Is the area code 786 spam?

786 is the area code covering Miami, Florida, Miami-Dade County, and the Florida Keys, part of Monroe County. Should you consider any call or text message from this area code spam? Not necessarily, according to our research. That is, unless you live in Florida. Read on to find out why.

Federico Morelli

Is area code 786 spam? 

Not necessarily, 786 is a regular area code.

However, if you live in Florida you may receive quite a bit of spam calls from this area code. In fact, area code 786 is the 14th most frequently complained-about area code in Florida. 

Related: How to block an area code

What are the top 10 area codes residents of Florida report as spam? Here’s the list:

Do you want to see the most frequently reported area codes where you live? Check out our updated list. 

Which phone numbers starting with the 786 area code are reported most often in Florida?

Among the numerous spam calls originating from the 786 area code, certain numbers are reported repeatedly. Below is a list of the most frequently reported 786 numbers in Florida:

1. 7868501889
2. 7862078026
3. 7867469914
4. 7867181315
5. 7866485931
6. 7863004082
7. 7869290034
8. 7867240506
9. 7865898051
10. 7865709136

What are the spam calls from 786 usually about?

According to the data published by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), spam calls from the 786 area code predominantly feature medical and prescription-related offers and imposter calls pretending to be from government officials, both equally prevalent at approximately 8.89% and 8.16%, respectively. About 2.41% of calls exploit financial concerns by discussing debt reduction for credit cards, mortgages, and student loans. Other subjects include home improvement and cleaning services (1.99%), energy and utility solutions (1.78%), warranties and protection plans (1.05%), and charity appeals (1.05%). Calls regarding vacation and timeshares (1.26%) and work-from-home schemes (1.05%) are also notable but less common.

64.61% of spam calls in Florida originate from within Florida

The most common advice on spam area codes found on the internet today is not based on any evidence and is usually outdated. The Incogni team researched and analyzed data published by the FTC to discover that so-called “spam area codes” differ significantly from state to state. It turns out there’s no one spam area code list that’s valid nationwide.

Instead, each state receives spam and scam calls from different phone numbers. People who have registered their number with the National Do Not Call Registry can file a complaint whenever they receive an unwanted call despite their number being on the list. This is how we know that scammers use different area codes for each state. In fact, 59.81% of all spam calls reported to the FTC originate from the same state as the call recipient. 

In Florida, according to the Incogni research, 64.61% of spam calls come from within the state, exceeding the national average. This underlines the need for Floridians to be extra cautious about calls from local area codes.

Neighbor spoofing—what is it?

Have spammers all moved to Miami Beach to target local users better? It sounds like a great plan, but it’s unlikely to be the case. There’s a cheaper way to make your telephone number look like your target’s neighbor’s, and it’s called neighbor spoofing. 

Neighbor spoofing is a tactic where a caller intentionally falsifies the information transmitted to your caller ID to disguise their identity. It’s designed to trick you into answering a call by making it appear like it’s coming from a local number. This is done to increase the likelihood that the recipient will answer the call, believing it to be from a neighbor or someone from their local area.

How to recognize scam calls

Phone number spoofing is a technique used by scammers to make you take the bait, and it opens the way to many other fraudulent activities. Even if you suspect you picked up a scam call, look out for these telltale signs and hang up immediately. 

Scams are about making you give up your money, so be wary of callers demanding money, especially if they use a sense of urgency or threats. Scammers often pose as businesses or government entities, requesting immediate payment or personal information. Always verify the caller’s identity independently, and never share financial details over the phone without confirmation.

New recommendations for fighting spam calls

Spammers have become more innovative, and they can now spoof phone numbers to make them seem like they’re coming from a local area code. This makes popular advice on avoiding specific area codes obsolete. However, some recommendations should stay the same.

Report unwanted calls to the National Do Not Call Registry

The most effective measure to combat spam calls is registering your phone numbers with the FTC’s National Do Not Call Registry. This registry is critical in reducing unwanted calls from telemarketers and researchers. While it may not completely stop scammers, it significantly minimizes other types of unsolicited calls.

Use the spam-blocking features on your phone

To prevent spam and scam calls in the future, use the blocking feature on your device. This simple action can provide ongoing protection from persistent spam callers and enhance your overall phone experience. 

Both iPhones and Android phones come with various spam-fighting features. To find out more and to see our step-by-step procedure for enabling them, go to our detailed guide on how to stop spam texts on Android & iPhone.

Internet hygiene: don’t leave any crumbs

The most important recommendation is this: be vigilant about the personal information you share online. Hackers and fraudsters gather information from publicly accessible internet sources to target individuals. Therefore, limiting the amount of personal data you post on social media, forums, and websites is essential. 

Double-check privacy settings on all your accounts to ensure that sensitive information isn’t inadvertently exposed. For more information on how to do this, read our comprehensive guide on how to remove personal information from the internet.

Alternatively, try Incogni’s data removal solution and save hours on manual removal requests by letting us handle the job for you. 

• Find out how to report spam texts in our dedicated article.
• Learn why you are receiving so many spam calls here.

Other area codes often considered spam:

• Is area code 276 spam?
• Is area code 561 spam?
• Is area code 929 spam?
• Is area code 470 spam?
• Is area code 325 spam?

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