May 27, 2025 · 4 minutes read
Key Takeaways About 613 Area Code Scams
The 613 area code is a legitimate Canadian area code serving Southeastern Ontario, including Ottawa.
Scammers exploit the familiarity of local area codes like 613 using spoofing techniques to increase the chances of victims answering calls or responding to texts.
Common scams involve impersonation (e.g., Department of Justice, Ontario Energy Board) and aim to extract personal information or money.
Table of Contents
- Common Scam Tactics Involving 613
- Recent Reports and Trends
- How to Protect Yourself
- Summary Table: 613 Area Code Scam Tactics
- Final Advice
Common Scam Tactics Involving 613
Impersonation Scams: Callers may falsely claim to be from the Department of Justice, Ontario Energy Board, or other official bodies, demanding immediate payment or personal details to avoid supposed legal action.
Spoofed Calls: Scammers use technology to make incoming calls appear to originate from a local 613 number, increasing trust and the likelihood of the call being answered.
"Hello" Text Scams: A type of scam involves text messages starting with "Hello" or "How are you doing?", often a precursor to phishing attempts or other scams.
One-Ring Scam Potential: Be wary of calls that hang up after one ring, attempting to lure you into calling back a premium-rate number.
Recent Reports and Trends
Users report receiving spam calls from various 613 numbers, often related to fake government issues or energy board matters.
There's a noted prevalence of spoofed calls using 613 numbers to appear local and trustworthy in the Ottawa area.
The use of local area codes like 613 is a persistent tactic by scammers across Canada to appear more legitimate and local.
How to Protect Yourself
Never respond or return calls from unknown numbers, especially those claiming to be from government agencies or companies.
Never text back to suspicious numbers, as this can confirm to scammers that your number is active.
Verify any suspicious activity by contacting the claimed organization directly through official channels.
Enable call filtering 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: 613 Area Code Scam Tactics
| Scam Type | Description | Risk/Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Justice/Ontario Energy Board Impersonation | Claiming legal issues or energy board matters, demanding payment/info | Financial theft, identity theft |
| Spoofed Local Calls | Using 613 area code to appear local and trustworthy | Increase answer rate, enable other scams |
| "Hello" Text Scams | Initiating contact with generic greetings for phishing or other scams | Phishing, personal/financial info theft |
| Potential One-Ring Scams | Using quick hang-ups to lure callbacks to premium rate numbers | Premium rate charges |
Final Advice
While the 613 area code serves legitimate residents and businesses in Southeastern Ontario, it's actively used by scammers. Treat unsolicited calls and texts from unknown 613 numbers with caution. Do not engage, never share sensitive information, and verify any claims independently. Reporting suspicious activity helps protect others.
Popular 438 Scam Number Search
- (613) 380-2012
- (613) 454-0175
- (613) 688-0709
- (613) 691-3243
- (613) 693-1974
- (613) 701-5763
- (613) 701-6416
- (613) 702-9041
- (613) 842-4194
- (613) 909-2803
- (613) 909-2804
