833 Area Code Scams - How to Protect Yourself

Common 833 Scam Types

• Legal Services & Debt Collection: Callers claim you have unpaid debts or outstanding warrants and threaten immediate legal action or arrest if you do not pay via gift cards or wire transfers.
• Tech Support Exploits: Scammers pretend to be from major tech companies, claiming your computer is compromised to demand remote access or a repair fee.
• Government Impersonation: Fraudsters mask themselves as agents from the IRS, Social Security Administration, or local law enforcement to steal personal information under duress.
• Fake Utility or Provider Upgrades: Callers pose as legitimate telecom or utility companies offering fake discounts or service threats to harvest account details.

How to Protect Yourself

1. Do not answer or call back: If you do not recognize the specific number, let it go to voicemail. Calling back can confirm your number is active, triggering more spam.
2. Verify independently: If the caller claims to be from a bank, utility, or government entity, hang up immediately. Find the organization's official public phone number and call them directly to check the claim.
3. Never share remote access or data: Legitimate entities will never ask for your passwords, PINs, or request to remotely control your devices over an unverified call.
4. Report the fraud: File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your local telecommunications authority to help block the fraudulent infrastructure.