Who calls from (833) 289-0353? Reported 10 times

About (833) 289-0353

Right now, reports are flooding in about a specific type of scam that promises to reduce your debt, and it's being reported at an alarming rate of 10 times recently. The scam starts with a call from a toll-free number, 8332890353, which can make it seem legitimate at first glance. You might receive a call from someone claiming to be from a company that can help you pay off your credit card debt, mortgage, or student loans.

These scammers often pretend to be from a reputable organization, such as a bank or a credit counseling service. They'll tell you that they can negotiate with your creditors to reduce the amount you owe, or that they can provide you with a loan to pay off your debt. They might say something like, "We can reduce your debt by up to 50%" or "We can help you pay off your credit cards in just a few months." They'll make it sound like a dream come true, and they'll often create a sense of urgency by saying that you need to act now to take advantage of this opportunity.

Read next: Rental scam alert how apartment hunters are being deceived

But here's what they're really after: they want you to pay them a fee upfront, usually with a gift card or a wire transfer. They might say that this fee is for their services, or that it's a processing fee. They'll often ask you to go to a store like Walmart or Target to buy a gift card, and then they'll ask you to provide them with the card number and PIN. Once they have that information, they can use the gift card to buy whatever they want, and you'll be left with nothing.

Spotting the Fake

So how can you tell if a call like this is a scam? First, be wary of anyone who contacts you out of the blue and offers to help you with your debt. Legitimate companies don't usually do this. They might send you a letter or an email, but they won't call you up and offer to help you with your debt without you having contacted them first. Also, be suspicious of anyone who asks you to pay a fee upfront, especially if they want you to use a gift card or a wire transfer. These are not legitimate ways to pay for services, and they're often used by scammers because they're difficult to track.

Read next: The Credit Card Rate Scam That Wants Your Money First

Another red flag is if the person on the phone is pushy or aggressive. They might try to scare you into paying them by saying that you'll face serious consequences if you don't. They might say something like, "If you don't pay us, your creditors will sue you" or "If you don't pay us, your credit score will be ruined." This is just a tactic to get you to act quickly, without thinking things through.

Finally, be cautious of anyone who promises to reduce your debt by a large amount, or who promises to provide you with a loan with very favorable terms. These are often empty promises, and they're designed to get you to pay the scammer's fee.

In contrast, a real organization that can help you with your debt will not ask you to pay a fee upfront. They'll work with you to come up with a plan to pay off your debt, and they'll provide you with regular updates on your progress. They might also offer you free counseling or education to help you manage your debt. For example, the National Foundation for Credit Counseling is a non-profit organization that provides financial education and credit counseling to people who are struggling with debt. They'll work with you to come up with a plan to pay off your debt, and they won't charge you a fee upfront.