NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning of a “surge in fraudulent phone calls” reported by individuals.
According to the BBB, the calls come from a person claiming to be “Jessica” from a “loan processing team.” The calls are designed to deceive recipients into providing personal information under the guise of completing a loan application.
The scam involves pre-recorded messages where the caller identifies as “Jessica” and requests recipients to verify income and other details to finalize a supposed loan application. Many consumers report receiving these calls multiple times per week from varying phone numbers, though the callback number is consistently provided as 877-867-5139.
According to the BBB, common elements of the scam include:
- A voicemail claiming the need to verify details related to an alleged loan applications
- Mentions of an “application ID” to expedite the process—e.g., “A as in Apple, H as in Hotel, Z as in Zebra 34578”
- Instructions to call back before 5 p.m. Pacific Time
Consumers have stated they never applied for any loans and attempts to request the end of these calls have proven ineffective, the BBB said.
“These types of scams are unfortunately becoming more sophisticated and relentless. It is essential for consumers to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity,” said Robyn Householder, CEO & President of BBB of Middle TN & Southern KY. “By sharing information and reporting scams, we can help protect others from falling victim.”
Should you receive one of these scam calls, the BBB recommends the following:
- Do not return the call. If you receive a voicemail from “Jessica” or anyone claiming to finalize a loan application you never initiated, do not call back.
- Block the number. Although scammers often use different numbers to call you, blocking reported numbers may reduce call frequency.
- Report the calls. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission as well as the BBB.
- Protect your information. Never provide personal or financial information over the phone unless you are certain of the caller’s legitimacy.
