Exclusive: Storm-Related Phone Scam Targets Residents With Fake Carrier Calls

As powerful winter storms disrupt power, internet, and cellular service across wide swaths of the country, a new scam has begun circulating that preys on residents’ frustration and confusion during outages.

Speaking with Belaaz, users report receiving phone calls from individuals claiming to represent major telecommunications companies such as AT&T, T-Mobile, or other internet and communications providers. The callers typically say they are conducting “service checks” or gathering feedback about signal strength, dropped calls, or internet disruptions caused by the storm.

While the conversation may initially sound routine or even helpful, the goal of the call is not customer service. Instead, scammers gradually attempt to extract personal information, including full names, addresses, account details, PIN numbers, or other identifying data that can later be used for fraud or identity theft.

In many cases, the calls originate from phone numbers that are not officially associated with the companies the callers claim to represent. However, experts warn that scammers are increasingly using caller ID spoofing technology, allowing them to manipulate the display so the incoming call appears to come from a legitimate AT&T, T-Mobile, or similar customer service number.

This tactic makes the scam especially dangerous during storm-related outages, when customers may reasonably expect outreach from their service providers and may be less cautious due to stress or urgency.

Telecommunications companies have repeatedly emphasized that they do not cold-call customers to request sensitive personal information. Legitimate carriers will not ask for Social Security numbers, account PINs, passwords, or full billing details over unsolicited calls.

Residents are urged to be cautious when receiving any unexpected calls during storm recovery periods. If contacted, consumers should hang up and independently contact their service provider using the official phone number listed on a bill or the company’s verified website. Answering questions, even seemingly harmless ones, can help scammers piece together enough information to compromise accounts.

Authorities recommend reporting suspected scam calls to the Federal Trade Commission and to the relevant carrier, as reports help companies track patterns and warn other customers.