Scam Calls from +1-876 (Jamaica): The Lottery Scam
● High scam risk
Jamaica's +1-876 area code is one of the most notorious for scam calls in the world, primarily driven by lottery and prize fraud targeting elderly Americans. Because Jamaica shares the +1 prefix with the US, victims often believe the call is local.
Common Scam Types from +1-876
Lottery / sweepstakes scam
Caller says you've won Publisher's Clearing House or a foreign lottery. They demand fees, taxes, or insurance to release the prize.
IRS impersonation
Claim you owe back taxes and threaten arrest unless you pay immediately via gift cards.
Vacation scam
Offers of free Jamaica vacations, requiring upfront 'booking fees'.
Wangiri (one-ring)
Missed call from +1-876 hoping you call back to premium rate.
Warning Signs
- You're told you won a prize you didn't enter
- Demands for fees, taxes, or insurance to claim winnings
- Threats of arrest from law enforcement
- Caller has Caribbean accent claiming to be from US agency
What to Do
- Hang up immediately on any 'you've won' calls
- Never pay to claim a prize
- Tell elderly relatives about this specific scam
- Report to FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov
- If a relative may be victimized, contact AARP Fraud Watch
How to Block Calls from +1-876
- Block +1-876 entirely if you have no Jamaica contacts
- Use AT&T ActiveArmor, Verizon Call Filter, or T-Mobile Scam Shield
- Enable 'Silence Unknown Callers' on iPhone
Statistics
Jamaica lottery scams have caused over $300 million in losses to US victims, primarily seniors, since 2010.