers, even local ones, go to voicemail.
  • Block numbers: Use your phone's built-in features to block specific spam numbers.
  • Do not call back: Returning a call can trigger international or premium charges.
  • Report: File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
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