Block these 12 phone numbers linked to text and call scams

Cell phones are being bombarded with scam texts. Even just clicking on a malicious link can compromise your personal information.

Scam texts typically involve messages that feel urgent, asking you to "verify activity" or warning you that there’s been an "unusual large withdrawal" on your account or "your card is locked."

Software company BeenVerified analyzed 150,000 complaints from users to figure out the 12 phone numbers most used for scams.

At the top of the list is 865-630-4266. That number alleges your Wells Fargo accounts are locked and to call them as soon as possible.

"Don’t click any links that they send," said Erin Kemp, Consumer Advocate with BeenVerified. "You don’t call any phone numbers that they send you and don’t trust the number that shows up on your caller ID."

Scammers make calls through the internet using something called VoIP technology, or Voice over Internet Protocol. That allows them to mirror their phone numbers with the real phone numbers of companies.

"They can pick any area code they want when using those numbers, and it’s harder to track down than a typical mobile number or a landline," Kemp warned.

To protect yourself, keep these points in mind:

• Be wary of anyone calling to get in touch with you
• Watch for grammar errors or misspellings in texts
• Don’t give into pressure anyone is trying to put on you

"You should also reach out to your cell carrier to find out what protections may be available that you might not be aware of," Kemp suggested.

Here is the list of the top 12 scam numbers according to BeenVerified and they scams they’re associated with:

1. (865) 630-4266 – Wells Fargo text message scam
2. (469) 709-7630 – failed delivery attempt scam
3. (805) 637-7243 – fake Publisher’s Clearing House win
4. (858) 605-9622 – bank account temporarily on hold scam
5. (863) 532-7969 – debit card frozen scam
6. (904) 495-2559/(904) 501-5027 – AT&T raffle winners
7. (312) 339-1227 – weight loss and delivery scam
8. (917) 540-7996 – Scream 6 “Ghostface” call
9. (347) 437-1689 – unpaid taxes/Dyson vacuum scam
10. (301) 307-4601 – USPS scam
11. (878) 877-1402 – card locked scam
12. (202) 221-7923 – student loan forgiveness scam