Scam warning
Fake Customer Service Number
When you search online for a phone number for your bank, an airline, Facebook, Cash App or a printer company, the top results can be fake ads or fake pages run by scammers. The “agent” who answers asks for your login, codes, or payment.
Also called: Fake support number scam, Search ad scam, Fake helpline
The one thing to remember
Get customer service numbers from the company's own website, your bill, or the back of your card, not from search results or ads.
How it happens
- You need help, so you search “Facebook phone number” or “airline customer service”.
- You call a number at the top of the results. It's a scammer.
- They ask for your password, a code they send you, or remote access to your computer.
- They may charge a “fee”, ask for gift cards, or take over your account.
Warning signs
- A support number from an ad or a website that isn't the company's.
- Being asked for passwords or codes.
- Being asked to pay with gift cards or a payment app.
- Being asked to install a program.
- A “Facebook support line”. Facebook and Instagram generally don't offer phone support.
What to do
- Find the number on the company's official website, your statement, or your card.
- Hang up if they ask for passwords, codes, or remote access.
- If you shared anything, change your password and call your bank.
Last checked: October 31, 2026