If you don’t recognize the area code, don’t pick up your phone.
Phone scamming experts say you can tell if someone is trying to rip you off just by looking at the area code. Secure My Social chief executive Joseph Steinberg says criminals are hiding behind certain area codes. In the old days, criminals used "900 numbers."
Today they're using a new approach with area codes like 473, 809, 242, 246 and 649. Once unsuspecting victims pickup, con artists can make money off premium charges. Consumer activists suggest you check the location of an area code on any missed calls to see if you're the target of a con.