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