What are the Best Cell Phone Plans in Calhoun County?
Area codes are the three-digit numbers that appear at the beginning of all North American phone numbers. Area codes were introduced in 1947 and are part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP). Phone users can identify the location of phone calls using area codes. The MPSC (Michigan Public Service Commission) is the agency responsible for approving new area codes in the state.
Two area codes presently serve Calhoun County. These are:
Area Code 269
Area code 269 was established on July 13th, 2002. It covers the southwestern part of Michigan. Area code 269 serves Calhoun County cities like Battle Creek and Marshall.
Area Code 517
Area code 517 is among the 86 area codes originally introduced in 1947 for the south-central region of the Michigan lower peninsula. Area code 517 covers the Calhoun County community of Albion.
The four primary telephone networks in the US (T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, and AT&T) offer telecommunication services to residents of Calhoun County. Telephone users in the county may also use Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) as alternatives to the regular telephone networks. Note that both the MVNOs and the primary network providers in Calhoun County offer outstanding service. However, factors such as the existence of tall landscapes and bad weather can negatively impact the efficiency of these networks. Currently, Verizon offers the best network coverage in Calhoun County, with 94% coverage. AT&T is the second best with 92% coverage. T-Mobile follows with 88% coverage, while Sprint provides residents in the area with 76% coverage.
In Calhoun County and other regions of Michigan, there are more mobile phone users than landline subscribers. This was detailed in a 2018 report by the National Center for Health Statistics. As stated in the survey, 53.7% of adults in Michigan only used mobile phones, while 5.2% only used landlines. The report also shows 63.2% of minors only used mobile phones, while just 1.9% only used landlines.
Alternatively, Calhoun County residents utilize VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) systems to initiate phone calls. VoIP services are more portable and inexpensive compared to traditional telephone lines. VoIP uses wireless internet access to initiate video conferencing, direct inbound dialing, and other sophisticated functions.
What are Calhoun County Phone Scams?
Phone scams in Calhoun County are orchestrated by scammers who aim to defraud residents of the county by making false statements over the phone. These con artists frequently use superficial claims to obtain personal and financial information from their victims. County residents can avoid falling victim to phone fraud by understanding how these scammers operate and execute their activities. Innovative technologies, including the reverse phone number lookup and area code lookup apps, can help prevent individuals from becoming victims of scammers. These services can enable individuals to discover the person who called them. Also, residents may avoid falling victim to scams by conducting independent research on companies and individuals.
Examples of phone scams in Calhoun County are:
What are Calhoun County Imposter Scams?
In Calhoun County, telephone scammers involved in imposter scams trick people into giving up their money or social security numbers (SSN). Imposter scams appear in different varieties, but they all operate the same way. The fraudster poses as a legitimate entity to persuade the target to give out money. For example, the fraudster may pretend to be an agent from the SSA (Social Security Administration) and then try to manipulate the target to give up the SSN or money. While some victims pay money to these scammers, others disclose their social security numbers, which the scammers use for identity fraud.
Calhoun County residents may avoid getting scammed by reading the information on imposter crimes provided by the Federal Trade Commission. Telephone users may also download free reverse cell phone lookup apps to verify the phone numbers. Also, individuals should note that government officials cannot request payment via money transfers, gift cards, and bitcoin wallets.
What are Calhoun County COVID-19 Vaccine Scams?
In Calhoun County, phone scammers who perpetrate COVID-19 vaccine scams trick people into paying to get COVID-19 vaccines. The scammers sometimes act as government officials or agents from authorized private organizations. However, the National Association of Attorney Generals (NAAG)) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) informs the public that COVID-19 vaccines are free and cannot be bought online.
County residents can avoid getting defrauded by adhering to the Coronavirus Information for Consumers provided by the Michigan Attorney. Individuals using telephones can also download free reverse cell phone lookup applications to conduct phone number searches. Also, county residents should note that government agencies do not demand payment through money transfers, gift cards, or bitcoin wallets. COVID-19 vaccine scam victims in Calhoun County can report cases to the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) by filing online complaints or calling (866) 720-5721.
What are Calhoun County Phishing Scams?
In Calhoun County, telephone scammers who perpetrate phishing scams use phone text messages or emails to deceive their targets into giving out their personal information. The scammers may attempt to steal residents’ Social Security Numbers, account numbers, or passwords. If the scammers get that information, they may gain access to your bank account, email, or other accounts.
Phishing text messages and emails usually pose as reputable companies so that they will appear believable. They may appear to have been sent by banks, online stores, credit card companies, online payment websites or apps, or social networking sites. Generally, phishing text messages or emails tell stories to deceive residents into opening an attachment or clicking a link.
Calhoun County residents can protect themselves from phishing scams by regularly updating the security system on their phones. They should also protect their personal accounts using multi-factor authentication, which will require you to enter more than one credential to log in. You can download a good reverse phone lookup app to perform a phone number search.
However, if you respond to a phishing scam and think the scammer has any of your details, visit the Identity Theft portal. Based on the information lost, you will be instructed on steps to take to protect your money. Residents are also advised to report phishing scams on the FTC.
What are Calhoun County Jury Duty Scams?
Jury scams in Calhoun County are orchestrated by fraudsters who make threats to prosecute residents who fail to comply with jury service. Scammers use jail-time threats to deceive their victims via emails or over the phone. Most residents who fall victim lose their money to the scammers or give out their licenses or social security numbers.
Generally, jury duty is a crucial public duty taken seriously. Regardless, neither state nor federal courts can request sensitive details from a person over the phone or by email. Personal information collected in this manner is usually used in identity fraud. Most fraudsters demand that the alleged charges be paid via gift cards or Bitcoin wallets, or gift cards. Scammers typically use these payment mediums because they cannot be tracked. All individuals in the County are advised to contact the Calhoun County Court Clerk to confirm whatever claims were made by strange callers. Individuals can also download reverse number lookup apps to perform an area code lookup or phone number lookup by address.
What are Calhoun County Tech Support Scams?
Tech support scams in Calhoun County are orchestrated by con artists who want residents to believe that there are severe problems like viruses in their computers or phones. These scammers aim to trick targets into paying for tech support services that are not needed. Generally, they request that you make payments via money transfer apps, wire transfers or gift cards because these payment methods can be hard to trace.
County residents are advised to hang up any calls received unexpectedly from strangers informing them of issues with their software. Telephone users may also download free reverse number lookup apps to confirm who called them. County residents can make complaints about tech support scams to the office of the Attorney General online.
What are Robocalls and Spam Calls?
Robocalls are programmed voice messages used by telemarketers, non-profit organizations, and politicians. With auto-dialers, robocalls can contact many individuals at once. On the other hand, spam calls are unwanted phone calls providing immaterial content. Scammers frequently use both robocalls and spam calls because these tools allow them to remain anonymous. Since the scammers remain unknown, they deceive unsuspecting residents by impersonating well-known government organizations and businesses. Some individuals lose their hard-earned money to fraudsters while others communicate their personal or financial details.
Robocalls are tools used by respectable organizations, making it hard for citizens to distinguish between fraudulent or legitimate robocalls. However, people can use free reverse phone number searches to differentiate between genuine or illegal robocalls. The following are some steps to take whenever you receive a robocall or spam call:
- Without following any prompts, immediately hang.
- Do not communicate personal details over the phone.
- Look up the person that called with a phone number search app.
- Make sure you do not get further calls by blocking the phone line after you have confirmed who they are.
- File a report online with the FTC or call 1-(888)-382-1222 to report the scam call.
- To further protect your phone from getting any spam calls and robocalls, record your phone number with the National Do Not Call Registry (DNCR).
- You can also register your phone number on the Michigan Do Not Call registry created by the MPSC.
Residents should be aware that after 31 days of enrollment on the DNCR, their phone numbers will be blocked from receiving robocalls. Any Robocalls received after the specified time are certainly from fraudsters. Phone users are required to report any such numbers to the FTC if the calls persist.
How to Spot and Report Calhoun County Phone Scams?
Scammers are frequently looking for new methods of defrauding unsuspecting individuals. Con artists have been able to upgrade their manipulative techniques to scam more people by taking advantage of new technology advancements. However, regardless of how modern these techniques may appear, individuals can protect themselves by understanding how fraudsters operate. Phone users can use suspicious phone number lookup databases to get more information, such as callers’ area codes and service providers. The tool can also help phone users find answers to questions of "who is this number registered to." Apart from using software, phone users can take note of some common tactics used by phone scammers. Below are some of these tactics:
- Scammers use aggressive and intimidating tactics, such as license suspensions or detention threats.
- Scammers force their targets to disclose financial and personal information.
- Scammers ask for payments via unconventional systems such as bitcoins and gift cards.
- Scammers demand advance payments to help their targets get big rewards or offers.
If you notice any of the red flags listed above, hang up, and use reverse mobile phone lookup tools to get more information on the scam callers. Afterwards, contact government agencies in Calhoun County and Michigan responsible for phone scams’ victims. Below are some of these organizations:
Calhoun County Prosecutor Office: The Prosecutor's Office in Calhoun County is responsible for prosecuting violators and interviewing victims of crimes. Phone scam victims can reach the office through the details below:
Calhoun County Prosecutor's Office
161 East Michigan Avenue
Battle Creek, Michigan 49014
Phone: (269) 969-6980
Calhoun County Sheriff's Office: As the primary law enforcement agency in the County, scam targets and victims can report all fraudulent activities to:
161 East Michigan avenue
Battle Creek, Michigan 49014
Phone: (269) 969-6450
Michigan Attorney General: The Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division is tasked with securing residents of the county from consumer fraud. Victims of fraudulent activities may complete online consumer complaint forms, which should be sent to:
Consumer Protection Division
P.O. Box 30213
Lansing, Michigan 48909-7713
Fax: (517) 241 3771
Federal Trade Commission: The FTC is the federal organization in charge of protecting citizens from all forms of scams. To help reduce phone scams and illegal robocalls, the FTC creates the National Do Not Call Registry. Residents can also report fraudulent activities to the FTC to share more information about scams with others.