These are the 12 scam phone numbers you MUST avoid: including one for the slasher sequel ‘Scream VI’

If you’re tired of picking up your phone just to discover a new scam, wasting your time and ruining your concentration, blocking these 12 numbers may finally bring some relief.

Users of the background check company BeenVerified have reported more than 150,000 suspicious phone numbers in the past two years, but a new analysis shows that only 12 spam and scam numbers were the subject of 100 or more complaints.

Most of the malicious numbers, nine out of 12, sent out scam text messages designed to trick unsuspecting victims into clicking on a malicious link. Four of the top 12 posed as companies, such as a bank or credit card company, in an attempt to obtain their brand’s account information.

But a terrifying scam call turned out to be a scam that you can blame on your friends.

The marketing team that promoted the slasher sequel “Scream VI” last March created an app that allowed fans to send a terrifying phone message from the masked killer Ghostface to any number they wanted.

In some of these cases, the scammer actually called from the house.

Researchers used call complaints registered with BeenVerified.com’s Scam Call Monitor, which analyzed 157,703 call complaints registered between July 1, 2021 and June 30, 2023 through their free reverse phone number lookup tool.

These top 12 worst offenders were all somewhere in between 100 and 200 complaints from US citizens.

The top 12 scam phone numbers (and their scams)

1. (865) 630-4266 — WellsFargo “Reach Us NOW” Account Notice

The main scam was an automated text message warning victims that their Wells Fargo bank account had been temporarily suspended.

The scammers said that the account holder should immediately call their bogus number, likely providing their personal account details.

2. (469) 709-7630 — “(shipper) has failed delivery attempt for (tracking number).”

Multiple users told Scam Call Monitor that this sophisticated trick listed their own name or that of a loved one to convince them that something had gone wrong with a genuine shipment.

As one user reported, “When I called to see who they were, I was asked to enter only the last two digits of my SSN for verification. I hung up.’

3. (805) 637-7243 — Congratulations! You’ve won the Publisher Clearing House!

According to BeenVerified, “It seems that scammers can use the same number for different scams.”

“Users of our reverse phone number tool reported that this number was used by scammers claiming to be from Publisher’s Clearing House, as well as representatives of Visa’s fraud department. Even more users reported this number for calls claiming that an unpaid bill could result in their funds being frozen.’

4. (858) 605-9622 — (Bank account number) “temporarily ON HOLD!”

This number is a variation of the most common scam and spammed a text message that read: ‘(Bank Name): ACCNT #5674 Temporarily On Hold! Your safety is our priority. Call now: (858) 605-9622 (don’t ignore!)’

The song impersonated a variety of financial institutions, including PNC, Chase, and Wells Fargo.

5. (863) 532-7969 — “Debit Card Frozen! Call immediately!’

This scam was not intended as a pun, but avoided going into details, instead relying on the fact that most victims probably would have a debit card.

6. (904) 495-2559 — “AT&T Free Message: Congratulations (number) of happy users!”

One person has complained to BeenVerified about this scam message: ‘ATT Free Msg: Congratulations to 2 lucky users! Today’s winners of our raffle are: Tim N***** and you, (name)! Claim now: j2kmz.info/XXXX (904) 495-2559’

The text was just one of many examples of targets lured by false promises of lottery winnings and prizes.

7. (312) 339-1227—”Lose Weight!” or ‘Track your package’

Spammers prefer quantity over quality and often use the same phone numbers even when trying new scams.

Several US citizens complained that this number reached them to offer weight loss products or to run another variant of the delivery scam.

8. (917) 540-7996 — “Do you like scary movies?” viral marketing for ‘Scream VI’

In March 2023, BeenVerified received dozens of complaints reporting a disturbing voice message from an unknown number.

“Is this (username)?” the message started. ‘Oh good! I’m glad I finally got to talk to you (username). We’ve never met, not officially, but I feel the life (sic) I already know you.’

“It’s funny how you can see a person’s true character when he or she is alone. Or at least if they think they are alone. I have one question for you (username). Guess where I’m hiding?’

The terrifying, threatening call turned out to be a marketing campaign for the slasher sequel ‘Scream VI’ released by Paramount’s marketing team their ‘Hello Ghostface’ app on March 10, 2023, allowing users to fool themselves or anyone else.

9. (347) 437-1689 — unpaid tax fraud and a fake Dyson vacuum

Fake “fraud alerts” are themselves an increasing form of fraud.

There were reports of scam calls and texts from this number describing credible claims of large purchases on victims’ accounts, such as a high-end Dyson vacuum cleaner.

In some variants, scammers using this number claimed instead to warn their targets about unpaid taxes they supposedly owed state or federal governments – mistakes they could correct by simply clicking the link.

10. (301) 307-4601 — USPS “your package is on hold”

This number is a slightly more brutal and official version of the typical delivery scam, where this number allegedly impersonated the United States Postal Service itself, with another fake text and a malicious URL link.

11. Call (878) 877-1402 now! 994# Card locked warning

Numerous users reported receiving a text message saying “Call 878-877-1402 now! 994# Card-Locked Alert Account ID:’ followed by their own phone number, part of the scammer’s attempt to lend some credibility to the message.

12. (202) 221-7923 — “Deadline for student loan forgiveness is approaching. Call Kelsey’

According to BeenVerified’s analysis, “Dozens of users reported getting calls from a ‘Kelsey Adams’ about a fast-approaching student loan forgiveness deadline and the need to take action — or else.”

‘Scammers follow the news and adjust their scam accordingly. Because canceling student debt has been a hot topic in recent years, scammers are making false claims about a non-existent deadline.’

So what do you do when you get a call from a number that isn’t on this list, but still seems suspicious to you?

Kevin Voigt, associate director of data studies at BeenVerified, recommends not clicking on any of the links, calling the number back, or handing over information at first. Then find the contact details of the real company that the call or text claims to come from.

“Call companies directly to verify fraud claims,” ​​Voigt said in a statement. “Don’t use provided links or phone numbers.”

“Instead, check your card or account for the authorized fraud prevention number.”