This is a spoofed number. Although I live in the area code being spoofed here, the call registers on Caller ID as 'Out Of Area', which is a dead giveaway that it's from a scammer. They're smarter than they were before: this call uses your area code to try to get you to think it's a local call from someone you might know. A more sophisticated version also scams the three digit exchange, and adds random numbers after that, again looking like a local call.
Problem is, when the scammer does both the area code and exchange, the next four digits aren't that big a group so that they won't impersonate a real number that belongs to someone. Then, that someone starts to get calls from strangers who either dial the number to return the call or want to chew you out because they think you're the scammer. Right now, there's no way to defend against these calls, because the scammers are using random number generators. The person whose number is being spoofed can find themselves in trouble with the local phone company as well, especially if the scammer makes lots of calls. And, in some instances, the phone company can post negative information on your credit report because of the 'volume of calls'. Not good.
Been calling at least once a day for the last three days, hangs up on the answering machine. I don't answer phone numbers I don't recognize- if it is important, they can leave a message. This caller won't leave a message, so I'm adding the number to my call blocker.
This is a spoofed number. Although I live in the area code being spoofed here, the call registers on Caller ID as 'Out Of Area', which is a dead giveaway that it's from a scammer. They're smarter than they were before: this call uses your area code to try to get you to think it's a local call from someone you might know. A more sophisticated version also scams the three digit exchange, and adds random numbers after that, again looking like a local call.
Problem is, when the scammer does both the area code and exchange, the next four digits aren't that big a group so that they won't impersonate a real number that belongs to someone. Then, that someone starts to get calls from strangers who either dial the number to return the call or want to chew you out because they think you're the scammer. Right now, there's no way to defend against these calls, because the scammers are using random number generators. The person whose number is being spoofed can find themselves in trouble with the local phone company as well, especially if the scammer makes lots of calls. And, in some instances, the phone company can post negative information on your credit report because of the 'volume of calls'. Not good.