Michigan residents are facing a surge in sophisticated phone scams, prompting the FBI to issue a warning about specific phone numbers and area codes that should be blocked immediately. As scammers become more creative and aggressive, protecting personal information and finances has never been more critical.
The Growing Threat of Phone Scams in Michigan
Criminals are increasingly targeting Michigan residents with unsolicited calls and text messages, often using tactics like “spoofing” to disguise their real numbers and appear as trusted local contacts. This has led to a dramatic rise in fraud cases, with losses reported by Michigan consumers soaring to $204 million in 2024, up from $60 million in 20201. Many of these scams are designed to steal money or sensitive personal data, with older adults being especially vulnerable12.
The Five Phone Numbers
The FBI and federal officials have identified five key phone numbers that are frequently used by scammers targeting Michigan residents. These are:
- (904) 495-2559
- (858) 605-9622
- (878) 877-1402
- (863) 532-7969
- (469) 709-7630
These numbers are often associated with international and domestic fraud rings that use convincing tactics to trick victims into providing money or personal information.
How the Scams Work
Scammers use a variety of schemes, including:
1.) Fake package delivery alerts
2.) Bogus job opportunities (“task scams”)
3.) Fraudulent bank or purchase alerts
4.) Fake unpaid toll warnings
5.) “Wrong number” texts that evolve into investment or romance scams
Spoofing technology allows these criminals to make their calls appear local, increasing the likelihood that residents will answer. Once engaged, victims are pressured to share sensitive data, transfer money, or click malicious links.
Latest Statistics on Fraud in Michigan
1.) In 2024, Michigan residents reported $204 million in fraud losses, a sharp increase from previous years.
2.) The Federal Trade Commission reported that U.S. consumers lost $470 million to text message scams in 2024, five times more than in 2020.
3.) A University of Michigan poll found that one in three Michiganders aged 50 to 80 had experienced identity theft or another type of fraud in the past two years.
4.) Older adults are especially at risk, with 45% reporting account compromises compared to 38% nationally.
5.) Cryptocurrency scams involving older Michigan residents doubled from 141 cases in 2022 ($14 million lost) to 262 cases in 2023 ($24 million lost).
How to Protect Yourself
1.) Block the listed area codes and suspicious numbers on your phone.
2.) Never click on links or respond to unexpected texts or calls.
3.) Use call-blocking and spam-filtering features provided by your phone carrier or apps.
4.) Report suspicious messages by forwarding them to 7726 (SPAM) and to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
5.) Stay informed about the latest scam tactics through resources like AARP’s Fraud Watch Network.
Conclusion
The rise in phone scams across Michigan is a serious and growing threat, particularly for older adults and those with limited resources. By blocking the five flagged area codes and remaining vigilant against suspicious calls and texts, residents can significantly reduce their risk of falling victim to these schemes. With scam losses at record highs, proactive steps and community education are essential to safeguarding personal finances and information.
Source:
[1] https://states.aarp.org/michigan/michigan-fighting-fraud
[2] https://www.bridgemi.com/quality-life/michigan-1-3-seniors-victimized-scams-more-nation-poll-finds
[3] https://wbxxfm.com/fbi-warns-michigan-residents-block-these-numbers/
[4] https://wkfr.com/feds-warn-michigan-phone-scams/
[5] https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2025/04/new-ftc-data-show-top-text-message-scams-2024-overall-losses-text-scams-hit-470-million
[6] https://www.forbes.com/sites/zakdoffman/2025/06/23/fbi-warning-all-smartphone-users-must-delete-these-messages/
[7] https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/cyber/news
[8] https://www.michigan.gov/reinventretirement/protection/recognizing-scams/national-and-local-scams
[9] https://www.michigan.gov/consumerprotection/scams
[10] https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/data-visualizations/data-spotlight/2025/04/top-text-scams-2024
[11] https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2025/0627/1520592-phone-fraud-or-vishing-activity-up-by-almost-300/
[12] https://www.hindustantimes.com/trending/us/fbi-urges-millions-of-phone-users-to-delete-these-scam-messages-immediately-101750783286991.html
[13] https://www.aha.org/news/headline/2025-05-19-fbi-warns-malicious-text-ai-voice-messaging-campaign-impersonating-senior-us-officials
[14] https://www.mensjournal.com/news/fbi-issues-new-warning-for-all-cell-phone-users
[15] https://leb.fbi.gov/articles/featured-articles/investigating-scam-phone-calls
[16] https://wpst.com/fbi-warns-to-block-scam-numbers/
[17] https://kfoxtv.com/news/local/community-conversations-fbi-warns-of-malicious-phone-scam-targeting-smartphone-users
[18] https://www.truecaller.com/us-spam-stats
[19] https://www.michigan.gov/difs/news-and-outreach/press-releases/2025/05/13/difs-alerts-michiganders-to-refund-scams-and-best-practices-to-avoid-falling-victim
[20] https://www.fox17online.com/news/local-news/michigan-woman-warns-of-mortgage-mail-scam-targeting-homeowners