You pick up your phone and see a call from 888-373-1969, claiming to be Chase. They mention a recent dispute, a credit card application, or potential fraud. But is this a legitimate call—or are you being targeted by scammers?
The truth is complicated: this number is sometimes used by Chase, but number spoofing makes things murky.
Number spoofing allows scammers to manipulate caller ID, making it look like the call is coming from Chase—even when it’s not. This makes it critical to approach any call asking for personal or financial information with extreme caution. Let’s dive into how to handle calls like these and protect yourself.
This information is based on reports from individuals who may have experienced or encountered potential scams. Scammers often use or imitate legitimate phone numbers from businesses and government agencies to deceive people. Always verify the legitimacy of any communication before taking action.This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not provide definitive conclusions about the legitimacy of any entity or individual.
The Facts at a Glance
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Mixed Reports: Many users have reported receiving calls from this number, often about disputes, credit card applications, or fraud alerts. Some insist it’s legit, while others are certain it’s a scam.
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Spoofing Is Real: Even if this number belongs to Chase, scammers can spoof it, making it appear as if they’re calling from a legitimate source.
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Chase Confirmation: Some people verified this number with Chase, who either confirmed it as valid or stated they couldn’t verify it due to the many numbers Chase uses.
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Suspicious Behavior: Red flags like heavy accents, pushy behavior, and requests for sensitive information are consistent with scams.
Legitimate Cases
Several users reported scenarios where:
- They were contacted after recent actions (e.g., applying for a credit card, disputing charges).
- Chase confirmed the interaction as genuine, and the issue was resolved.
Example:
“I applied for a credit card, received a call from this number, and after verifying minimal information, got my card approved. Chase confirmed the call.”
Scam Indicators
Numerous users shared experiences suggesting the calls were scams:
- Callers requested personal details like Social Security numbers, card numbers, or passwords.
- Some were told of fraudulent activity that didn’t exist when they checked their accounts.
- Calls were sometimes aggressive or included scare tactics.
Example:
“The caller claimed there was a $5,400 charge on my account. I checked my Chase app, and there was no such charge. When I questioned them, they hung up.”
The #1 Rule: Hang Up and Call Back
The simplest and most effective way to protect yourself from phone scams is to hang up and call back using a number you trust. If you receive a call from a number like 888-373-1969, even if it looks legitimate, don’t take any chances. Scammers often spoof real numbers to trick you into sharing sensitive information.
Here’s why this rule is crucial: calling back eliminates the risk of spoofing and ensures you’re reaching the real Chase (or any institution). Use the number on the back of your card or from Chase’s official website. When you call back, explain the situation, and they’ll confirm whether the original call was genuine.
Scammers may try to keep you on the line with urgent-sounding threats like, “If you hang up, your account will be frozen,” or, “We need to resolve this immediately.” Don’t fall for it—legitimate institutions won’t pressure you or demand immediate action. Hanging up gives you the power to verify independently and safely.
Bottom line: If any financial institution or other important entity calls you asking for sensitive information, always hang up and call back using a trusted number. It’s the safest way to protect yourself.
What Should You Do If You’ve Interacted?
If you’ve provided any personal information during a suspicious call:
- Immediately Contact Chase: Report the incident and secure your account.
- Monitor Your Account: Check for unauthorized transactions.
- Consider Freezing Your Credit: This can prevent scammers from opening accounts in your name.
Is 888-373-1969 a Scam?
The short answer is: it depends.
This is a number that Chase does use for legitimate purposes, such as reaching out about disputes, fraud alerts, or credit card applications. However, the number is also commonly spoofed by scammers, making it difficult to determine if a call is genuine without additional verification.
If you receive a call, assume caution. Even if the call appears legitimate, the safest course of action is to hang up and call Chase directly using the number on the back of your card or from their official website. This ensures you’re speaking to a verified Chase representative, not a scammer pretending to be one.
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