Scams going around · Phone calls

Spectrum 40% discount call scam

Pretends to be Spectrum or another internet or TV company. A recorded call says Spectrum is taking away a discount on your monthly bill and tells you to press 1 or call back. A person then offers you a big discount, but only if you pay with store gift cards and give them the card numbers.

An example of what it can look like

Not a real message: the details are made up.

Recorded call, caller ID (202) 555-0162

This call is about an important update to your Spectrum services. Dear customer, Spectrum is removing the 40% discount on your monthly bill. To keep your discount, press 1 now or call us back at (202) 555-0162.

How to tell

• A recorded voice says your discount is being removed and tells you to press 1 or call back.
• The caller offers a big cut to your bill if you act now.
• They want you to pay with store gift cards, such as Target or CVS cards, and read them the numbers.
• They ask you to pay up front, like a fee or several months ahead, to get the discount.
• They ask you to confirm your account information.

What to do

• Hang up. Do not press 1 or any other number.
• Do not call back the number in the message or on your caller ID.
• Do not buy gift cards to pay a bill. Gift cards are for gifts, not for payments.
• Do not give the caller your account number or password.
• Check any offer by calling Spectrum yourself on a number you know is real.

If you already tapped, paid, called or replied

1. Paid with gift cards? Call the gift card company right away, using the number on the back of the card. Tell them a scammer tricked you and ask for your money back.
2. Keep the gift cards and the store receipts. You may need them.
3. Paid with a credit or debit card? Call your bank or card company right away, using the number on the back of your card.
4. Gave your username and password? Change your password and turn on two-factor authentication, a second check such as a code sent to your phone.
5. Call Spectrum at 833-656-2363 for help with your account.

How to check for real

Call Spectrum yourself at 833-656-2363, the number on Spectrum's own scam advice page, or use another phone number or website you know is right. Do not use a number given to you in the call.

Where to report it

• Report the scam to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

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Where this comes from

Written from these official warnings, checked 2026-09-25. Lantern is not part of any organization named on this page.

• FTC: Discounted phone, TV, or internet services if you pay with a gift card? No, it's a scam
• Spectrum: How to avoid costly scams
• FCC Enforcement Bureau: notice about robocalls impersonating internet companies
• FTC: What To Do if You Were Scammed