July 3, 2025 · 4 minutes read
Key Takeaways About 778 Area Code Scams
The 778 area code is a legitimate British Columbia area code serving Vancouver and surrounding areas.
Scammers frequently exploit the local familiarity of the 778 area code using spoofing techniques.
Common scams include "Hello" text scams, account loyalty scams, and general spam calls.
Table of Contents
- Common 778 Scam Tactics
- Recent Reports and Trends
- How to Protect Yourself
- Should I Call Back or Text Back?
- Summary Table: 778 Scam Tactics
- Popular 778 Scam Number Search
Common 778 Scam Tactics
"Hello" Text Scams: Texts from unknown numbers starting with a generic greeting like "Hello" or "How are you doing?", often leading to phishing attempts.
Account Loyalty Scams: Callers impersonating telecommunication companies (e.g., Telus) and claiming to offer loyalty rewards or account adjustments, often trying to extract personal information.
One-Ring Scams: Calls that ring only once, prompting you to call back, which can result in significant charges due to premium rates.
Neighbor Spoofing: Calls appearing to come from local numbers with the same first digits as yours, making them seem legitimate.
Recent Reports and Trends
A massive amount of spam calls originating from 778 area code numbers, particularly from Vancouver, have been reported.
Scammers are increasingly using caller ID spoofing to disguise their true location and appear as local 778 numbers.
Reports indicate a rise in text message scams, including those asking for personal information or promoting suspicious apps.
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.
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: 778 Scam Tactics
| Scam Type | Description | Risk/Goal |
|---|---|---|
| "Hello" Text | Generic texts leading to phishing attempts | Information theft |
| Account Loyalty | Impersonation of telecom companies | Credential/Financial theft |
| One-Ring Call | Calls that ring once to prompt callback | Premium rate charges |
| Neighbor Spoofing | Calls matching your number's prefix | Social engineering |
Final Advice
If you receive suspicious calls or texts from 778 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 778 Scam Number Search
- (778) 401-3906
- (778) 715-0271
- (778) 910-2841
