July 3, 2025 · 4 minutes read
Key Takeaways About 403 Area Code Scams
The 403 area code is a legitimate Alberta area code serving Southern Alberta, including Calgary.
Scammers frequently exploit the local familiarity of the 403 area code using spoofing techniques.
Common scams include home service scams, Chinese language spam calls, and Department of Justice impersonation.
Table of Contents
- Common 403 Scam Tactics
- Recent Reports and Trends
- How to Protect Yourself
- Should I Call Back or Text Back?
- Summary Table: 403 Scam Tactics
- Popular 403 Scam Number Search
Common 403 Scam Tactics
Home Service Scams: Scammers offering various home services, often requiring upfront payment or personal information, which are never delivered or are fraudulent.
Chinese Language Spam Calls: Automated calls or live agents speaking in Chinese, often threatening legal action or deportation, targeting Chinese-speaking communities.
Department of Justice Impersonation: Fraudsters pretending to be from the Department of Justice, demanding immediate payment or personal details under threat of legal consequences.
"Random" Calls: Frequent unsolicited calls from 403 numbers, often with no one on the line, used to verify active phone numbers for future scam attempts.
Recent Reports and Trends
An emerging trend of scams targeting Calgarians by offering home services has been reported by the Calgary Police.
Alberta residents lost $5.4 million to scam calls last year, with 403 being one of the most targeted area codes for debt collection scams.
There's been an increase in Chinese language spam calls originating from 403 numbers, particularly in Calgary.
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: 403 Scam Tactics
| Scam Type | Description | Risk/Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Home Service | Offers fraudulent home services | Financial theft |
| Chinese Language | Calls threatening legal action in Chinese | Intimidation, financial theft |
| Dept. of Justice | Impersonation for immediate payment | Financial theft |
| "Random" Calls | Frequent unsolicited calls, no one on line | Verify active numbers |
Final Advice
If you receive suspicious calls or texts from 403 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 403 Scam Number Search
- (403) 351-0200
- (403) 400-0000
- (403) 500-0000
