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

Verizon Scam Calls - How to Protect Yourself
Verizon Scam Calls - How to Protect Yourself

Verizon scam calls are sophisticated phishing attempts where fraudsters spoof caller IDs to impersonate Verizon agents or fraud prevention teams. They use real security alerts, scare tactics, and urgent pressure to hijack your account or steal your credit card details.

Variations of the Verizon Scam

  • The Fake Fraud Alert: The caller claims someone just bought an expensive device (like a $999 iPhone) on your account. They trick you into reading back a real one-time authorization code sent to your phone to "cancel" the order. In reality, they are using that code to log into your account and change your password.
  • The Disconnection Threat: A robocall or live caller states your account is about to be suspended. They demand your credit card information immediately to pay off a fake past-due balance.
  • The Free Promo / Upgrade Trap: Scammers offer a "free 5G Wi-Fi expander," free tablet, or a loyalty discount if you pay a month in advance. They use this to extract account information or mail unrequested devices to set up hidden lines on your bill.

Red Flags to Watch For

  • Urgency: Demanding immediate action to prevent account locking or unauthorized charges.
  • Asking for Codes/Passwords: Verizon will never call you out of the blue to ask for your password, PIN, or a one-time security text code.
  • No Verified Checkmark: Legitimate Verizon calls usually feature a "verified" carrier checkmark on modern smartphones. Spoofed numbers do not.
  • Incorrect Support Numbers: Real Verizon Fraud Operations call from 888-483-7200, and the caller ID displays as Verizon Support, not Verizon Agent.

How to Protect Yourself

  • Hang Up and Call Directly: Never trust the caller ID. If a call feels suspicious, hang up and dial 611 from your Verizon phone or check your official My Verizon App.
  • Use Call Blocking Tools: Activate the free Verizon Call Filter App to auto-screen neighborhood spoofing and known spam numbers.
  • Enable Device Protections: Set up built-in features like Silence Unknown Callers (iPhone) or Smart Call (Samsung).
  • Freeze Your Security: Use a unique, strong password via a secure password manager for your carrier account, and never reuse passwords.

What to do if You Were Scammed

  1. Change Credentials Immediately: Log directly into the official website or app to change your account password and PIN.
  2. Audit Your Account: Contact Verizon's actual fraud department. Have them check for unauthorized SIM card swaps, address changes, or device orders.
  3. Report It: Report the scam attempt on Verizon's Phishing and Fraud Reporting Page or submit phone numbers directly to the Federal Trade Commission.
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