Spectrum scam calls and texts: how the fake discount offer works
Quick answer
A call, recording or text that says it's from Spectrum and offers a big discount if you pay part of it up front, especially by gift card, is a scam. Hang up, contact Spectrum through the number on your bill, and report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
- Comes by
- Phone call, Text, Voicemail
- Pretends to be
- Spectrum
- Last updated
How it works
Scammers pretend to be your TV and internet provider. The FTC says the calls, recorded messages and texts offer to lower your monthly bill. You hear that you've qualified for a deep discount, such as 50% off, and have to call a number to get it.
When you call, the story is that the company is partnering with another business on a promotion and you must prepay part of it to qualify. They tell you to pay with gift cards and then read them the card numbers. Once they have those numbers, the money is gone.
Scammers can fake caller ID so it shows a company name or number. The FTC notes that anyone who tells you to pay with a gift card is a scammer.
Red flags
- An unexpected call or text offering a big cut to your bill
- A requirement to pay part of the discount up front
- Payment by gift card, with a request to read out the card numbers
- A number to call back that isn't on your bill
- Caller ID that shows the company name: it can be faked
Example message
Your Spectrum account qualifies for a 50% discount on your monthly bill. To keep this offer, call [phone number] today. A small prepayment is required.
What to do
- 1
Hang up or ignore the text
Don't call back, don't reply and don't tap the link. Block the number.
- 2
Check with Spectrum yourself
Call the number printed on your bill or sign in through the company's own website to see whether you have any offer.
- 3
If you bought gift cards, contact the card company
Tell them it was a scam and give them the card numbers and receipts. Ask whether the money can be frozen.
- 4
If you shared account details, change your password
Change your Spectrum password and any account that reuses it.
- 5
If you paid by card or bank, call your bank
Use the number on your card or bank statement and ask them to stop or reverse the payment.
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 who say they're your cable company often have your name, address or phone number already. They get them from people-search sites and from data breaches. Serus finds where your contact details are listed and removes them, and alerts you when they show up in a breach, so fewer scammers can build a convincing pitch.
Frequently asked
Does Spectrum ask for gift cards?
No legitimate company does. The FTC says anyone who asks you to pay with a gift card is a scammer.
The call showed Spectrum's name. Is it real?
Not necessarily. Caller ID can be faked to show a company name or number. Hang up and contact Spectrum yourself.
How do I check whether I have a real discount?
Call the number on your bill or sign in on the company's own website.
Where do I report it?
At ReportFraud.ftc.gov. The FTC also has a page on imposter scams at ftc.gov/imposters.
Sources
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