Is the 844 Area Code Legit or Another Scam?

If you have ever received phone calls from numbers starting with the area code “844”, you might wonder if the call was from an official business or a scammer trying to defraud you. In the United States, it is acceptable to use the area code ‘844‘ for toll-free numbers that can be contacted from any location in the world. However, since the 844 area code does not correspond to a particular geographic location, some people may question its legitimacy. Here’s a guide to help you determine if the 844 area code is legit or a scam.

What is the 844 Area Code?

The 844 area code is a toll-free number that allows landline users to make calls without incurring charges. It is comparable in legitimacy to the well-known 800 area code, and locals can use it to contact businesses or individuals in other regions without paying a long-distance fee. However, it’s important to note that not all calls with the 844 area code are legitimate, as scammers and fraudsters are becoming increasingly sophisticated. If you receive a call from an 844 number, it’s crucial to verify the caller’s identity before sharing any personal information.

About the 844 Area Code Scam

Scammers using the 844 area code often gather information about their potential victims before calling them, which they can use to customize their conversation during the call. For example, if they find out that you previously owned a credit card that you no longer have, they may target you by posing as a bank employee and claiming to collect a late fee for that card. Previously, scammers posed as debt collection agencies and accused loan recipients of failing to pay their balances, but now they demand payment via mobile debit or credit card while also requesting login credentials to access the victim’s online bank account. Those who use the 844 area code to scam people are infamous for using intimidating tactics. In severe cases, scammers may even contact the victim’s loved ones and coworkers to “establish their legitimacy” and “increase pressure” on their target.

Where is the 844 Area code Location?

Unlike regular area codes for landlines and cell phones, “area code 844” has no geographical significance. An 844 area code owner or operator can be based in any of the more than 20 countries that are part of the North American Numbering Plan.

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• Jamaica
• Dominica
• Dominican Republic
• Montserrat
• The Bahamas
• Bermuda
• Anguilla
• Antigua and Barbuda
• British Virgin Islands
• Canada
• Barbados
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Sint Maarten
• The Cayman Islands
• Grenada
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Saint Lucia
• Turks and Caicos Islands

What to Do If I Get Involved in the Area 844 Scam?

Scammers operating under the 844 area code can be intimidating and persistent, so hanging up on them may not be enough. Take note of the names, titles, and organizations they claim to represent during your conversation.

If you’re unsure about their legitimacy, quickly search online to verify the associated companies they claim to represent. Let the scammer know that you have done your research and do not intend to be fooled.

If you’re unable to find any information about the organization, it’s likely a scam, and you should block the number immediately. Do not disclose your credit card or debit card numbers over the phone, and remember that banks never ask for such sensitive information over the phone.

What to Do If You Are Scammed?

If you have been a victim of the 844 scam or any other fraudulent activity online or through the phone, it is crucial to contact your bank immediately and attempt to reverse any transactions made with the scammer.

The scammers behind the 844 area code are more likely to succeed in their attempts to steal your money if you give them your card’s CVV number, which is located on the back. It is vital to notify your bank so they can take the necessary steps to protect your account.

If you have been scammed through PayPal, you can easily reverse the transaction. However, if you have paid the scammer through cryptocurrency or from your bank account, it can be challenging to recover the money, as there is no centralized system to help you.

Regardless of whether you can recover your funds or not, it is essential to report online scammers to the authorities. This helps law enforcement to track down and apprehend these criminals, preventing others from falling victim to their scams.

How Do I Know if It Is a Legitimate 844 Area Call?

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reports that in recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of individuals engaging in phone scams by making hundreds or thousands of calls per day to trick victims into giving them money or valuables.

In the past, toll-free numbers were exclusively assigned to legitimate businesses that could prove their authenticity. However, today, scammers are skilled at spoofing or faking phone numbers.

To avoid falling victim to phone scams, it’s essential to follow these steps: Never give out any personal information over the phone, no matter what. Legitimate companies will not ask for sensitive information such as credit card numbers. If the caller insists on their legitimacy, ask for written verification of the company’s identity and the nature of their request. However, if you’re unsure about answering the call, let it go to voicemail.

The Bottom Line

That concludes our discussion on whether the area code 844 is a scam or not. We hope this guide has been informative and helpful to you. To sum up, the 844 area code is a legitimate toll-free number assigned to companies offering goods and services. However, scammers have become more sophisticated and may use this number to deceive people. Therefore, it is important to stay safe by following the guidelines provided in this guide.