Users are reporting unsolicited and vague messages coming from the 353 area code. These texts or calls are likely phishing attempts designed to spark your curiosity so you reply.
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People are getting unsolicited calls and messages from local 353 numbers that make no sense. Recipients describe these communications as "very strange messages" with no clear context or purpose. The callers provide no identifying information, no clear reason for contact, and leave confusing voicemails or send text messages that seem designed only to get a response. These messages create uncertainty about who is calling and what they want, which is exactly the point.
"Very strange message."
Area Code 353 phone numbers reported as unwanted calls to the FTC in the last 30 days.
(353) 200-8117
Dropped call or no message
1 report ·
(353) 278-7247
Calls pretending to be government, businesses, or family and friends
1 report ·
(353) 200-0105
Other
1 report ·
No, area code 353 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Wisconsin, United States. Area code 353 is a general purpose code that has been in service since September 15, 2023.
You're likely experiencing "Neighbor Spoofing." Scammers fake their caller ID to display local or familiar numbers. If you live in or near Wisconsin (Madison, Janesville, La Crosse), or have a 353 phone number yourself, scammers know you're more likely to answer what appears to be a local call.
Other Wisconsin area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: