747 area code scams: how to tell a real call from a spoofed one
Quick answer
A 747 number isn't a scam by itself: it's an ordinary area code, and scammers can fake any number on caller ID. Judge the message, not the area code. If it asks for money or account details, don't click, don't call back, and report it.
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How it works
People search for "747 area code scams" after a call or text from an unfamiliar 747 number. The area code tells you very little. The FTC explains that scammers use technology to change the phone number shown on your caller ID, so the number you see might not be real.
What matters is the story the message tells. The FTC describes the usual ones:
- A problem with an account or payment, such as suspicious activity or a billing problem that doesn't exist.
- A prize, gift card or coupon that isn't real.
- A fake invoice or package delivery notice, with a number or link to "dispute" it.
The goal is to get your password, account number or Social Security number, or to get you to click a link to a spoofed site. Some links install malware that steals financial information. The FTC also notes that scammers sell the information they collect to other scammers.
Red flags
- A call or text you weren't expecting that asks for personal or financial information
- A link in a text, or a number to call back, from someone you haven't dealt with
- A story about suspicious activity, a payment problem, a prize or an unknown invoice
- Pressure to act right now or not to hang up
- A request to pay by gift card, cryptocurrency, wire transfer or payment app
Example message
Your account has been flagged for suspicious activity. To avoid a hold, confirm your details at [link] or call [phone number].
What to do
- 1
Don't click and don't call back
Legitimate companies won't ask for account information by text. If you think it might be real, contact the company through a phone number or website you already know is real, not the one in the message.
- 2
Block and filter
Use your phone's option to filter and block unknown senders, check your wireless provider's blocking tools, or use a call-blocking app.
- 3
Forward spam texts to 7726 (SPAM)
The FTC says forwarding the text to 7726 helps your wireless provider spot and block similar messages. You can also report junk in your messaging app.
- 4
If you clicked or gave details, lock down your accounts
Change the password on any account you mentioned, turn on multi-factor authentication, and watch your statements. If you shared a card or bank number, call your bank using the number on your card.
- 5
Report it
Report the call or text at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. It's quick and the FTC uses reports to spot patterns.
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
Scammers don't pick numbers at random for the convincing ones. Names, phone numbers, addresses and email addresses are easy to buy from data brokers and look up on people-search sites, and breached databases circulate among scammers. Serus finds the data brokers and people-search sites that list you where you live and removes you from them, and alerts you when your details show up in a breach, so fewer scammers can reach you with a message that sounds personal. Our guides on data brokers and data breaches explain how it works.
Frequently asked
Is every call from a 747 number a scam?
No. 747 is a normal area code and plenty of calls from it are legitimate. Because caller ID can be faked, the number alone proves nothing either way.
Can scammers fake the number I see?
Yes. The FTC says scammers use technology to change the number that appears on your caller ID, so the name and number you see might not be real.
Should I call the number back to check?
No. Look up the company's number yourself on its official website or a statement, and use that instead.
How do I stop these texts?
Filter and block on your phone, ask your wireless provider about blocking, and forward the text to 7726 (SPAM). Blocking helps but won't end them, since scammers switch numbers.
Sources
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