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Spam calls increasing in frequency from the same prefix

For a couple years I've been receiving spam and/or silent calls (where I pick up and the other line hangs up after a few seconds) specifically from my own area code and prefix, i.e. the central office code according to wikipedia. To demonstrate, my number is (702) 423-XXXX, and these calls come several times a month, sometimes multiple days in a row or multiple times per day from randomized numbers also from the (702) 423-XXXX prefix.

This can't be a coincidence. I get other spam calls, like most people, from random numbers throughout the U.S., but these other ones I'm talking about are specifically from my prefix and always a different four-digit subscriber number so I can't block them.

I've reported this a few times to the FTC complaint website. I've put myself on the do not call list (please spare me your conspiracy theories, I've read them already). But whereas it used to happen every few months, it now happens very frequently and at all hours of the day. I know changing my number is going to be a suggested solution, but I'm sure many of you can understand I've had this number since I was in middle school and changing numbers suddenly is an enormous task.

I only recently started recording the instances, for no purpose other than to provide info to Verizon. My recent calls history only goes back two months, but two months is plenty short to show how ridiculous this is:

Date	Number
5/31/17	702-423-****
6/1/17	702-423-****
6/2/17	702-423-****
6/7/17	702-423-****
6/14/17	702-423-****
6/22/17	702-423-****
6/23/17	702-423-****
6/28/17	702-423-****
6/28/17	702-423-****
7/11/17	702-423-****
7/12/17	702-423-****
7/13/17	702-423-****
7/17/17	702-423-****
7/18/17	702-423-****
7/18/17	702-423-****
7/18/17	702-423-****

personal information removed as required by the Verizon Wireless Terms of Service

Message edited by Verizon Moderator

Comments

EAAB

I empathize. I am having the same problem.with calls from the same area code+prefix as my cell phone number (mine is in area code 917). I haven't answered the phone, and I immediately block the number on my iPhone which may reduce the frequency of my getting these calls, relative to yours listed. I figure at a minimum it makes the spammer or their computer work harder. I'm not sure there is any other solution, but let's see what Verizon says.

chris1060

I agree, it is a hassle with these types of calls. Have you tried Googling the number to see who it belongs to? There is a free program on the app store called Call Blocker that allows you to block these calls. I've used it for years, and it works great. I also subscribe to Verizon's Caller Name ID (for the caller ID gesture), but recently they added a spam feature that alerts you to spam/suspicious numbers, and allows you to report a number via the app as spam, and it is then blocked through the network from reaching your phone. It is $2.99 a month, but if it's that much of an annoyance with these types of calls, then it is definitely worth the money.

BTW, that area code and prefix is in North Las Vegas. I used to receive three or four calls a day from that number.

Verizon_Support

EAAB,

Interruptions can be such a hassle. You are going about this the right way. That option worked for me. Also, here's a link that may also assist: http://spr.ly/65818sBSR

KatiM_VZW

If my response answered your question please click the �Correct Answer� button under my response. This ensures others can benefit from our conversation. Thanks in advance for your help with this!!

halpoins

I don't see how blocking individual numbers (which expire after 90 days, and as I said, this has been going on for years) will solve anything since the calls don't come from the same number. Anyone looking at that list before the moderator edited it can see that in two months and 16 calls there was never a duplicate.

What chris1060 said about also receiving calls from the same prefix in Vegas is more than coincidence and should be enough reason for Verizon to address this rather than peddle additional products in the forum.

dangermousedale

I don't understand why Verizon is charging their customers for protecting them from spammers. This should be a basic feature. It's like virus protection pretty much. I've tried various apps. The best seems to be Extreme Call Blocker but now it's allowing the prefixes I was originally blocking to leak through.

I find this so fishy on Verizon's part. It's almost they like want to profit on a security flaw within their own system. Is it possible they've sold our numbers and exposed us to this annoyance?

Here is my log of annoying numbers from my own code, all with the same prefix [Removed]. If they can torture me and overload my voice mail daily, why are you protecting them! They are spammers, expose them for their vile behavior:

478-219-71**

I actually blocked each of these manually in the app, but there is also a feature that allowed me to block an actual prefix. Well now something has happened and the calls are getting back through. They fill up my voicemail with dead air. It's ridiculous. I called Verizon and got zero assistance other than the offer to add a feature at my cost to my already large bill. I've been a customer for too long to be extorted for spam coverage. Maybe too long.

discussion of moderation removed as required by the Verizon Wireless Terms of Service

Message edited by Verizon Moderator

BRYTHU50

I too am having the same problem with SPAM numbers with the same prefix.

Some of these numbers I can return their call and a person answers the phone. I tell them that I am returning their phone call and their response is the same that I didn't call you.

I use HIYA to block SPAM calls and I have my number on the federal do not call list. I can't block ever number with the same prefix that is legitimately identified to a person.

I think that the calls that hang up are PHISHING calls to see if it is a legitimate user. If it is, they use the ID and hijack it to be displayed when the spam calls are made to a different user.

Oh, and the SPAM calls with the same prefix and and that I answer, they advertise, warranty renewal.

It upsets me that Verizon does not answer or acknowledge these complaints.

Verizon_Support

BRYTHU50,There are other solutions available. You may want to consider our Family Base option: http://spr.ly/65898vrDD It's a great way to block even more numbers.

KatiM_VZW

Verizon_Support

dangermousedale, I too deal with spam calls from the same area code and prefix. I can assure you, if we had the ability to prevent the call from connecting through, we most certainly would. I am excited to share that the FCC is working hard to put a stop to the unwanted calls. You can file a complaint on the numbers that are calling here: http://spr.ly/65868vrOm

La’SindaT_VZW

EAAB

I've been following the discussion and it helps me to know there are others with this issue. I was going to suggest to file a complaint with the FCC but I see that the VZW support reps suggested the same. Sounds like Verizon doesn't have the technology to which the FCC refers "tell your phone company to offer robocall-blocking technology for which the FCC has now given the legal approval.".

veryfrustrated0118

They're all just scam calls. These scammers think that you're more likely to answer the phone if the number looks like it could be familiar or local.

Do one of two things, don't answer or answer and use the remove option.

Not answering means the computer cannot verify that you have a working number. If they can't verify it working it should get removed from any future lists.

If you do answer, NEVER say YES. Especially to a recording. They're getting really good at sounding like an actual person. If you listen to the end of the first response and don't say anything it will ask "Can you hear me?". If you say YES, then you have given them a recording of your voice WITH an active number. If they haven't already, they'll get your CC and that will be all they need to make fraudulent charges.

Your mobile number on the Do Not Call List is fine if these scammers were operating inside the United States. They're not and therefore, they do not have access to this list. Also, you can't impose our laws on a 'business' operating outside of our borders.

PEDBER66

This started for me a month ago. I received two calls today. Same area code and prefix (that matche my phone number) and the last four digits are different. I have caller ID so I see names associated with the calls.

Today I accidentally answered and she said that she noticed that I had called her. I never called so now I know MY number is being used for this scam/virus. The reality is it's happening to others who have the same area code and prefix. This seems like something Verizon should look into.

The person from Verizon who is posting on this feed is not reading. You cannot add the numbers to the blocking system because they are different EVERY TIME.

Has anyone figured out how to stop this from happening?

veryfrustrated0118

The only way to stop it is to stop the practice of caller ID spoofing. Banning this worldwide will be impossible.

Verizon_Support

PEDBER66, I can understand your concern and experience the same thing here in Illinois. It looks like this is happening all over the country. The process is actually Caller name ID Spoofing and there is little we can do to prevent it at this time. Follow the link for more information: http://vz.to/2vWf49O (See #14)

RalphT_VZW

If my response answered your question please click the 'Correct Answer' button under my response. This ensures others can benefit from our conversation. Thanks in advance for your help with this!

halpoins

From the article it sounds like third-party Caller name ID Spoofing is piggybacking off of Share Name ID and Caller ID functionality, which are services that Verizon provides. To fix this very widespread issue plaguing customers, how about just...not providing them anymore?

I mean who actually uses caller ID? Someone is either in my contacts or they're not, and if they're not then I rely on the area code/location to decide if I'll answer. And what are legitimate people using Share Name ID for that can't be accomplished with restricting via *67?

CDOM64

I get the same thing with at least one a week. I block the number from my phone and will get another call with a different number with the same area code and prefix. I have probably blocked 15 different numbers so far. Apparently my number was used for the same thing to someone else and they texted me asking who I was. There has to be a way to block these types of unwanted calls. This has been going on for months now. This is getting very frustrating. I know that if I have my number changed the same things would probably happen.

Verizon_Support

We want this to be resolved. In extreme situations like these we recommend changing your mobile number to avoid continuous calls. You can do this for free using your My Verizon. Find out more by following this link, https://www.verizonwireless.com/support/change-mobile-number-faqs/.

JavierMD_VZW

Follow us on TWITTER @VZWSupport
If my response answered your question please click the Correct Answer button under my response. This ensures others can benefit from our conversation. Thanks in advance for your help with this!

corigurl

I had the same problem, it started after I went ahead and signed up online for some coupons...got the coupons, now I am getting the spoofed spam calls constantly. I am going to change my number, and I am going to NEVER use my number to sign up for anything again.

siriusjamie

Verizon sells all your info. Read it on Internet , they are the worst.

veryfrustrated0118

If Verizon was selling our info then I would have fallen victim to these spam calls. I don't get them.

I keep my info to myself and don't have my phone number associated with my social media accounts and certainly don't use it to get coupons from the internet.

siriusjamie wrote:
Verizon sells all your info. Read it on Internet , they are the worst.

siriusjamie

You are the exception to the internet

corigurl

The Spam calls are not because Verizon sells your information. I have had Verizon for years, and only started recieving them recently...

veryfrustrated0118

How am I the exception? I can't be the only person who doesn't give out their telephone number to just anyone. Even co-workers have to be at least 3 months employed before I give them my number.

KATREY68

My solution is to screen my calls by never answering any number I don't recognize. If it is a legitimate caller, say a return call from a business or a call from someone I know but I just didn't have their number in my directory yet, they tend to leave me a message. That doesn't seem to happen when it is a robocall. Yes, I do have to go through the hassle of listening to a message and returning the call but I prefer to do that rather than than accept these unwanted calls.

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