Who calls from (801) 960-7104? Reported 10 times from Utah

Right now, reports are coming in about a specific type of scam call that is targeting people across the country, with the phone number 8019607104 being reported 10 times. This Utah-registered area code is just the starting point for a clever scam that can be very tempting to fall for. You are sitting at home when your phone rings, you answer it, but the person on the other end hangs up without saying a word.

This might seem harmless, but it is actually the setup for a scam that can cost you a lot of money. The scammer is trying to get you to call them back, and when you do, they will have a story ready to convince you to send them money. They might claim to be from a government agency, such as the IRS or Social Security, and tell you that there is a problem with your account. They might say something like, 'We've been trying to reach you about an urgent matter, and if you don't respond, your Social Security benefits will be suspended.'

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The pressure tactic is to create a sense of urgency, to make you feel like you have to act fast or something bad will happen. They might also use high-pressure sales tactics, telling you that you need to make a decision right now, or you will miss out on an important opportunity. For example, they might say, 'If you don't pay the fine immediately, we will have to send someone to your house to collect it, and that will be very embarrassing for you.'

The ask is usually for you to pay them using a gift card or a wire transfer. They might tell you that this is the only way to resolve the issue, or that it is a new requirement for paying fines or fees. They might say something like, 'We can only accept payment in the form of a gift card, and you need to go to the store right now and buy one.'

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Stay One Step Ahead

The way out of this scam is to be aware of the tactics that the scammers are using, and to never give them what they want. If someone calls you and claims to be from a government agency, hang up and call the agency directly to verify the claim. Never pay someone using a gift card or a wire transfer, as these are not secure methods of payment. And if someone is trying to create a sense of urgency, it is likely a scam.

So, the next time your phone rings and it is a dropped call from a number like 8019607104, do not call them back, and do not engage with them in any way, just let it go and move on with your day.