Area Code 786 Scams: You Need to Protect Your Privacy

Have you ever felt like Miami was following you around? 

If your phone continues ringing with strange 786 numbers, there's a strong chance it's not your long-lost Florida relative. 

The 786 area code has become an inviting spot for spam callers, so you should be alert.

Where Does the 786 Area Code Come from?

Miami's familiar area code, 305, was not always adequate. With a growing population, the demand for more phone numbers increased. 

In 1998, the 786 area code was placed on top of 305, allowing Miami residents to maintain their current address while displaying a new code. However, this convenience may have a drawback: increased spam calls.

Is Area Code 786 a Spam?

No, area code 786 is not spam. It is a real area code issued to Miami, Florida, alongside 305 and, more recently, 645.

The issue is that the 786 area code has become a hotspot for spam callers. According to studies, it is one of Florida's most common sources of scam calls. Scammers use technology to hide their location and make it look like they call from a 786 number.

BeenVerified evaluated more than 150,000 complaints over the last two years and discovered that 786 is the most common area code for scam calls in Florida.

So, while not all 786 calls are spam, be wary if you receive one from this area code, especially if you don't recognize the number or the call seems odd.

What are the Spam Calls from 786 Usually About?

Spam calls from the 786 area code come in a few common kinds:

Medical and Prescription Scams

These calls frequently offer to sell you reduced drugs, medical alerts, or other healthcare-related products. They may pressure you to give personal information or pretend your insurance supports this product.

Government Imposter Scams

These calls attempt to scare you into believing that you owe money to the IRS, are in legal jeopardy, or need to verify your Social Security number. They frequently threaten arrest or other severe penalties if you do not comply.

Debt Relief and Warranty Scams

These calls promise to help you pay off your credit card debt or provide longer warranties on your vehicle or appliances. They may try to get you to pay upfront fees or reveal personal financial details.

Home Improvement and Utility Scams

These callers may offer cheap home repairs, cleaning services, or energy plans. They may push you to sign a contract or make an advance payment.

Robert Lowry, vice president of security at BeenVerified, issues a warning. He said,

“Consumers must remain vigilant when it comes to phone calls or text messages,'

“Be skeptical about anyone demanding immediate payment or sensitive personal information. Never disclose banking details or personal data to anyone over a call or message. 

If in doubt, hang up and independently find official contact details and reach out to verify.”

4 Hints to Know that a Call Having Code 786 is a Scam

Various indications can help determine whether a message or a phone call from area code 786 is a scam. Here are a few tips:

1. Unfamiliar Name or Contact

Check the caller's name and contact information. If the caller is unfamiliar, unknown, or spoofed (meaning they appear to be from a reputable company but are not), be cautious.

2. The ‘Act Now’ Tone

Examine the content and tone of the message or call. Be careful if it is urgent, threatening, or seems too good to be true. 

For example, if they claim that your account has been locked, hacked, or suspended and that you must act immediately, or if they offer you free products or prizes you did not sign up for, they are probably frauds.

3. Language Error

Check the message or phone call for grammar and spelling errors. Keep an eye out for poor, inconsistent, or unprofessional behavior. For example, they are probably scams if they use all caps, misspell words, or utilize wrong punctuation.

4. Asking for Your Info

Investigate the request or instruction in the message or call. Be wary if they ask you to supply personal information, financial information, verification codes, passwords, or device access over the phone or through a link. Legitimate businesses will never ask you for these things in this manner.

Proven Tricks for Getting Rid of Scam Calls

Here are some ways to reduce the number of spam calls you receive:

1. Be Wary of the Tricks

Always be on the lookout for someone attempting to deceive you into clicking on links or responding to messages, whether by email, phone, messenger, or other applications. Remember that phone numbers are easily spoofable, so texts with a familiar name or number are less trustworthy.

2. Enroll on the Do-Not-Call List

Add your residence and cell phone numbers to state and federal do-not-call lists to avoid telemarketers and scammers. Both lists are free but separate, so read the terms and rules for each.

3. Utilize Call-Blocking Apps

You may prevent unsolicited calls on your cell phone by downloading a third-party call-blocking application. These apps detect spam calls by utilizing blacklist databases, which ban numbers that have received a large volume of consumer complaints. 

Many mobile phones have built-in technologies that detect suspected spam calls and ban calls from specific numbers.

4. Do Not Answer Unknown Numbers

It's compelling to pick up an unknown call, but if you don't recognize the number, let it go to voicemail. Scammers frequently rely on people's responses to validate legitimate numbers.

5. Get PurePrivacy to Block Scammers

PurePrivacy protects your personal information and allows you to navigate on your terms by opting out of data-sharing practices and reducing your online record. This reduces the danger of scams and unwanted advertising.

Getting Multiple Calls from the Same Number with the 786 Code

You're receiving calls from the same number with a 786 area code, which is most likely due to a tactic known as neighbor spoofing. 

This area code applies to Miami, Florida, including parts of the Florida Keys. Someone you know from the area may be calling you repeatedly.

However, it's most likely spam. Scammers use neighbor spoofing to change your caller ID. They deliberately disguise their phone number to make it appear local in hopes you will respond. 

If you are from Florida, the 786 code may appear trustworthy. These calls are usually about Unwanted Offers or Scams that can trick you into calling back at a higher rate.

What are the Most Common Numbers Used by Scammers in Miami?

Specific phone numbers are frequently reported among the countless spam calls from the 786 area code. Here's a list of the most commonly reported 786 numbers in Florida:

• 7868501889 
• 7862078026 
• 7867469914 
• 7867181315 
• 7866485931 
• 7863004082 
• 7869290034 
• 7867240506 
• 7865898051 
• 7865709136

Fighting Back Against 786 Spam!

The 786 area code connects you to Miami and has become a breeding ground for scammers. 

The increase in spam calls might be frustrating, but you can regain control of your phone with the correct tools and information.

Remember, the 786 area code is not spam; awareness is essential.

Do not hesitate to report suspicious activities to avoid falling victim to these frauds.