1-855 phone numbers: how to tell a scam call from a real toll-free number
Quick answer
A 1-855 number is a toll-free number. Real companies use them and so do scammers, so the prefix alone proves nothing. Be wary if a pop-up, text or caller tells you to call one about a virus, a charge or your account. Look up the company's own number instead.
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How it works
Toll-free prefixes like 800, 833, 844, 855, 866, 877 and 888 are cheap to get and look professional, which is why you see them on both real customer service lines and fake ones. The number tells you nothing about who's behind it.
The FTC describes how the scam usually starts: a pop-up warning on your screen, or a message saying there's a problem with your computer, account or a charge, with a toll-free number to call. Legitimate companies don't show pop-ups that tell you to call about viruses or security problems.
When you call, the person on the line claims to be tech support or a bank, then tries to get something from you:
- Remote access to your computer
- Payment, often by gift card, wire transfer or crypto
- Your bank or card details
- Your passwords
A "refund" version is common too: they say you were overcharged, ask for access to your bank account and then 'accidentally' move money into it.
Red flags
- A pop-up or message telling you to call a toll-free number about a virus or a charge
- A caller you didn't contact asking for remote access to your computer
- Requests to pay by gift card, wire or cryptocurrency
- Pressure to act now and not hang up
- A number you found in a search ad or pop-up rather than on the company's own site
- You're told not to tell your bank or family
Example message
Your computer has been blocked because of suspicious activity. Do not restart it. Call support immediately at [phone number] to avoid data loss.
What to do
- 1
Stop and don't call
The FTC advises not to click on links or call a number in a pop-up or unexpected message. Close the page or restart the device.
- 2
Look up the real number
If you think there may be a real problem, call the company using the number on its website, your statement, the sales receipt or the product packaging.
- 3
If you gave someone control of your computer
Disconnect from the internet, run a scan with security software you already trust, and change passwords from a different, clean device.
- 4
If you paid
Call your bank or card company at once and say it was fraud. For gift cards, contact the issuer with the card numbers and receipts.
- 5
Report it
Report it to the FTC and include the phone number you were told to call. See what to do after a data breach if you shared personal details.
Report it
Check if your details are exposed with Serus
Scammers find your number and address on data brokers and people-search sites. Serus removes them.
Why you got it
Scam callers who already know your name and address sound far more convincing. They get that from data brokers and people-search sites and from breaches. Serus finds the data brokers and people-search sites that list your details where you live and removes you from them, and alerts you when your email or phone number shows up in a breach, so fewer scammers can reach you.
Frequently asked
Are all 1-855 numbers scams?
No. 855 is a regular toll-free prefix and many businesses use it. Judge the message and what it asks for, not the prefix.
Can I call a toll-free number back to check it?
It's safer not to. Look up the organisation's number from its own website or a statement and call that.
What does a tech support scam want?
Usually money, remote access to your computer, or your bank details and passwords.
I called and gave them access. What now?
Disconnect from the internet, scan the device, change your passwords from another device and contact your bank. Then report it to the FTC.
Sources
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