How I Almost Fell for a Scam Call From 402-935-7733

It was a regular afternoon when my phone buzzed with a call from a number I didn’t recognize: 402-935-7733 (This is the Paypal Number). I was adding new coupons on our Surfshark store page. The number they called me via: 402-935-7333. Little did I know, this call was about to attempt to scam me.

Luckily, my laptop was on. I searched for PayPal’s number and found 402-935-7733 on their site, but scammer was calling via 402-935-7733. It was so close to the caller’s number, just one digit off. For a moment, I thought, “Oh, okay!”

But then it hit me. PayPal never calls to reset passwords. This was a scam attempt. The scammers were clever. They used a number very similar to PayPal’s real one. If I hadn’t double-checked, I might have fallen for it.

The caller said (he was male) they were from PayPal. They claimed my account was breached and they needed to help me reset my password. Here’s how the conversation went:

• Caller: “This is PayPal support. Your account has been breached.”
• Me: “What? How did that happen?”
• Caller: “Our team detected suspicious activity. We need to reset your password and change your number for security.”
• Me: “Okay, what do I need to do?”
• Caller: “We’ll send you an OTP. Can you read it to me?”
• Me: “Um, I’m not sure I should give that out.”
• Caller: “It’s necessary to verify your identity and secure your account.”

Conversation was bit lengthy as I was sure it’s a scam call!

When I answered the call from, I was greeted by a man claiming to be a representative from Paypal. He spoke with a sense of urgency, stating that there had been suspicious activity on my account and that he needed to verify some information to prevent any unauthorized transactions. At first, I was taken aback by the news and felt a surge of panic wash over me.

The caller’s tactics were designed to create a sense of fear and urgency, which is a common strategy used by scammers to manipulate their victims. They often use high-pressure tactics to try to force you into making a quick decision without giving you time to think things through.

As the conversation progressed, several red flags began to emerge. The caller was vague about the specific transactions in question and seemed more interested in obtaining my personal information than providing details about the alleged suspicious activity. He insisted that I needed to confirm my account number, social security number, and even my PIN to resolve the issue. The urgency in his voice and the pressure he applied on me to share sensitive data made me increasingly uncomfortable.

Immediately after the call ended, I turned to the internet to research the phone number: 402-935-7333. A quick Google search showed my the Paypal website showing that 402-935-7733 is their number, numerous reports from individuals who had received similar calls from 402-935-7333 number, all claiming to be scam attempts. The search results provided a sense of relief, knowing that I was not alone in this experience and that my instincts about the call were correct.

I want to Share awareness with my blog readers!

Scam calls have become increasingly prevalent, and it’s essential to be aware of the tactics these scammers use to protect themselves from falling victim to their schemes.

Scam calls can take many forms, including:

• Impersonating government agencies.
• Claiming to be officials from banks or financial organizations.
• Offering fraudulent services or products.
• Claiming to be from tech support companies.

Other red flags to watch out for during a suspicious call include:

• Callers who become angry or hostile when questioned.
• Demands for payment through wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrencies.
• Unexpected offers that seem too good to be true.
• Threats of legal action or arrest if you don’t comply.

When faced with a suspicious call, it’s essential to:

• Stay calm and avoid panicking.
• Ask questions to gather information about the caller.
• Avoid sharing sensitive personal details over the phone.
• Hang up if the caller becomes aggressive or evasive.

Post-Call Actions

If you get a suspicious call, follow these steps:

1. Write down the number and any relevant details about the call.
2. Look up the number online to check if others have flagged it as a scam.
3. Check reputable websites and databases that track scam numbers, such as:
   • Federal Trade Commission’s Scam Alerts.
   • Better Business Bureau’s Scam Tracker.
   • Scammer.info.

Community Feedback

As I looked into the search results, I discovered entire online communities dedicated to exposing and reporting scam numbers. People shared their experiences with 402-935-7333, detailing the various tactics the scammers used, from posing as bank representatives to claiming to be from government agencies. Many victims expressed their frustration and anger at falling for these scams, while others offered support and advice on how to protect themselves from future attempts.

Engaging with these online communities can be beneficial in several ways:

• Staying informed about the newest scam tactics and trends.
• Finding support and advice from others who have experienced similar situations.
• Sharing your own experiences to help raise awareness and protect others.

Taking Action

I took immediate action to report the number. I went to the Federal Trade Commission’s website and found the section for reporting calls under the Do Not Call (DNC) Reported Calls Data. I provided details about the call, including the phone number, the date and time of the call, and a brief description of the scammer’s tactics.

Other ways to report scam calls include:

• Contacting your local law enforcement agency.
• Submitting a complaint to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
• Reporting the scam to your state’s Attorney General’s office.
• Notifying the company or agency the scammer claimed to represent.

Why Reporting Matters

Reporting scam numbers to the proper authorities is crucial in the fight against these deceptive practices. By submitting a report to the Federal Trade Commission, I was contributing to a database that helps track and investigate these scams. The more people report these numbers, the easier it becomes for authorities to identify patterns, track down the perpetrators, and ultimately take legal action against them. Reporting also helps raise awareness among the public, empowering others to recognize and avoid falling victim to similar scams.

Benefits of reporting scam calls:

• Helping authorities investigate and prosecute scammers.
• Contributing to public awareness and education about scam tactics.
• Protecting others from falling victim to similar scams.
• Providing data for researchers to analyze and develop better prevention strategies.

Protecting Yourself

1. Never give out personal information over the phone: Legitimate companies and organizations will never ask for sensitive data, such as social security numbers or account passwords, over an unsolicited phone call.
2. Be wary of unsolicited calls: If you receive a call from an unknown number claiming to be from a company or government agency, hang up and call the organization directly using a verified phone number from their official website.
3. Trust your instincts: If a call feels suspicious or too good to be true, it probably is. Don’t be afraid to end the call and report the number to the appropriate authorities.
4. Stay informed: Keep yourself updated on the latest scam tactics and educate your friends and family about the dangers of scam calls.

Additional tips to protect yourself from scam calls:

• Sign up your phone number on the National Do Not Call Registry.
• Enable call-blocking apps or use features offered by your phone service provider.
• Don’t answer calls from unknown numbers; let them go to voicemail instead.
• Be cautious of caller ID spoofing, where scammers mask their real number with a fake one.
• Keep a regular check on your financial accounts for any unusual activity.

Encouragement to Report

By taking a few minutes to submit a report to the Federal Trade Commission, you are actively contributing to the fight against these deceptive practices. Your report, combined with those of others, can make a significant impact in helping authorities track down and prosecute scammers. Remember, every report matters, and your action can help protect countless others from falling victim to these scams.

Reasons to report scam calls:

• It’s quick and easy to do.
• Your report can make a real difference in fighting scams.
• Reporting helps raise awareness and protect others.
• It’s a proactive way to fight back against scammers.

Tips for Avoiding and Dealing with Scam Calls

1. Screen your calls: Let unknown numbers go to voicemail and only call back if the message seems legitimate.
2. Don’t engage with scammers: If you suspect a call is a scam, hang up immediately. Engaging with scammers can lead to more calls and potentially more sophisticated scams.
3. Protect your personal information: Never give out sensitive information like your social security number, account numbers, or passwords over the phone unless you initiated the call to a verified number.
4. Keep your phone number private: Avoid listing your phone number publicly on social media or websites, as scammers can easily find and target these numbers.
5. Use scam-blocking technology: Many phone carriers and third-party apps offer scam-blocking features that can help filter out suspicious calls.
6. Educate your loved ones: Share your knowledge about scam calls with friends and family, especially elderly relatives who may be more vulnerable to these tactics.

My Reaction

Despite the caller’s persistence, I maintained calm behaviour and decided to play along to gather more information. I asked for his name, employee ID, and a direct call back number to verify his identity. The caller hesitated and provided vague answers, which only heightened my suspicions. I firmly told him that I would not disclose any personal information over the phone and that I would contact them directly to inquire about any potential issues with my account.

Looking back on my experience with the scam call., I feel grateful for the knowledge and instincts that prevented me from falling victim to their tactics. It has made me more cautious and discerning when it comes to unknown calls, and I now take extra steps to verify the legitimacy of any unsolicited communication.

Lessons learned from this experience:

• Always be cautious of unsolicited calls, especially those asking for personal information.
• Follow your gut if something seems off or too perfect to be real.
• Take action by reporting scam calls to the proper authorities.
• Educate yourself and others about the latest scam tactics and prevention strategies.

Call to Action

To all the readers out there, I encourage you to stay alert and proactive in the fight against scam calls. Don’t hesitate to report any suspicious numbers you encounter to the Federal Trade Commission. Your actions, no matter how small they may seem, can make a significant difference in protecting yourself and others from these deceptive practices. Together, we can create a safer and more secure environment where scammers have no place to hide.

Remember, if you ever receive a call from 402-935-7333 please not be confused with the number of Paypal that is 402-935-7733 or any other suspicious number, trust your instincts, hang up, and report it. Stay informed, stay cautious, and stay one step ahead of the scammers.