Toll-Free Number Fraud

Toll-free numbers have long been associated with legitimate businesses and government agencies, which is exactly why scammers use them. Setting up a toll-free number requires no physical address verification in most markets, and the numbers are inexpensive. Fraudulent operations use toll-free numbers for fake tech-support centres, phoney Medicare or Social Security helplines, counterfeit charity fundraising calls, and impersonation of well-known companies.

Scammers also engage in 'toll-free squatting,' registering numbers one digit away from well-known lines to catch misdialled calls. A victim trying to reach a legitimate customer-service line who transposes a digit may find themselves talking to a scammer who is ready to impersonate the real company.

Consumers should look up toll-free numbers through official websites rather than relying on numbers provided in unsolicited calls or messages. The presence of a toll-free number is not evidence of legitimacy. If a caller provides a number to call back and verify their identity, call the number you find independently on the organisation's official website instead.