Online Threat Alerts (OTA) - Alerting you to scams and frauds.
562 Area Code Scams using Caller ID Spoofing

Area code 562 is a legitimate telephone code covering southeastern Los Angeles County (including Long Beach) and parts of northern Orange County, California. However, it is a common target for caller ID spoofing and text phishing scams, meaning scammers use software to trick your caller ID into displaying a local 562 number so you are more likely to answer.

If you are receiving suspicious calls or text messages from a 562 number, here is what you need to know.

Popular 562 Scams

Scammers using fake 562 numbers typically deploy well-known tactics:

  • The "Wrong Number" Text Scam: You receive a casual text message like "Hi, is this Eva?" or "Are we still meeting for lunch?". If you reply to tell them they have the wrong number, they will attempt to strike up a friendly conversation, eventually leading to a pitch for fraudulent cryptocurrency investments.
  • Bank Impostor Fraud: Scammers spoof local financial institutions (such as Farmers & Merchants Bank or local credit unions) and claim there is an issue with your account. They will try to pressure you into revealing your credit card details, passwords, or verification codes.
  • Unpaid Traffic Tickets: Phishing text messages claim you have an outstanding traffic fine with local courts and must click a specific link to pay immediately or face legal action.
  • Robocalls and Debt Relief: Automated robocalls offering fake student loan forgiveness, medical or prescription schemes, or credit card debt reduction.

How to Protect Yourself

  • Do Not Rely on Caller ID: Even if the number looks identical to a local business or matches your own area code, remember that any digital data can be spoofed.
  • Never Click Links in Unexpected Texts: Avoid clicking any links in unsolicited text messages, as they often lead to malware or fake look-alike login portals designed to steal your credentials.
  • Verify Independently: If a caller claims to be from your bank, the government, or a utility company, hang up immediately. Look up the organization's official customer service number on your actual billing statement or their official website to verify the claim.
  • Avoid Engaging: Replying "STOP" or telling a wrong-number text scammer that they have the wrong person simply alerts them that your phone number is active and live, leading to an increase in spam.

Where to Report Scams

If you receive fraudulent communications, do not delete them right away. You can report them directly to the authorities to help block future variations of the scam:

  1. Forward Spam Texts: Copy the message and forward it to 7726 (SPAM) to alert your cell phone carrier.
  2. File a Government Report: Submit the scam details online via the Federal Trade Commission Fraud Report Page or the FCC Complaint Center.
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