Since 1947 area codes have been a wonderfully useful thing, initially created as an organizational method that allowed for people to make phone calls all across North America to eventually being a means for people to see where a person was calling them from. However, every now and then one might see a number on their caller ID with an area code that they do not recognize.

When you get a phone call from a number you do not recognize a sort of fight-or-flight feeling can kick in. You don’t want to miss a call that might be important, but you also do not want to answer a scam call. It may make you wonder if there are fake area codes out there that scammers use. If you’re wondering what area codes are fake, there’s good news: there aren’t any. However, there are some area codes that are automatic red flags.

Red Flag Area Codes

Here are nine area codes that are immediate red flags for scam calls.

832 – Houston, Texas
202 – Washington, D.C.
407 – Orlando, Florida
310 – Beverly Hills, California
214 – Dallas, Texas
312 – Chicago, Illinois
786 – Miami, Florida
702 – Las Vegas, Nevada

Stay Vigilant

You need to understand that while these area codes are popular for scam calls they are not the only area codes that are used for scam calls. In fact, scammers can still use any area code to make their calls or messages to you look legitimate. This is why, should you find yourself in a situation in which you have answered the phone and are not sure that it is legitimate to use your best judgment and follow these helpful guidelines.

Do Not Volunteer Information

The most important thing you must do is make sure that you do not volunteer any personal information. If you feel that the call is simply trying to get sensitive information out of you then simply hang up.

Block the Number

There are numerous apps available that you can use to block that number from reaching you in the future.

Report Suspicious Calls

One of the most helpful things that you can do is to report any strange phone calls from strange phone numbers that arouse your suspicion. You can report these calls to either your local police department or to the Federal Trade Commission