In today’s digital age, receiving calls from unfamiliar numbers is a common occurrence. With the rise of robocalls, telemarketers, and scammers, it can sometimes be difficult to differentiate between legitimate businesses and fraudulent schemes. One such number that has sparked curiosity and concern is 877-820-8375. Whether you’ve received a call from this number or simply encountered it while searching for a solution, it’s important to understand its origin and how to handle it.
This article will explore 877-820-8375, offering insights into its nature, potential origins, and how you can protect yourself from falling victim to scams.
What Is 877-820-8375?
The number 877-820-8375 is part of the 877 area code, a toll-free code that serves various purposes, including customer service lines, helplines, and business inquiries. Toll-free numbers like those starting with 800, 888, 877, and others are often used by companies to provide free access to their services. However, these numbers can also be exploited by scammers and telemarketers.
In general, a toll-free number allows the party receiving the call to be free of any charges, while the party initiating the call—often a business or service provider—bears the cost of the phone call. While legitimate businesses often use toll-free numbers for customer service or sales inquiries, these numbers can sometimes be used by scammers to carry out fraudulent activities.
Possible Origins of 877-820-8375
The number 877-820-8375 could belong to a variety of businesses, organizations, or even individuals. To determine its legitimacy, it’s essential to investigate the context in which you received the call. Here are some possible sources of 877-820-8375:
1. Legitimate Businesses
Toll-free numbers like 877-820-8375 are often assigned to businesses for customer service, technical support, or billing inquiries. Common legitimate businesses that use such numbers include:
- Banks and financial institutions
- Online retailers
- Telecom providers
- Utility companies
- Healthcare providers
If the call you received is from one of these industries, it’s more likely to be a legitimate business reaching out to you. However, scammers may also spoof legitimate numbers, so it’s important to verify the number before taking action.
2. Telemarketers
Another potential source of the call could be telemarketers who use toll-free numbers to promote services, products, or offers. Telemarketing calls can often be intrusive and unwanted, and sometimes the callers may mislead or pressure recipients into making purchases. If you receive such calls, it’s advisable to carefully consider whether the offer is worth pursuing.
3. Scammers
Unfortunately, scam calls are one of the most common reasons why people receive calls from unfamiliar toll-free numbers. Scammers use tactics such as posing as government agents, bank representatives, or prize distributors to manipulate people into revealing personal information or making payments. If you received a call from 877-820-8375 that seems suspicious, it’s important to be cautious and avoid sharing any sensitive details.
How to Identify Scams from 877-820-8375
While some calls from toll-free numbers are legitimate, others are not. It can be difficult to tell the difference, especially if the call seems urgent or convincing. Here are some common signs of scam calls that may originate from 877-820-8375 or similar numbers:
1. Unsolicited Calls
One of the first red flags of a scam is receiving an unsolicited call from an unfamiliar number. If you’ve never interacted with the company or organization that is allegedly calling, it’s a good idea to remain cautious. Scammers often cold-call potential victims, pretending to be from well-known businesses or government agencies.
2. Pressure Tactics
Scammers often create a sense of urgency in their calls, pressuring the recipient to act quickly or face dire consequences. Common phrases used by scammers include:
- “Your account has been compromised, and we need to verify your identity immediately.”
- “You’ve won a prize, but you must pay shipping fees to claim it.”
- “If you don’t respond within 24 hours, your account will be frozen.”
If you hear any of these phrases, it’s important to stay calm and avoid making any rash decisions. Legitimate businesses or government agencies will rarely use high-pressure tactics.
3. Requests for Personal Information
Another common sign of a scam is when the caller asks for sensitive personal information, such as:
- Social Security numbers
- Credit card details
- Bank account information
- Passwords or PINs
Legitimate companies will not ask you for this kind of information over the phone. If a call from 877-820-8375 asks for personal details, it’s likely a scam.
4. Too Good to Be True Offers
Scammers frequently promise unrealistic deals or prizes that sound too good to be true. These offers may include free vacations, large cash prizes, or discounts on popular products. If the offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
What to Do If You Receive a Call from 877-820-8375
If you receive a call from 877-820-8375 and are unsure of its legitimacy, here are some steps to follow:
1. Do Not Answer Immediately
If the call is from an unfamiliar number, avoid picking up the phone right away. Let the call go to voicemail. Legitimate businesses often leave a message with relevant information.
2. Verify the Number
If you do answer the call, and the caller claims to be from a legitimate company, hang up and call the official customer service number from their website or your billing statement. Never trust the phone number provided by the caller.
You can also look up 877-820-8375 online to check if other people have reported it as a scam number. Websites such as WhoCallsMe or TrueCaller allow users to share information about suspicious phone numbers.
3. Avoid Giving Personal Information
Never share personal information over the phone unless you are sure the call is legitimate. If you’re being pressured to give details, this is a red flag.
4. Report the Call
If you believe you’ve been contacted by a scammer, report the incident to relevant authorities such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your local consumer protection agency.
How to Protect Yourself from Future Scams
To prevent future scams from happening, consider these helpful tips:
- Use Call Blocking Apps
Many smartphones have built-in features or third-party apps that can block or filter out robocalls and spam calls. These apps can help reduce the frequency of unwanted calls. - Register on the National Do Not Call List
The National Do Not Call Registry allows you to opt out of receiving unsolicited telemarketing calls. While it won’t stop scammers, it can reduce the number of legitimate telemarketing calls you receive. - Be Cautious with Your Information
Always be careful about sharing personal information online and over the phone. Scammers often obtain data through phishing or data breaches, so staying vigilant is key to your safety.
Conclusion
The number 877-820-8375 could belong to a legitimate business or, as is often the case, a scammer trying to deceive unsuspecting individuals. As the number of robocalls and scams increases, it’s important to stay vigilant and know how to protect yourself.
If you receive a call from 877-820-8375, remember to approach it with caution. Verify the number, avoid giving out sensitive information, and report any suspicious activity. By following these steps, you can safeguard your personal information and avoid falling victim to scams.
