The phone rings once before disconnecting. You look at the caller ID and see an unfamiliar 646 number. Curiosity gets the best of you and you call back, only to hear a recorded voice informing you that you’ve been connected to an international number charging you an exorbitant per-minute fee. You’ve just been caught in the notorious 646 area code scam plaguing unsuspecting Americans.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down exactly how the sneaky 646 scam works, who’s behind it, the substantial risks involved, and most crucially, what you can do to avoid becoming the next victim. With scam calls only proliferating, being informed on the latest tactics could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Read on to uncover the essential facts everyone should know about the exploitative 646 area code scam.
This Article Contains:
Overview of the Rising 646 Area Code Scam
In recent years, a dangerous new scam has emerged targeting unsuspecting individuals across the United States. This exploitative scam involves fraudsters spoofing local 646 area code phone numbers to trick recipients into calling back and incurring expensive fees.
The 646 area code applies to New York, however, scammers are illegitimately leveraging numbers with this area code to perpetrate scams at scale targeting people nationwide. By spoofing 646 numbers, the scammers increase the chances victims will trust the calls enough to answer or dial back.
Some examples of the types of scam calls originating from spoofed 646 numbers include:
- Robocalls claiming to be from government agencies like the IRS or Social Security Administration
- Live callers impersonating law enforcement or threatening imminent arrest if fines aren’t paid immediately
- Messages about relying urgent health notices or updates to insurance accounts
- Notifications about issues with banking accounts or credit cards requiring a call back
- Alerts about fake packages requiring follow-up with delivery companies
- Claims that you’ve won a contest prize and need to call to initiate a transfer
These are just a few illustrative examples of the most common fake call types with 646 spoofed numbers. The diversity of scam pitches demonstrates the lengths these fraudsters will go to trick users.
Typically, the inbound scam calls are configured to hang up after just 1 or 2 rings. This disconnection tactic is intended to pique the recipient’s curiosity and increase the likelihood they will dial the number back themselves. Some versions of the 646 scam also leave threatening voicemail messages demanding a return call.
Unfortunately, when recipients do call these 646 numbers back, they are connected to international premium rate numbers that can charge exorbitant per minute fees. These fees range from $10-$50 per minute in some cases. The payments are funneled back to the overseas fraudsters masterminding the scams.
The Federal Communications Commission received over 375,000 complaints regarding the 646 area code alone in the last year. Estimates indicate up to 10,000 scam calls are originating from spoofed 646 numbers on a daily basis. These statistics demonstrate both the massive volume and effectiveness of the scam.
Law enforcement has found it challenging to crack down on these scams given the operators disguise their true international origins. Sophisticated spoofing and VoIP technology make it easy for fraudsters to essentially “hijack” any 646 number for their calls.
Being extremely cautious and careful before calling back unverified 646 numbers is the number one way to avoid the financial damages and security risks these scams introduce. Together, vigilance and awareness can help protect more innocent people from being exploited by nefarious scammers abusing 646 numbers.
Who is Behind the 646 Area Code Scam Calls?
Experts believe 646 area code scam calls originate internationally, often from countries known to harbor scammers such as India, Pakistan, the Philippines, and others. Call centers in these countries use auto-dialer technology to make large volumes of scam calls to the U.S. and other countries.
Some specific entities suspected of perpetrating the 646 area code scam:
- Fly-by-night scam call centers in India and Pakistan
- Organized criminal networks specializing in telephone scams
- Individual scammers or small groups purchasing auto-dialers and robocall services
- International businesses fraudulently advertising premium-rate phone numbers
Unfortunately, the individuals behind these scams are difficult to trace and prosecute given their international locations. Technologies like caller ID spoofing also help them evade detection and hide their true identities and origins. However, increased public awareness can help cut down their success rates.
How the 646 Area Code Scam Works
Scammers rely on specific techniques to carry out the 646 area code scam successfully:
1. Callers Purchase Lists of U.S. Phone Numbers
First, the scammers or criminal networks purchase lists of thousands or even millions of phone numbers for people located in the United States. They target home landlines, business lines, and mobile numbers indiscriminately.
2. Auto-dialers and VoIP Services Used to Make Calls
Using technology like auto-dialers and VoIP (voice over internet protocol), the scammers can rapidly cycle through these phone number lists and place large volumes of calls. VoIP allows them to make these calls over the internet cheaply.
3. Spoofing Disguises Origins of Call
The scammers use caller ID spoofing services to trick caller ID and make it seem like the calls are coming from a valid 646 area code phone number from New York. This makes the recipient more likely to answer.
4. Calls Made to Look Like “One Ring” Hang Ups
The inbound calls are configured to only ring once or twice before disconnecting, making them look like pocket dials or hang ups. The goal is to pique interest and hope recipients call back.
5. Recipients Who Call Back Connect to Expensive Numbers
When people call these numbers back, they’re connected to premium rate international phone numbers that charge very high per-minute rates, often $10-$50 a minute. The scammers earn a cut of these profits.
6. Extortion Using Recorded Messages
Some 646 area code scam calls use recorded messages that include extortion tactics, threatening arrest, deportation, or other consequences if the recipient doesn’t call back immediately. This is done to increase fear and urgency to call back.
In summary, the 646 area code scam relies heavily on deception, pressure tactics, and technological exploitation to defraud unsuspecting people.
Dangers and Risks of the 646 Area Code Scam
While a simple scam call may seem harmless on the surface, there are a number of serious risks and dangers associated with engaging with the 646 area code scam, including:
- Expensive premium rate charges: By calling back, victims can be charged $10-$50 per minute, resulting in phone bills of hundreds or thousands of dollars.
- Data/identity theft: Scammers may leverage call backs to phish for sensitive personal information for identity theft.
- More scam calls: Calling back flags the recipient’s number as “active” resulting in more frequent scam calls.
- Trojans/malware: Scam calls may install Trojans, spyware, and other malware if answered.
- Account deposits: Victims may be tricked into depositing money into fake accounts.
- Unauthorized account withdrawals: Scammers may make unauthorized withdrawals from bank accounts.
In essence, the potential financial losses and security risks make the 646 area code scam very dangerous to engage with.
What To Do If You Get a 646 Area Code Scam Call
If you receive any suspicious missed calls, voicemails, or live calls from 646 area code numbers, there are steps you should take to protect yourself:
- Don’t call back: No matter how convincing the message may sound, do not call back unknown 646 numbers.
- Hang up: If answering live scam calls, hang up immediately.
- Block the number: Block any scam phone numbers to prevent future calls.
- Report the call: File telephone scam complaints with the FTC and FCC to aid investigations.
- Warn others: Alert friends and family about new 646 area code scams circulating.
- Change voicemail greeting: Update your voicemail to provide no identifying information that scammers could leverage.
Avoiding engagement and reporting scam calls to the proper authorities can help mitigate some of the risks posed by the 646 area code scam.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 646 Area Code Scam
1. What is the 646 area code scam?
The 646 area code scam involves scammers spoofing caller ID to make it appear calls are originating from 646 area code phone numbers in New York. In reality, the calls come from international numbers. Scammers use auto-dialers to call thousands of numbers and hope recipients call back the missed calls or voicemails. When recipients do call back, they are connected to premium rate international numbers that charge expensive per minute fees that the scammers profit from.
2. Where do the 646 scam calls come from?
Experts believe most 646 scam calls originate from overseas scam call centers, primarily located in India, Pakistan, the Philippines, and other countries with high levels of telephone scam activity. The scammers purchase US phone number lists and use autodialing technology and VoIP calling to cheaply make high volumes of calls to the United States.
3. How does caller ID spoofing work?
Caller ID spoofing involves scammers using technology to manipulate what shows up on your caller ID display. They make calls appear to come from any number they choose. This tricks call recipients into thinking a call is local when in reality it’s coming from an international number. Spoofing helps scammers hide their true locations and identities.
4. What are signs of a 646 scam call?
Warning signs of a 646 scam call include:
- One ring or hang up calls hoping you call back
- Unknown numbers with a 646 area code
- Odd or threatening voicemail messages urging a call back
- Frequent robocalls or autodialed calls from 646 numbers
- Caller ID shows 646 area code for numbers not in your contacts
5. What should I do if I get a scam call from a 646 number?
If you receive a suspicious call or voicemail from any 646 number:
- Do not call the number back under any circumstances
- Hang up immediately if answering
- Block the phone number to prevent future calls
- Report the call to the FTC and FCC
- Warn your friends and family about the scam calls
- Update your voicemail greeting to provide no personal info
6. What happens if I call back a 646 scam number?
If you unfortunately return a 646 scam call, you will be connected to an international premium rate number that charges very high per minute fees, like $10-$50 a minute. This can result in excessive phone bills of hundreds or thousands of dollars. The scammers receive a portion of these per minute fees.
7. How can I protect myself from the 646 scam?
To avoid falling victim to the 646 scam:
- Let unknown calls from 646 numbers go to voicemail
- Be extremely cautious about returning any calls
- Research any unfamiliar 646 numbers before calling back
- Block all numbers that appear suspicious
- Use a call blocking app or service to stop robocalls
- Avoid answering calls from any unfamiliar 646 numbers
8. What should I do if I called back a 646 number and was charged fees?
If you called back a 646 scam number and incurred premium rate charges, immediately:
- Contact your phone carrier and dispute the charges
- Change your phone number if scammers have it
- Monitor accounts closely for any suspicious activity
- File reports with the FCC and FTC detailing the scam
- Contact your bank and flag any suspicious charges or withdrawals
9. How can I report a 646 scam call?
To report a 646 scam call, file complaints online with:
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
- Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
- Your local police department
- The legitimate owner of the 646 number that was spoofed
Reporting scams helps authorities track and shut them down.
The Bottom Line
The widespread prevalence of 646 area code scam calls has become an issue of major concern for individuals and businesses in the U.S. Scammers are drawn to the 646 area code specifically because it hasn’t been extensively used for legitimate purposes, making it easier to spoof. Awareness, vigilance, and extreme caution are needed when receiving any calls from unknown 646 numbers. Do not call back numbers you don’t recognize, even if they appear local. With caution and collective action, the power and profitability of the 646 area code scam can be diminished.
