Ever received a call from 8773118853 and wondered if you should pick up? You’re not alone. This mysterious number has been popping up on countless phones across the country, leaving many scratching their heads about its legitimacy.
In today’s digital world, unknown numbers can trigger both curiosity and concern. Is it a legitimate business trying to reach you, or another annoying robocall designed to waste your time? Understanding who’s behind 8773118853 can save you from potential scams while ensuring you don’t miss important communications.
What Is the 8773118853 Phone Number?
The 8773118853 phone number belongs to First Premier Bank, a financial institution based in South Dakota that specializes in credit cards for consumers with limited or damaged credit histories. This toll-free number appears on caller IDs when the bank’s representatives contact customers regarding account information, payment reminders, or potential fraud alerts.
First Premier Bank typically uses this number for legitimate business communications related to:
- Account verification procedures
- Payment processing updates
- Credit limit increase opportunities
- Fraud prevention alerts
- Customer service inquiries
Customers who have applied for or currently hold a First Premier Bank credit card can expect occasional calls from this number. The bank’s customer service department operates Monday through Friday from 7 AM to 11 PM Central Time, and Saturday through Sunday from 8 AM to 5 PM Central Time.
Many consumers report receiving calls from 8773118853 after falling behind on credit card payments or during the application verification process. First Premier representatives identify themselves properly at the beginning of calls and never ask for sensitive information like full Social Security numbers or complete card details over unsolicited calls.
For verification purposes, customers can compare this number with the official contact information printed on their credit card statements or found on First Premier Bank’s official website. Those who receive suspicious calls claiming to be from this number should contact First Premier Bank directly through their official channels to confirm the legitimacy of any communication.
Is 8773118853 a Legitimate Business Number?
8773118853 is a genuine business phone number associated with First Premier Bank. This toll-free number serves as an official communication channel for the bank to reach its customers regarding various account matters.
Common Reports About This Number
Customers frequently report receiving calls from 8773118853 for legitimate banking purposes. Many First Premier Bank cardholders confirm receiving account notifications, payment reminders, and fraud alerts from this number. Consumer feedback indicates the representatives identify themselves properly and discuss specific account details that verify their authenticity.
Some customers note receiving calls about credit limit increases or account reviews. The Better Business Bureau records show this number appears in customer communications with First Premier Bank. Call frequency typically increases around payment due dates or when account status changes occur. Database checks across multiple phone number verification services consistently categorize 8773118853 as a verified financial institution contact rather than a spam or scam number.
Identifying Signs of Scam Calls
Legitimate calls from 8773118853 follow specific patterns that distinguish them from potential scams. Authentic First Premier Bank representatives always identify themselves and the institution at the call’s beginning. They reference your specific account information but never ask for complete card numbers, PINs, or passwords during unsolicited calls.
Real representatives don’t create urgency or threaten immediate account closure. Calls typically occur during standard business hours (8 AM to 9 PM in the customer’s time zone). First Premier agents offer verification options if customers express concerns about the call’s legitimacy. The representatives can provide partial account information for verification purposes and direct customers to official channels for sensitive transactions. Authentic calls connect quickly to real humans rather than featuring long holding periods or robotic interactions. Suspicious call variations might use similar but slightly different numbers, so checking caller ID carefully helps identify potential spoofing attempts.
How the 8773118853 Number Is Being Used
First Premier Bank employs the 8773118853 number as their primary customer service line for credit card account communications. This toll-free number connects customers with bank representatives who handle various account-related matters through specific calling patterns and scripted conversations.
Reported Calling Patterns
Customers report receiving calls from 8773118853 primarily during business hours (8 AM to 8 PM CST), with increased frequency around payment due dates. The calling patterns typically include 2-3 attempts on consecutive days if the initial call goes unanswered. Bank representatives call for specific reasons: payment reminders (5-7 days before due dates), account verification (within 48 hours of application submission), fraud alerts (triggered by unusual transactions), and promotional offers (typically mid-billing cycle). Most calls last between 3-7 minutes for routine matters, though fraud discussions may extend longer. Customers with delinquent accounts note more persistent contact attempts, sometimes receiving calls every 2-3 days until payment arrangements are made.
Types of Scripts Used by Callers
First Premier Bank representatives follow structured scripts during calls from 8773118853. Calls begin with a standard greeting: “Hello, this is [representative name] calling from First Premier Bank regarding your account.” Identity verification follows, requiring confirmation of the last four digits of the customer’s social security number or date of birth. For payment reminders, agents state: “I’m calling to remind you that a payment of [amount] is due on [date].” Fraud alert scripts include phrases like: “We’ve detected unusual activity on your account and need to verify recent transactions.” Credit limit increase offers contain specific language about “pre-approval based on your payment history.” Representatives avoid requesting complete card numbers, social security numbers, or online banking credentials. Their scripts include clear closing statements with contact information for callbacks and verification purposes.
How to Protect Yourself From Unwanted Calls
Protecting yourself from unwanted calls requires implementing specific strategies to maintain privacy and security. These techniques help you manage communication from numbers like 8773118853 while ensuring you don’t miss important legitimate calls.
Blocking the 8773118853 Number
Most smartphones offer built-in call blocking features that effectively filter unwanted communications. On iPhones, users can block numbers by opening the Phone app, tapping the info icon next to the number, and selecting “Block this Caller.” Android users can accomplish this by opening the Phone app, tapping the three dots menu, selecting “Settings,” then “Blocked numbers,” and adding the number to block. Third-party apps like Truecaller, Hiya, and RoboKiller provide advanced call screening capabilities with large databases of known spam numbers. Carriers including Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile offer free spam protection services that automatically filter suspicious calls before they reach your device.
Reporting Suspicious Calls
The Federal Trade Commission’s National Do Not Register at DoNotCall.gov serves as the primary reporting channel for unwanted calls in the US. Filing complaints through the FTC’s website requires details like the phone number, date, time, and nature of the call. The Federal Communications Commission accepts reports through their Consumer Complaint Center, particularly for potential telemarketing violations. Reporting suspicious activity directly to First Premier Bank’s official customer service line (not the suspicious number) alerts their fraud department to potential scams. Your mobile carrier’s spam reporting feature helps improve their filtering algorithms and protects other customers. Taking screenshots of suspicious texts or recording call details creates documentation for potential future investigations by authorities.
Legal Actions Against Phone Scammers
Phone scammers impersonating legitimate businesses face serious legal consequences under federal law. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) actively pursues cases against individuals and organizations that engage in caller ID spoofing of numbers like 8773118853. In 2022, the FTC filed 43 enforcement actions against phone scammers, resulting in $267 million in penalties.
The Truth in Caller ID Act prohibits falsifying caller ID information with the intent to defraud or harm others. Violators can face penalties up to $10,000 per violation. Law enforcement agencies collaborate across jurisdictions to track down perpetrators who often operate from international locations.
Class action lawsuits represent another powerful tool against phone scammers. Several successful cases have resulted in substantial settlements, including a recent $3.5 million settlement against a company that spoofed bank numbers. Victims who document fraudulent calls can join these lawsuits through consumer protection law firms.
State attorneys general frequently launch investigations into phone scamming operations. California, New York, and Texas lead with the most aggressive enforcement actions, establishing specialized units dedicated to prosecuting telecommunications fraud. These units work with federal agencies to shut down fraudulent call centers and freeze associated assets.
Individual victims possess significant legal recourse options. Consumers who’ve experienced fraud related to spoofed numbers can:
- File complaints with the FCC’s Consumer Complaint Center
- Submit detailed reports to the FTC’s Fraud Reporting system
- Contact their state attorney general’s office
- Pursue small claims court cases for financial damages
The Department of Justice has increased prosecution rates for phone scammers by 35% in the past three years, demonstrating heightened focus on protecting consumers from fraudulent callers masquerading as legitimate institutions like First Premier Bank.
Alternatives to Answering Unknown Numbers
Letting calls go to voicemail offers a simple yet effective screening method for unknown numbers like 8773118853. Legitimate callers typically leave messages explaining their purpose, while scammers rarely do. Voicemail transcription services available on most smartphones convert these messages to text, making review quick and convenient.
Call screening features on Google Pixel phones and similar devices act as digital secretaries, asking callers to state their purpose before connecting. These tools provide real-time transcriptions of the caller’s response, allowing users to decide whether to answer or decline without direct interaction.
Dedicated call management apps like Hiya, Truecaller, and Call Control identify potential spam calls before you answer. These applications access extensive databases of known spam numbers and use community reporting to flag suspicious callers, providing on-screen warnings when questionable numbers like 8773118853 call.
Text-based verification offers another practical solution for handling unknown calls. Many legitimate businesses now provide text verification codes or links that confirm their identity when they attempt to reach customers. First Premier Bank often follows this protocol when contacting customers about sensitive account matters.
Callback verification ensures maximum security when dealing with unfamiliar numbers. Instead of answering calls from claimed financial institutions, hang up and call the official number listed on your credit card or account statement. This practice eliminates the risk of speaking with impersonators attempting to gather personal information.
Conclusion
The phone number 8773118853 serves as First Premier Bank’s legitimate customer service line for credit card account communications. When this number appears on caller ID it’s typically for account notifications payment reminders or fraud alerts during business hours.
Customers should feel confident answering calls from this number but remain vigilant about potential spoofing attempts. Implementing call screening utilizing blocking features or letting unknown calls go to voicemail offers protection without missing important communications.
For complete peace of mind always verify the legitimacy of any call by hanging up and calling back using the official number from your statement or the bank’s website. This simple practice ensures you maintain both security and access to important account information.