July 3, 2025 · 4 minutes read
Key Takeaways About 249 Area Code Scams
The 249 area code is a legitimate Ontario area code serving Central and Northeastern Ontario, including Sudbury and Timmins.
Scammers frequently exploit the local familiarity of the 249 area code using spoofing techniques.
Common scams include advance fee fraud, impersonation of banks or government agencies, and scam texts requesting gift cards.
Table of Contents
- Common 249 Scam Tactics
- Recent Reports and Trends
- How to Protect Yourself
- Should I Call Back or Text Back?
- Summary Table: 249 Scam Tactics
- Popular 249 Scam Number Search
Common 249 Scam Tactics
Advance Fee Fraud: Scammers promise a large sum of money (e.g., lottery winnings, inheritance) in exchange for an upfront payment or personal information.
Impersonation Scams: Callers or texters pretend to be from banks, government agencies (like CRA), or other legitimate organizations, claiming issues with accounts or demanding money.
Scam Texts: Texts from unknown 249 numbers, often with generic greetings or suspicious links, sometimes requesting the purchase and sharing of gift cards or other digital valuables.
One-Ring Scams: Calls that ring only once, prompting you to call back, which can result in significant charges due to premium rates.
Recent Reports and Trends
Reports indicate an increase in scam texts from 249 numbers, often leading to requests for gift cards or personal information.
The 249 area code is frequently used in impersonation scams, where fraudsters pretend to be from banks or government agencies.
There's a general warning about unfamiliar phone calls from this area code, as they might be scammers.
How to Protect Yourself
Never respond or return calls from unknown numbers, especially those claiming to be from government agencies or companies.
Never share personal or financial information over the phone or via text unless you initiated the contact and verified the recipient.
Be cautious of unsolicited offers or requests for personal information, even if they seem to come from a familiar area code.
Verify any suspicious activity by contacting the claimed organization directly through official channels, not through numbers provided in the suspicious call or text.
Enable call filtering or blocking features on your phone if available.
Report scams to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
Should I Call Back or Text Back?
Before responding to an unknown call or text, consider whether it's a legitimate contact. Check if the number matches any recent interactions or known contacts. If you're unsure, research the number or contact the organization directly through official channels.
Responding to scam calls or texts can lead to further fraudulent activities. By calling back or texting, you may confirm to scammers that your number is active, potentially leading to more targeted attacks. Additionally, calling back certain numbers can result in significant charges due to premium rates.
Summary Table: 249 Scam Tactics
| Scam Type | Description | Risk/Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Advance Fee | Promises money for upfront payment | Financial theft |
| Impersonation | Pretending to be banks/government | Information/Financial theft |
| Scam Texts | Texts requesting gift cards or info | Financial theft, phishing |
| One-Ring Call | Calls that ring once to prompt callback | Premium rate charges |
Final Advice
If you receive suspicious calls or texts from 249 numbers:
- Don't engage - Hang up or delete the message
- Never share personal or financial information
- Verify directly with the claimed organization
- Report to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501
Remember: Legitimate organizations won't pressure you for immediate action or payment.
Popular 249 Scam Number Search
- (249) 200-0000
- (249) 300-0000
- (249) 400-0000
