Area Code 268 Scam Calls
Area code 268 (Antigua and Barbuda) is on the FTC's official one-ring scam list. Sometimes referred to as 'the 268 scam'. Digits resemble a U.S. area code but route internationally.
Reports
FTC documented — the 268 scam
First documented
2014
Last active
2026-03
⚠ Area codes cannot identify individual scammers. Not all calls from this area code are fraudulent. This page documents patterns reported to the FTC and FCC for educational purposes only. Source: FTC consumer.ftc.gov and FCC fcc.gov official consumer alerts.
What the scam says
Phone rings once from 268, hangs up. The scammer profits from the per-minute international rate when you call back out of curiosity. Some variants use fake prize or delivery voicemails to encourage callbacks.
3 red flags
268 is Antigua and Barbuda — international rates apply
FTC officially lists 268 in one-ring scam consumer alerts
Enough reports that security researchers call it 'the 268 scam'
What to do
Do not call back any 268 number you did not expect
Ask your carrier to block outgoing international calls
Report to FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov
Report this scam
Source
FTC consumer.ftc.gov; FCC fcc.gov; Cheapism 2025 — 21 Area Codes warning list
https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/one-ring-phone-scam ↗Related scam numbers
People also search for
Frequently asked questions
Is area code 268 a scam?▼
Area code 268 (Antigua and Barbuda) is on the FTC's official one-ring scam list. Sometimes referred to as 'the 268 scam'. Digits resemble a U.S. area code but route internationally.
Why is a 268 number calling me?▼
Phone rings once from 268, hangs up. The scammer profits from the per-minute international rate when you call back out of curiosity. Some variants use fake prize or delivery voicemails to encourage callbacks.
Should I call back a 268 number?▼
Do not call back any 268 number you did not expect Ask your carrier to block outgoing international calls
What country or region is area code 268?▼
Area code 268 (Antigua and Barbuda) is on the FTC's official one-ring scam list.
Received a call or text from this number?
Check any message instantly — free, no signup required.
Check your message →Source: FTC consumer.ftc.gov; FCC fcc.gov; Cheapism 2025 — 21 Area Codes warning list
First documented: 2014 · Last active: 2026-03
← Scam message database