Phone scams are becoming more sophisticated every day. The 840 area code scam represents one of the latest threats targeting unsuspecting victims across the United States.
This relatively new area code has quickly gained notoriety among scammers who exploit people’s unfamiliarity with the number to conduct fraudulent activities.
This comprehensive guide will help you identify, avoid, and report these dangerous scams.
Key Takeaways
- Location Knowledge: The 840 area code legitimately serves San Bernardino County, California, including cities like Ontario, Fontana, and Rancho Cucamonga. Scammers exploit this legitimate area code by spoofing numbers to appear local and trustworthy.
- Red Flag Recognition: Unsolicited calls from 840 numbers requesting personal information, demanding immediate payment, or offering too-good-to-be-true deals are likely scams. Legitimate businesses rarely ask for sensitive information over unexpected phone calls.
- Never Share Personal Data: Real companies will never ask for Social Security numbers, bank account details, or passwords during cold calls. Any caller requesting this information is attempting fraud.
- Verification is Essential: If you receive a suspicious call from an 840 number claiming to represent a company, hang up and call the official number directly to verify the legitimacy of the contact.
- Reporting Makes a Difference: Filing complaints with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) helps authorities track scammer patterns and protect others from similar fraud attempts.
What is the 840 Area Code
The 840 area code is a legitimate telephone area code that serves Southern California. Implemented on April 24, 2021, this area code functions as an overlay to the existing 909 area code. An overlay means both area codes serve the same geographic region, which includes San Bernardino County and parts of Los Angeles County.
The 840 area code covers major cities including San Bernardino, Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario, Pomona, Rialto, and Chino. Approximately 3.3 million people live in this service area, making it a significant population center in California’s Inland Empire region.
This area code operates in the Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) zone, which is UTC-07:00. The region includes both residential and business customers, with Frontier California Inc. being one of the primary mobile carriers serving the area.
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Understanding the legitimate nature of this area code is important because scammers often exploit people’s unfamiliarity with newer area codes. When people receive calls from unfamiliar area codes, they may be more likely to answer, thinking the call might be important or local.
How 840 Area Code Scams Work
Scammers using the 840 area code employ various tactics to deceive their targets. The most common method involves caller ID spoofing, where fraudsters manipulate the displayed phone number to make it appear as though the call originates from the 840 area code region.
These scammers often begin with robocalls or pre-recorded messages designed to grab attention. Common opening lines include claims about urgent matters, prize winnings, or government issues. The recorded message typically instructs recipients to press a number or call back immediately to resolve the supposed issue.
Once victims respond, they’re connected to live scammers who pose as representatives from various organizations. These might include government agencies, utility companies, banks, or tech support services. The scammers use high-pressure tactics to create urgency and prevent victims from thinking clearly about the situation.
The ultimate goal varies depending on the specific scam. Some seek personal information like Social Security numbers or bank account details for identity theft. Others demand immediate payment through gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency to resolve fabricated problems or secure fake prizes.
Common Types of 840 Area Code Scams
Several distinct scam types frequently use the 840 area code as their cover. IRS impersonation scams represent the most reported category, accounting for 12.5% of complaints according to recent data. These scammers claim you owe back taxes and threaten arrest if immediate payment isn’t made.
Mortgage loan scams make up another significant portion of fraudulent calls from this area code. Scammers offer supposedly amazing refinancing deals or claim you’ve been pre-approved for loans with unrealistic terms. They collect personal financial information under the guise of processing applications.
Solar panel sales scams have also become increasingly common from 840 numbers. These callers claim you’ve qualified for government rebates or free solar installations. They use high-pressure sales tactics and often request upfront payments or detailed personal information.
Tech support scams frequently spoof 840 numbers, with callers claiming your computer has been compromised or infected. They offer to fix non-existent problems for a fee or request remote access to your device, which allows them to steal information or install malicious software.
Romance scams sometimes use 840 numbers for initial contact, particularly through text messages. These scammers build fake relationships over time before eventually requesting money for emergencies or travel expenses.
Red Flags to Identify Scam Calls
Recognizing the warning signs of scam calls can save you from becoming a victim. Unsolicited calls requesting personal information represent the biggest red flag. Legitimate organizations rarely ask for sensitive data during unexpected phone calls.
High-pressure tactics are another clear indicator of fraud. Scammers create false urgency by claiming you must act immediately to avoid arrest, prevent account closure, or secure a limited-time offer. Real businesses allow time for consideration and verification.
Unusual payment requests signal scam attempts. No legitimate organization requires payment exclusively through gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. Government agencies and established companies offer multiple payment options and provide official billing statements.
Poor call quality or background noise often indicates calls originating from illegal call centers. Professional organizations maintain clear, professional phone systems. Excessive static, voices in the background, or delayed responses suggest fraudulent operations.
Refusal to provide verification represents another warning sign. Legitimate callers willingly provide company information, callback numbers, and verification details. Scammers avoid giving information that could expose their fraudulent operations.
Caller ID Spoofing Explained
Caller ID spoofing is the primary tool scammers use to make 840 area code fraud appear legitimate. This technology allows criminals to manipulate the phone number displayed on your caller ID, making it appear as though the call originates from a trusted local source.
The process works by altering the calling party information transmitted through the telephone network. Scammers can make calls appear to come from any area code, including 840, regardless of their actual location. This technology is legal when used appropriately but becomes criminal when used for fraud.
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services make spoofing relatively easy and inexpensive for criminals. Many online services allow users to choose any display number for a small fee. This accessibility has contributed to the dramatic increase in spoofed robocalls.
Neighbor spoofing represents a common variation where scammers use numbers similar to your own. They might use the same area code and first three digits, making the call appear to come from someone in your neighborhood or community.
Understanding spoofing helps explain why you might receive complaints about calls you never made. If scammers spoof your number, other people might receive fraudulent calls that appear to come from your phone. This can be frustrating but is unfortunately common in today’s telecommunications environment.
Protecting Yourself from 840 Area Code Scams
The most effective protection against 840 area code scams begins with screening your calls. Don’t answer calls from unfamiliar numbers, especially if you’re not expecting important communications. Let unknown calls go to voicemail and review messages before returning calls.
Enable spam protection features on your smartphone or through your carrier. Most modern phones include built-in spam detection that can identify potentially fraudulent calls. Major carriers also offer additional protection services, though some may charge monthly fees.
Never provide personal information during unsolicited calls, regardless of how legitimate the caller sounds. Real organizations understand security concerns and won’t ask for sensitive data through unexpected phone calls. Always verify the caller’s identity through official channels.
Be skeptical of urgent requests for action or payment. Legitimate issues typically involve written notices and multiple contact attempts over time. Scammers create false urgency to prevent victims from taking time to verify information or seek advice.
Register with the National Do Not Call Registry at donotcall.gov. While this won’t stop all unwanted calls, it can reduce legitimate telemarketing calls and makes it easier to identify potential scams. Companies violating Do Not Call rules face significant penalties.
What to Do if You Receive a Suspicious Call
When you receive a suspicious call from an 840 number, your first step should be to hang up immediately. Don’t engage with the caller or provide any information, even if they claim to represent a trusted organization. Ending the call quickly prevents you from being manipulated by high-pressure tactics.
Document the call details including the exact number, time, date, and nature of the request. This information becomes valuable if you need to report the incident or if the same scammers contact you again. Screenshot the caller ID if possible.
Verify independently any claims made during the call. If someone claims to represent your bank, utility company, or government agency, hang up and call the official number directly. Use contact information from official websites or billing statements, not numbers provided by the caller.
Block the number after confirming it’s fraudulent. Most smartphones allow you to block specific numbers to prevent future calls. Remember that scammers often use different numbers, so blocking one number may not prevent all fraudulent calls.
Warn others about your experience, especially family members and friends who might be targeted by the same scammers. Share information about the specific tactics used so others can recognize similar attempts.
How to Report 840 Area Code Scams
Reporting scam calls helps authorities track criminal patterns and potentially shut down fraudulent operations. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) serves as the primary agency for consumer fraud complaints. Visit ReportFraud.ftc.gov to file your report online.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) handles complaints about unwanted calls and robocalls. You can file complaints at consumercomplaints.fcc.gov and select “unwanted calls/texts” as your issue type. The FCC uses this data to enforce regulations and impose penalties on violators.
Local law enforcement should be contacted if you’ve lost money to scammers or if you have information that could help identify the criminals. While individual cases may be difficult to prosecute, patterns of fraud can lead to larger investigations.
Your phone carrier can also provide assistance and may be able to block specific numbers or implement additional protection measures. Contact customer service to report the fraudulent calls and ask about available security features.
State attorney general offices often maintain fraud hotlines and can provide additional resources for victims. Many states actively investigate phone scams and coordinate with federal agencies to prosecute criminals.
Legal Consequences for Scammers
Phone scammers face serious legal penalties when caught and prosecuted. Federal charges for wire fraud can result in up to 20 years in prison and substantial fines. The penalty increases if the fraud targets elderly victims or involves significant financial losses.
Caller ID spoofing violations carry penalties of up to $10,000 per violation under FCC regulations. Commercial violators can face even higher penalties, with some cases resulting in millions of dollars in fines.
Identity theft charges apply when scammers use stolen personal information to open accounts or make purchases. These federal crimes carry additional penalties and can add years to prison sentences.
Money laundering charges often accompany phone scam prosecutions, especially when criminals use complex schemes to hide stolen funds. These charges carry separate penalties and can significantly increase total sentences.
Recent enforcement actions demonstrate that authorities are taking phone scams seriously. High-profile cases have resulted in multi-million dollar penalties and long prison sentences for operators of large-scale robocall operations.
Technology Solutions for Call Protection
Modern technology offers several tools to combat 840 area code scams and other fraudulent calls. Call blocking apps like RoboKiller, Truecaller, and Hiya use crowd-sourced data to identify and block known scam numbers automatically.
Network-level filtering provided by major carriers can stop many fraudulent calls before they reach your phone. Services like Verizon Call Filter, AT&T Call Protect, and T-Mobile Scam Shield offer various levels of protection, with some features available for free.
STIR/SHAKEN protocols represent the telecommunications industry’s effort to combat caller ID spoofing. These technical standards help verify that calls actually originate from the displayed numbers, making it harder for scammers to spoof legitimate numbers.
Artificial intelligence systems are increasingly sophisticated at identifying robocalls and suspicious patterns. These systems analyze call frequency, duration, and other factors to predict which calls are likely fraudulent.
Smartphone operating systems now include built-in spam detection. iOS and Android devices can automatically screen calls and warn users about potential scams based on various data sources and user reports.
Impact on Legitimate 840 Area Code Users
The prevalence of 840 area code scams creates challenges for legitimate businesses and residents in the region. Customer trust becomes an issue when people are reluctant to answer calls from 840 numbers due to scam concerns.
Business communications suffer when potential customers automatically block or ignore calls from the 840 area code. Companies may need to use alternative communication methods or clearly identify themselves through multiple channels.
Emergency communications could be affected if people become too suspicious of all 840 calls. Important messages from healthcare providers, schools, or government agencies might be ignored due to scam fears.
Number portability allows scammers to obtain legitimate 840 numbers for fraudulent purposes. This makes it even more difficult for consumers to distinguish between legitimate and fraudulent calls from this area code.
Reputation management becomes necessary for businesses operating in the 840 area code region. Companies may need to educate customers about their legitimate communication practices and provide alternative contact methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 840 area code always a scam?
No, 840 is a legitimate area code serving Southern California since 2021.
What should I do if I answered a scam call?
Hang up immediately and don’t provide any personal information to the caller.
Can I block all 840 area code calls?
Yes, but you might miss legitimate calls from businesses or people in that region.
How do scammers get my phone number?
Phone numbers are widely available through data breaches, public records, and purchased lists.
Will the Do Not Call Registry stop these scams?
No, scammers ignore the registry, but it can reduce legitimate telemarketing calls.
What if I gave information to a scammer?
Contact your bank, credit card companies, and consider placing fraud alerts on your credit reports.
How can I verify if a call is legitimate?
Hang up and call the organization directly using their official published phone number.
Are there apps to block scam calls?
Yes, apps like RoboKiller, Truecaller, and carrier-provided services can help block fraudulent calls.
