Is area code 470 spam?
Spam and scam calls continue to be a significant nuisance in the US. No wonder popular advice on how to avoid them abounds. The 470 area code frequently appears on offender lists published throughout the internet. Is area code 470 spam? The answer is: it depends on where you live.
470 could be a spam area code if you live in Georgia or Maine
The 470 area code is explicitly mentioned among the phone numbers most frequently reported to the FTC as spam in Georgia. In fact, over 70% of all unwanted calls reported in Georgia start with Georgian area codes. Because 470 is the area code for Atlanta, the capital of Georgia, you are likely to receive a spam text or call from this number if you live in the state.
Related: How to block an area code
Here are the spam area codes most frequently reported by the residents of Georgia:
| Georgia |
|---|
| 770 (Georgia) |
| 706 (Georgia) |
| 404 (Georgia) |
| 678 (Georgia) |
| 470 (Georgia) |
| 229 (Georgia) |
| 478 (Georgia) |
| 912 (Georgia) |
| 762 (Georgia) |
| 855 (Toll-fee) |
The only other state where the 470 area code is also among the top 10 offenders is Maine. No other state reports 470 to the FTC’s registry.
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Top area codes for each state are local area codes
Our assumption that spam calls or text messages come from specific area codes is outdated and mostly wrong. Spammers and scammers have been reading the same articles on phone scams and have improved their techniques. People are least suspicious of local area numbers, so these are the codes they use today.
How do we know this? Incogni’s research team examined the ten area codes most frequently reported in each state to determine if other states share any of these codes. According to the data published by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), no evidence exists that any particular area codes dominate the list of unwanted calls.
In fact, a significant majority (59.81%) of all spam calls reported to the FTC actually originate from the same state as that of the call recipient.
What is neighbor spoofing?
Do spammers purposely move to my state to make sure the number they use is local? We can’t be certain of that. It’s more likely, though, that they use a technique called “neighbor spoofing.”
Neighbor spoofing happens when the caller deliberately substitutes their number with another to make the call appear as if it was coming from a nearby area. Spammers know very well that local calls invite trust and are more likely to be answered.
What to do when you see an unknown number on your cell phone?
When you see an unknown number on your cell phone, it’s best not to pick it up. It’s always best to ignore callers that you do not recognize. Unless, for example, you’re job hunting or selling a car and therefore expecting calls. If it’s important, they will likely leave a message. Should you inadvertently answer and the call seems suspicious—such as a service request asking for money or any tricks involving your account—hang up. For ongoing prevention, you can block the number on your device.
Read our complete guide on how to stop spam on iPhone, Android or landline.
What to do when you see a text message from an unknown sender?
When you receive a text from an unknown sender, avoid clicking on any links, as they may be a phishing links leading to malicious websites. If the message appears to be from a legitimate company, verify its authenticity by visiting its official website or calling its verified customer support number. Never provide personal information based on an unsolicited text message.
- To find out more, check our article on how to stop spam texts on Android & iPhone.
- Find out how to report spam texts in our dedicated article.
- Learn why you are receiving so many spam calls here.
What to do when you receive a spam call on your landline phone?
When you receive a spam call on your landline phone, hang up without engaging. Do not acknowledge any problem or provide personal information. If the call is recurrent, consider using a call-blocking service to prevent future spam calls.
Report all scam and spam calls and texts to the National Do Not Call Registry (DNC)
Reporting spam calls is the best way to stop them from spreading—it can make a difference to you and other potential victims. Start by registering your phone numbers with the FTC’s National Do Not Call Registry (DNC). This registry, which saw an increase of 2.7 million registrants between 2022 and 2023, is designed to reduce unwanted calls from telemarketers and researchers. While registering won’t significantly deter scammers, it helps minimize other types of unsolicited calls. After registering, if you continue to receive spam calls, you can file a complaint with the FTC. This helps them track and take action against frequent offenders.
