In recent years, the surge of phone scams has alarmed both consumers and authorities alike.

Among these, one number that has caught attention is 202-873-2990, which has been reported as being used for fraudulent purposes.

Whether you’ve encountered this number or want to be informed, understanding its origin, ownership, and how to protect yourself from such scams is essential.

The Rise of Phone Scams: A Growing Concern

Phone scams are nothing new, but their frequency and sophistication have increased with the advent of new technologies.

Fraudsters have become adept at spoofing numbers, making their calls appear legitimate.

Often, these scams involve urgent demands for money, fake tax or law enforcement claims, or promises of winning big prizes.

The 202 area code, tied to Washington, D.C., is frequently used by scammers due to its association with government institutions.

Scammers know that calls from this area code tend to instill a sense of authority and urgency, making individuals more likely to answer and, unfortunately, fall for the scam.

What Is the 202-873-2990 Scam?

Reports suggest that 202-873-2990 has been involved in a variety of fraudulent activities, ranging from robocalls to live scam agents.

Here’s a breakdown of the typical scam scenarios linked to this number:

1. IRS or Tax Scams: One of the most common types of scams associated with this number involves impersonators pretending to be IRS agents. They may claim that the victim owes back taxes or that there’s an issue with their tax return. Scammers often use threats of arrest or legal action to create panic and pressure victims into making quick payments.
2. Social Security Scams: Another frequent fraud involves scammers posing as Social Security Administration officials. The scammer may tell the victim that their Social Security number has been suspended due to suspicious activity or that they’re under investigation. The goal is often to extract personal information or convince the victim to pay a fee to resolve the fake issue.
3. Government Grant Scams: Some individuals have reported receiving calls offering “free government grants,” where they are asked to provide personal information or pay an upfront fee. These calls often come from numbers like 202-873-2990, designed to appear as if they’re coming from an official source in Washington, D.C.
4. Tech Support Scams: There have also been cases where this number was linked to fake tech support claims. The caller pretends to be from a reputable company (like Microsoft or Apple) and tells the victim that their computer has been compromised. Victims are then coerced into allowing remote access or paying for unnecessary software.

The Origins and Ownership of 202-873-2990

Tracing the exact origin of scam phone numbers is often difficult. In the case of 202-873-2990, it’s likely that the number is either spoofed or linked to a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) service, which makes it easier for scammers to hide their true location.

VoIP numbers can be bought cheaply and used to make calls from anywhere in the world while appearing to originate from the U.S.

While the 202 area code is tied to Washington, D.C., it’s important to note that the true origin of these scam calls could be from outside the country.

Scammers frequently use VoIP services to appear as though they are calling from within the U.S., giving their fraudulent schemes a veneer of legitimacy.

How Scammers Use 202-873-2990 to Target Victims

Scammers rely on a few key tactics to trick their victims. Here’s how they typically operate:

1. Spoofing: As mentioned earlier, spoofing is a technique where scammers manipulate the caller ID to display a different number, often one that looks official. In the case of 202-873-2990, the D.C. area code can make the call seem more legitimate, encouraging people to answer.
2. Urgency and Fear Tactics: Scammers thrive on creating a sense of urgency. Whether it’s threatening arrest, revoking benefits, or claiming a prize that needs to be claimed immediately, they pressure victims into acting quickly without thinking. This tactic can be especially effective on elderly individuals or those unfamiliar with common scam techniques.
3. Phishing for Information: Often, the scam isn’t just about money. Scammers will ask for personal information such as Social Security numbers, bank account details, or credit card information. They can use this data to commit identity theft or sell it on the black market.
4. Demanding Untraceable Payments: If a scam involves a financial component, scammers will often ask for payment via methods that are difficult to trace or recover, such as wire transfers, prepaid debit cards, or even cryptocurrency.

How to Protect Yourself from Phone Scams

Now that you understand how scammers use numbers like 202-873-2990, it’s important to know how to protect yourself. Follow these essential steps to avoid becoming a victim:

1. Don’t Answer Unknown Numbers: If you receive a call from an unfamiliar number, especially one with a 202 area code, it’s best not to answer. Scammers often rely on curiosity to get people to pick up.
2. Verify the Caller’s Identity: If you receive a call claiming to be from a government agency, bank, or tech support, hang up and call the official number of that organization. Never give out personal information to an unsolicited caller.
3. Don’t Be Pressured: Scammers will often use high-pressure tactics to get you to act quickly. Remember, legitimate companies and government agencies will never demand immediate action or payment over the phone.
4. Use Call Blocking and Reporting Services: Many phone carriers and apps offer call-blocking services that can help you avoid scam calls. You can also report scam numbers to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your phone carrier.
5. Stay Informed: Scammers are always coming up with new tactics, so staying informed is key to protecting yourself. Regularly check resources like the FTC’s website to stay up to date on common scams.
6. Do Not Engage: If you accidentally answer a scam call, avoid engaging with the caller. Hanging up is the safest option. Engaging with a scammer, even out of curiosity, may encourage them to keep targeting you.
7. Register on the Do Not Call List: While the Do Not Call Registry won’t stop all scam calls, it can help reduce the number of legitimate telemarketing calls you receive, making it easier to identify scam calls.

What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed

If you believe you’ve fallen victim to a scam involving 202-873-2990 or any other fraudulent number, take immediate steps to protect yourself:

1. Report the Scam: File a complaint with the FTC or your local consumer protection agency. These organizations track scams and may be able to help recover losses or prevent further fraud.
2. Contact Your Bank: If you’ve given out financial information or sent money, contact your bank or credit card company immediately. They may be able to reverse transactions or put a hold on your accounts.
3. Monitor Your Credit: In the case of identity theft, regularly check your credit report for any suspicious activity. You may also want to consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze on your accounts to prevent further misuse.

Conclusion

Phone scams, including those associated with numbers like 202-873-2990, can be devastating if you’re not prepared.

By understanding the tactics scammers use and following protective measures, you can safeguard yourself from falling victim.

Always be cautious with unsolicited phone calls, especially those that demand immediate action or payment.

Stay informed, stay cautious, and never hesitate to hang up on suspicious callers.

By remaining vigilant, you can reduce the risk of being scammed and protect both your personal information and your finances.

FAQs About 202-873-2990 and Phone Scams

What is 202-873-2990?

202-873-2990 is a phone number that has been reported in connection with various scams.

Many complaints suggest that scammers use this number to impersonate government agencies, such as the IRS or Social Security Administration, to deceive individuals into providing personal information or money.

Why is 202-873-2990 used in scams?

Scammers often use numbers from the 202 area code, which is associated with Washington, D.C., because it adds a sense of legitimacy.

Many people are more likely to answer calls from this area code, thinking they may be receiving an important call from a government office.

How do scammers use 202-873-2990 to trick people?

Scammers employ a variety of tactics using this number, such as pretending to be IRS agents, Social Security representatives, or tech support.

They often create a sense of urgency, demanding immediate action, payments, or personal details to resolve a fabricated issue.

Is 202-873-2990 a spoofed number?

It’s very likely. Scammers use number spoofing technology to make it appear as though they are calling from a legitimate source, such as a government agency when they are not.

The actual origin of the call could be from anywhere in the world.

What should I do if I receive a call from 202-873-2990?

If you receive a call from this number, do not answer. If you do answer, avoid engaging with the caller.

Never give out personal or financial information over the phone, and hang up immediately if the caller pressures you to take action. It’s best to block the number.

How can I tell if a call is a scam?

Scams often involve unsolicited calls where the caller claims to be from an official organization and demands immediate action, money, or personal information.

Look out for threatening language, such as warnings about arrest or legal action, or promises of prizes or grants that seem too good to be true.

Can scammers steal my information if I answer a call from 202-873-2990?

Simply answering the call won’t necessarily lead to identity theft, but if you share personal or financial information, you could be at risk.

Scammers often aim to gather sensitive details that they can use for fraudulent activities.

How can I protect myself from phone scams like those involving 202-873-2990?

To protect yourself, don’t answer unknown numbers, especially those with a Washington, D.C. area code (202).

Use call-blocking apps, verify the identity of any caller claiming to represent a government agency by calling them directly, and stay informed about common scam tactics.

What should I do if I’ve been scammed by 202-873-2990?

If you’ve given out personal information or money, contact your bank immediately to alert them.

You should also report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and monitor your credit report for any unusual activity.

Consider placing a fraud alert on your credit accounts to prevent further damage.

How can I report a scam involving 202-873-2990?

You can report phone scams to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) through their website. Additionally, you can notify your phone carrier and ask them to block the number.

Is it illegal for scammers to spoof numbers like 202-873-2990?

Yes, spoofing numbers for the purpose of deceiving individuals or committing fraud is illegal. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and other regulatory bodies take action against individuals and organizations involved in these scams, although tracking down the culprits can be difficult.

Can I sue scammers if I fall victim to a call from 202-873-2990?

While it is possible to take legal action, it can be challenging to identify the individuals behind the scam, especially if they are based outside the U.S.

Instead, reporting the incident to the appropriate authorities is usually the best course of action.

Why do I keep getting calls from 202-873-2990 even after blocking it?

Scammers can switch numbers easily, using different spoofed numbers to bypass blocks. They often use a series of rotating numbers to continue targeting potential victims.

What happens if I call 202-873-2990 back?

It’s not advisable to call back a number linked to scams. You could be reconnected to a scammer, who may continue trying to deceive you, or it could lead to additional unwanted calls. Block the number and report it instead.

What agencies or resources can help me with scam protection?

Several agencies can help, including the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and your state’s attorney general.

Additionally, organizations like AARP have resources specifically aimed at protecting seniors from scams.