Phone scams continue to plague consumers across the United States, and the 667 area code has become a favorite tool for scammers targeting unsuspecting victims. This Maryland based area code, which serves the Baltimore metropolitan region, has seen a significant increase in fraudulent activity over recent months.
The 667 area code scam operates by exploiting people’s trust in local phone numbers. Scammers use sophisticated technology called caller ID spoofing to make their calls appear as if they come from your local area.
When you see a familiar area code on your caller ID, you are more likely to answer the phone, giving fraudsters the opportunity they need to execute their schemes.
Key Takeaways
- Geographic Targeting: The 667 area code serves eastern Maryland, including Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and surrounding areas. Scammers specifically choose this code to target Maryland residents who trust local numbers.
- Spoofing Technology: Fraudsters use caller ID spoofing to display fake 667 numbers on your phone, making their calls appear legitimate and local even when they originate from anywhere in the world.
- Multiple Scam Types: These calls include imposter scams, fake government agencies, fraudulent charity requests, fake tech support, and phishing attempts designed to steal personal information.
- Prevention is Key: Never answer calls from unfamiliar 667 numbers, use call blocking apps, register with the National Do Not Call Registry, and never provide personal information to unsolicited callers.
- Reporting Helps Everyone: Report suspicious 667 area code calls to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and your phone carrier to help authorities track and stop these criminal operations.
Understanding the 667 Area Code and Its Legitimate Purpose
The 667 area code serves as an overlay for the established 410 and 443 area codes in eastern Maryland. Introduced on March 24, 2012, this area code covers major cities including Baltimore, Annapolis, Columbia, Towson, and Glen Burnie. The Maryland Public Service Commission implemented this overlay system to provide additional phone numbers for the growing population in the Baltimore metropolitan area.
Legitimate businesses and residents in this region use 667 phone numbers for normal communication purposes. The area code encompasses over 114 cities and serves both urban centers like Baltimore and smaller suburban communities throughout eastern Maryland. When the area code functions properly, it helps connect families, businesses, and organizations across the region.
However, scammers have discovered that people trust calls from their local area code. This psychological tendency, known as locality bias, makes Maryland residents more likely to answer calls displaying 667 numbers. Criminals exploit this trust to gain access to potential victims, making the 667 area code an attractive tool for fraudulent activities.
The legitimate 667 area code requires 10 digit dialing for all calls, meaning callers must dial the full area code plus seven digit number even for local calls. This requirement helps distinguish legitimate local calls from potential scam attempts that may not follow proper dialing protocols.
Common Types of 667 Area Code Scams
Government imposter scams represent one of the most dangerous forms of 667 area code fraud. Scammers call pretending to be from the Social Security Administration, Internal Revenue Service, or local government agencies. They create urgency by claiming your benefits will be suspended or that you owe money that must be paid immediately. These calls often demand payment through gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
Tech support scams using 667 numbers target older adults and less tech savvy individuals. Callers claim to be from Microsoft, Apple, or other technology companies, insisting that your computer has been compromised. They request remote access to your device or ask for credit card information to fix nonexistent problems. These scams can result in identity theft and unauthorized purchases.
Charity fraud becomes particularly common during disaster situations or holiday seasons. Scammers using spoofed 667 numbers call claiming to represent legitimate charities, police organizations, or firefighter associations. They use high pressure tactics to solicit donations for fake causes, often targeting elderly individuals who are generous with charitable giving.
One ring scams have also emerged using 667 numbers. These calls ring once and hang up, hoping you will call back. When you return the call, you may be connected to premium rate services that charge expensive fees. The scammers profit from these callback charges while you face unexpected phone bill increases.
How Caller ID Spoofing Works with 667 Numbers
Caller ID spoofing technology allows scammers to manipulate the information displayed on your phone screen. According to the Federal Communications Commission, criminals can make any number appear on your caller ID, including legitimate 667 area code numbers. This technology has become increasingly sophisticated and accessible to fraudsters worldwide.
The spoofing process works by altering the calling party information transmitted through the phone network. Scammers use Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services and specialized software to modify this data before it reaches your phone. The result is that a call originating from anywhere in the world can appear to come from a local 667 Maryland number.
Neighbor spoofing represents a particularly deceptive variation of this technique. Criminals display phone numbers with the same area code and first three digits as your own number, making the call appear to come from your immediate neighborhood. This tactic increases the likelihood that you will answer the phone, as people naturally trust calls from nearby locations.
Professional scammers often rotate through multiple spoofed 667 numbers to avoid detection and blocking. They may use hundreds of different fake numbers in a single day, making it difficult for victims and authorities to track their activities. This constant rotation explains why blocking individual scam numbers often proves ineffective in stopping future calls.
Red Flags That Indicate a 667 Scam Call
Urgency and pressure tactics serve as primary warning signs of 667 area code scams. Legitimate organizations rarely demand immediate action over the phone, especially regarding financial matters or personal information. Scammers create artificial deadlines and threaten negative consequences to prevent you from thinking clearly or consulting with others about their requests.
Requests for personal information represent another major red flag. Government agencies, banks, and legitimate businesses already have your information and will not call asking for Social Security numbers, bank account details, or passwords. Any 667 caller requesting sensitive data should be treated with extreme suspicion and terminated immediately.
Payment demands through unusual methods indicate fraudulent activity. Legitimate organizations accept standard payment methods like checks, credit cards, or bank transfers. Scammers prefer gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or prepaid debit cards because these payment methods are difficult to trace and reverse once completed.
Poor call quality or background noise can indicate calls originating from overseas call centers or using low quality VoIP services. While not all international calls are scams, this technical indicator combined with other warning signs suggests potential fraudulent activity from callers claiming to use local 667 numbers.
The Psychology Behind Local Area Code Scams
Trust and familiarity form the foundation of why 667 area code scams prove so effective. Humans naturally feel more comfortable communicating with people from their local community. When Maryland residents see a 667 number on caller ID, their psychological defenses decrease because the call appears to originate from a trusted local source rather than an unknown distant location.
Social engineering techniques exploit basic human emotions and responses to manipulate victims. Scammers using spoofed 667 numbers create scenarios designed to trigger fear, greed, or the desire to help others. They may claim your loved one is in trouble, offer exclusive deals, or request assistance with charitable causes to bypass rational thinking.
Authority and urgency manipulation represents another psychological tactic employed by 667 scammers. By impersonating government officials, law enforcement, or technical support representatives, criminals create artificial power dynamics that make victims feel compelled to comply. The combination of perceived authority and local phone numbers creates a powerful persuasion tool.
Cognitive biases such as confirmation bias and availability heuristic make people more susceptible to local area code scams. When scammers provide information that confirms existing fears or reference recent news events, victims are more likely to believe the caller’s story and follow their instructions without proper verification.
Geographic Impact of 667 Area Code Scams
Baltimore metropolitan area residents face the highest concentration of 667 area code scam activity. The large urban population provides scammers with numerous potential targets, while the diverse demographics allow criminals to tailor their approaches to different community groups. CallerSmart data shows Pasadena and Timonium among the cities with the highest complaint rates for spam calls from this area code.
Suburban communities including Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Ellicott City also experience significant scam call volumes. These areas often have higher concentrations of elderly residents and families with disposable income, making them attractive targets for various fraud schemes. The suburban setting also creates a stronger sense of community trust that scammers exploit.
Eastern Shore regions covered by the 667 area code face unique challenges due to their rural nature and older population demographics. Limited internet access in some areas means residents may have less awareness of current scam tactics, while close knit communities create environments where people are more likely to trust local phone numbers.
The economic impact of these scams extends beyond individual victims to affect entire communities. Local businesses may suffer reputation damage when scammers spoof their phone numbers, while the general erosion of trust in phone communications affects legitimate organizations trying to reach customers and clients in the 667 service area.
Technology and Tools Used by 667 Scammers
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) systems provide scammers with the technical foundation for spoofing 667 area code numbers. These internet based phone services offer low costs, high flexibility, and easy manipulation of caller identification information. Criminals can operate from anywhere in the world while making calls appear to originate from Maryland locations.
Automated dialing systems enable scammers to place thousands of calls per day using spoofed 667 numbers. These robocall systems can cycle through entire phone number databases, playing recorded messages or connecting answered calls to live operators. The automation allows small criminal organizations to reach massive numbers of potential victims efficiently.
Social media intelligence helps scammers personalize their 667 area code attacks. By researching victims on Facebook, LinkedIn, and other platforms, criminals can gather personal information that makes their calls more convincing. They may reference family members, employers, or recent activities to establish credibility and trust.
Database purchasing provides scammers with targeted phone lists of Maryland residents likely to answer 667 area code calls. These databases often include demographic information, purchasing history, and vulnerability indicators that help criminals select the most promising targets for their fraudulent schemes.
Legal Framework and Law Enforcement Response
Federal Communications Commission regulations prohibit caller ID spoofing with intent to defraud or cause harm. The Truth in Caller ID Act makes malicious spoofing a federal crime punishable by fines up to $10,000 per violation. However, enforcement proves challenging when scammers operate internationally or use sophisticated technology to hide their identities.
Federal Trade Commission oversight focuses on consumer protection and fraud prevention related to 667 area code scams. The FTC maintains the National Do Not Call Registry and investigates reports of illegal telemarketing and scam calls. They work with phone companies and other agencies to identify and shut down fraudulent operations.
State level enforcement in Maryland includes the Attorney General’s office pursuing legal action against scammers targeting state residents. Maryland authorities regularly issue consumer alerts about emerging scam tactics and coordinate with federal agencies on major investigations.
International cooperation becomes necessary when 667 area code scams originate from overseas call centers. Law enforcement agencies work with international partners to identify and prosecute criminals operating from foreign countries, though jurisdictional challenges often complicate these efforts.
How to Block and Avoid 667 Scam Calls
Call blocking apps provide your first line of defense against 667 area code scams. Popular applications like RoboKiller, Truecaller, and Hiya can automatically identify and block known scam numbers. Many smartphones also include built in spam detection features that can be activated in the phone settings menu.
Carrier based blocking services offer another layer of protection through your phone company. Major carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T Mobile provide free spam blocking services that can filter out suspicious calls before they reach your phone. Contact your carrier to activate these services and learn about additional premium options.
National Do Not Call Registry registration helps reduce legitimate telemarketing calls, though it does not stop illegal scammers. You can register your phone number at www.donotcall.gov or by calling 1-888-382-1222. While scammers ignore this registry, legitimate businesses must respect your registration status.
Manual blocking techniques work for individual 667 numbers that repeatedly contact you. Most smartphones allow you to block specific numbers through the call log or contacts menu. However, since scammers frequently change numbers, this method provides limited long term protection against spoofed 667 calls.
What to Do If You Receive a 667 Scam Call
Never provide personal information to unsolicited callers claiming to use 667 numbers, regardless of how legitimate they sound. Government agencies, banks, and legitimate businesses do not call requesting Social Security numbers, account passwords, or credit card information. Always hang up and contact the organization directly using official phone numbers.
Document the call details including the exact 667 number displayed, time of call, and any information the caller provided. This documentation helps when reporting the scam and may assist law enforcement in tracking patterns of fraudulent activity. Take screenshots of your caller ID if possible.
Verify caller identity by hanging up and calling the organization the person claimed to represent using official contact information. Look up phone numbers independently rather than using callback numbers provided by the caller. This verification process reveals whether the original call was legitimate or fraudulent.
Report the scam to multiple agencies to help protect other potential victims. File complaints with the Federal Trade Commission, Federal Communications Commission, your state attorney general, and your phone carrier. Each report contributes to larger investigations and helps authorities identify trends in 667 area code fraud.
Protecting Vulnerable Community Members
Elderly residents face heightened risk from 667 area code scams due to factors including social isolation, limited technology familiarity, and accumulated wealth. Family members should educate older relatives about current scam tactics and establish communication protocols for verifying suspicious calls. Consider setting up call blocking services on their phones.
Small business owners in the Maryland area may receive 667 scam calls targeting their commercial operations. These calls might offer fake business services, claim regulatory violations, or impersonate vendors requesting account information. Business owners should train employees on proper verification procedures and maintain updated contact lists for legitimate vendors.
Non English speakers may face additional challenges identifying 667 area code scams when language barriers affect communication. Scammers sometimes use this vulnerability by providing confusing information or claiming language barriers prevent proper verification. Community organizations should provide scam awareness materials in multiple languages.
Recent immigrants to the Maryland area may lack familiarity with local phone number formats and typical scam tactics. They might be more trusting of calls appearing to come from local 667 numbers. Community support organizations should include scam prevention education in their integration programs and services.
The Economic Cost of 667 Area Code Scams
Individual financial losses from 667 area code scams range from small amounts to life savings depending on the scam type and victim circumstances. Tech support scams typically cost victims $200 to $500, while romance scams or investment fraud can result in losses exceeding $50,000. The psychological impact often extends far beyond the immediate financial damage.
Business impacts affect Maryland companies when scammers spoof their legitimate 667 phone numbers. Businesses may receive angry calls from people who received scam calls appearing to come from their numbers. This situation damages business reputations and requires time and resources to address customer concerns and clarify the situation.
Healthcare system costs increase when scam victims require medical attention for stress related conditions or mental health support. Elderly victims particularly may experience anxiety, depression, or physical health complications following scam encounters. These indirect costs represent hidden impacts of 667 area code fraud on community resources.
Law enforcement expenses include investigation costs, prosecution resources, and prevention programs designed to address 667 area code scams. Police departments, attorney general offices, and federal agencies dedicate significant personnel and technology resources to combating these crimes and supporting victims.
Frequently Asked Questions About 667 Area Code Scams
What should I do if I answered a 667 scam call?
Hang up immediately, do not provide any personal information, and block the number. Document the call details and report it to the FTC and your phone carrier.
Can scammers steal money just by me answering the phone?
Simply answering the call cannot directly steal money, but scammers may record your voice or gather information to use in future fraud attempts. Avoid saying “yes” or providing any personal details.
How do I know if a 667 number is legitimate?
Verify the caller by hanging up and calling the organization directly using official contact information. Legitimate businesses will understand your caution and provide alternative verification methods.
Will blocking 667 numbers stop all scam calls?
Blocking the entire 667 area code will prevent legitimate calls from Maryland businesses and residents. Use selective blocking for specific scam numbers and rely on spam detection apps for broader protection.
Should I call back a 667 number that called me?
Never call back unfamiliar 667 numbers, especially those that rang only once. These may be one ring scams designed to charge you expensive callback fees.
What information do scammers want from 667 calls?
Scammers typically seek Social Security numbers, bank account information, credit card details, passwords, or personal identification information they can use for identity theft or financial fraud.
How can I protect elderly family members from 667 scams?
Set up call blocking services on their phones, educate them about common scam tactics, establish verification procedures for suspicious calls, and regularly discuss any unusual phone calls they receive.
Are 667 area code scams getting worse?
Reports indicate increased scam activity from Maryland area codes including 667 throughout 2024, with scammers becoming more sophisticated in their targeting and spoofing techniques.
