Puerto Rico's 787 area code is facing aggressive fake debt collection and credit repair scams. These callers harass you to pay off old or fake debts and trick you into sharing banking info.
Look up any suspicious number using our scam and spam phone number lookup database. It includes over 29 million Do Not Call and robocall complaints reported to the Federal Trade Commission.
Getting calls from 787 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Puerto Rico (San Juan, Carolina) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 787 scams based on user comments:
Residents in Puerto Rico are receiving harassing calls from individuals claiming to be from "Transworld Systems" (TSI). These callers attempt to collect on fake or non-existent debts, often for companies like Liberty, AT&T, or local hospitals such as Auxilio Mutuo and Pavia Hospital. They use aggressive tactics, refuse to explain the reason for the call until you confirm your name, and may become hostile if you question them.
Legitimate debt collection agencies are legally required to provide you with information about the original creditor and the debt upon request. They do not need to trick you into confirming your identity before stating their purpose.
"No contesten la llamada, se hacen pasar por una agencia de cobro y te piden pages por deudas inexistentes, son convincentes. MUCHO CUIDADO NO CAIGAN… ES FRAUDE. Bloqueen el número."
This widespread scam starts with a call claiming a "negative report" or that your credit is "in danger." The callers, sometimes identifying themselves as being from "PAS, Programa de Ayuda Simple" or "Advisor Solutions," say they received your information from the "financial system." They create a false sense of urgency, insisting your accounts will be canceled if you don't act, all to pressure you into giving them personal information or paying for useless services.
Credit monitoring services do not call strangers to warn them about their credit score. This is a high-pressure sales tactic designed to frighten you into making a rash decision.
"Recibí una llamada de una mujer diciendo que me iba a hacer una encuesta sobre mi crédito. Luego, volvieron a llamar diciendo que su sistema reflejaba que había un problema con mi crédito y que de no arreglarlo mis cuentas serían canceladas."
This is a particularly dangerous scam targeting users of ATH Móvil and Banco Popular de Puerto Rico (BPPR). Scammers will call or text, falsely claiming your ATH Móvil account has been suspended or that there is fraudulent activity. They often use numbers that look very similar to official BPPR numbers to appear legitimate. Their goal is to trick you into giving them your login information so they can drain your account.
Your bank and ATH Móvil will never call or text you to ask for your password, PIN, or full account numbers to resolve a security issue. They already have your account information and use other methods for verification that you initiate.
"SCAM/FRAUD Alert! they will call saying your ATH MOVIL (money payment tool widely used in Puerto Rico) is suspended and will ask for personal information to unlock it. in reality, they will drain your account. beware!"
Many residents report frequent calls where the other end is completely silent, plays music, or hangs up immediately after they answer. Sometimes, calling the number back results in a "destination number not found" message. While not an immediate scam, these calls are often made by robodialing systems to verify that your phone number is active. A "live" number is then added to lists that are sold to other telemarketers and scammers for future fraud attempts.
These calls are not wrong numbers. They are automated systems probing for active phone lines. Answering the call, even for a second, confirms your number is active and makes you a target for more spam and scam calls.
"I have received about 8 calls from this number on various dates. Have not answered because cell identifies as scam. I've called back and a voicemail states that the # cannot be found."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 787 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Puerto Rico, United States. Area code 787 is a general purpose code that has been in service since March 1, 1996.
Most common 787 scam types are:
You're likely experiencing "Neighbor Spoofing." Scammers fake their caller ID to display local or familiar numbers. If you live in or near Puerto Rico, or have a 787 phone number yourself, scammers know you're more likely to answer what appears to be a local call.
Calling back to unknown spam number may incur premium charges or at least confirm your phone number is active and lead to more spam and scam calls.
There are three main ways to reduce spam calls:
It's definitely possible to block all specific area code phone numbers. However, we do not recommend this option because it would also prevent friends, family, doctors, and legitimate businesses from reaching you.
Other Puerto Rico area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: