Is a Call From Area Code (773) a Scam?
Chicago, IL
About Area Code 773
Area code 773 covers the majority of Chicago outside the downtown Loop. It is one of the most heavily spoofed area codes in the Midwest due to Chicago's massive population. Scammers use 773 numbers for neighbor spoofing, utility impersonation, and fake law enforcement threats targeting the city's diverse communities.
Geographic Trust Factor
Scammers spoof 773 to appear local to Chicago, IL residents. People are far more likely to answer calls that look like they're coming from their own area — this is called "neighbor spoofing."
If a message or caller from (773) is pressuring you to act, verify it first with our free scanner.
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Scan Now — It's FreeKnown Scam Patterns
What to Do
- 1Be wary of calls from numbers that closely resemble your own — this is neighbor spoofing.
- 2Chicago police and CPD will never call to demand payment over the phone.
- 3Verify any utility shutoff threats by calling the number on your utility bill.
- 4Report scams to the Illinois Attorney General and FTC.
Related Area Codes
Think you've received a scam?
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