Scam number on Reddit? How to handle a number you can't place
Quick answer
Reddit threads can tell you others got the same message, but they can't tell you a number is safe. Don't reply or click. Check with the company using a number you look up yourself, then report the message to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
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Reviewed by Anthon Wansland
Head of Product & Co-Founder
Serus is a privacy company with paid tools to find and remove your personal data. This page is free and based on official sources.
How it works
When an unknown number calls or texts, plenty of people search it and land on forum threads of others reporting the same one. That can be a useful hint, but it isn't an official check, and a number with no reports isn't proof of anything.
The FTC describes the usual shape of these messages. Scammers pretend to be from an organization you know, say there's a problem or a prize, pressure you to act now, and tell you to pay in a specific way. They can fake the caller ID, and phishing texts often include a link to confirm details or make a payment.
The FTC's test for a message that asks you to click or open something: do you have an account with that company, or know the person? If not, it could be phishing.
Sources checked: consumer.ftc.gov
Last verified against the official page:
Red flags
- A text or call from a company or agency you have no account with
- A claim of suspicious activity, a billing problem or a refund you didn't expect
- A link to confirm personal or financial details or to make a payment
- Pressure to act right away
- A request to pay by gift card, wire, payment app or crypto
Example message
We noticed unusual activity on your account. Confirm your details at [link] within 24 hours to avoid suspension.
What to do
- 1
Don't click or reply
Skip links and attachments, and don't call numbers in the message.
- 2
Check using contact details you know are real
If you do have an account with the company, contact it through its official website or the number on your card or statement.
- 3
Report the message
Forward phishing texts to 7726 (SPAM). Forward phishing emails to reportphishing@apwg.org. Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Then delete it.
- 4
If you clicked or shared information
Update your security software and run a scan if you clicked a link or opened an attachment. If you shared a Social Security, card or bank account number, go to IdentityTheft.gov for steps based on what you lost.
- 5
Turn on multi-factor authentication
The FTC says it makes it harder for scammers to log in even if they get your username and password.
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 get names, phone numbers, addresses and emails from people-search sites and data breaches, which is one reason the same few people get the most calls and texts. Serus finds where your phone number and address are listed and removes them, and alerts you when your details show up in a breach, so fewer scammers can reach you. It can't stop every call.
Frequently asked
Can I trust a Reddit thread about a number?
Treat it as a hint only. No official body says forum reports prove a number is safe or unsafe. Check with the company using a number you look up yourself.
Where do I forward a scam text?
The FTC says to forward phishing texts to 7726 (SPAM) and to report them at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
What if the number has no reports?
That doesn't make it safe. Scammers can fake the number and switch numbers, so judge the message, not the number.
Sources
Something wrong or out of date? Tell us and we'll re-check it.
