If you’ve received a call from 217-336-1058, you might be wondering who’s calling and why. Is it a scam? Is it a legitimate call? Should you answer it or ignore it?
This article provides a detailed analysis of 217-336-1058, including its origin, the nature of the calls, and what to do if you receive a call from this number.
We will cover everything you need to know in simple, easy-to-understand language, ensuring that you stay informed and protected.
What Is 217-336-1058?
The phone number 217-336-1058 comes from the 217 area code in central Illinois, covering cities like Springfield, Champaign, and Decatur. Many people receive calls from this number and wonder if it’s safe. It is often linked to identity verification processes.
Reports say 217-336-1058 is part of the University of Chicago’s two-factor authentication (2FA) system. The call helps confirm a user’s identity when logging in. If you weren’t expecting it, ignore the call and verify with the university.
Why Am I Receiving a Call from 217-336-1058?
There are several possible reasons why you might be receiving a call from this number:
1. University of Chicago Authentication Call
If you are affiliated with the University of Chicago (as a student, faculty member, or staff), you may receive a call from 217-336-1058 as part of their security verification process.
This is a common method used to protect your account from unauthorized access.
2. Someone Else Is Trying to Access Your Account
If you are NOT expecting a verification call, it could mean that:
- Someone is trying to log into your University of Chicago account.
- They entered your phone number by mistake.
- It’s a hacking attempt.
If this happens, DO NOT press any keys or follow any instructions—instead, contact the university’s IT support immediately.
3. Wrong Number Dialed
It’s possible that the number was dialed by mistake or that your phone number was previously associated with a University of Chicago account.
4. Potential Scam Call
While there’s no widespread evidence that 217-336-1058 is used for scams, scammers can sometimes spoof legitimate numbers to trick people into answering.
Should I Answer a Call from 217-336-1058?
Here’s what you should do if you receive a call from this number:
✅ If you are expecting a verification call from the University of Chicago, you can proceed with the authentication.
❌ If you are NOT expecting the call, DO NOT answer or interact with it. Instead, contact the university directly to check if it was a legitimate attempt.
What to Do If You Receive a Call from 217-336-1058
Follow these steps if you receive an unexpected call:
1️⃣ Don’t Panic – Not all calls from unknown numbers are harmful.
2️⃣ Verify the Caller – If you have an account with the University of Chicago, check if this is a genuine authentication call.
3️⃣ Avoid Sharing Personal Information – Never give out personal details unless you are sure the call is legitimate.
4️⃣ Block the Number – If you believe the call is spam, block it on your phone to prevent future calls.
5️⃣ Report Suspicious Activity – If you suspect fraudulent use of this number, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your phone carrier.
How to Block Calls from 217-336-1058
If you want to stop receiving calls from this number, follow these steps:
For iPhone Users
- Go to the Phone app
- Tap Recents
- Find the number and tap the (i) icon
- Select Block this Caller
For Android Users
- Open the Phone app
- Go to Call History
- Tap the number and select Block/Report Spam
How to Report Suspicious Calls
If you believe a call from 217-336-1058 is fraudulent or spam, you can report it to:
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC): www.ftc.gov
- Federal Communications Commission (FCC): www.fcc.gov
- Your Mobile Carrier: AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile allow reporting spam calls.
How to Identify Scam Calls
Even though 217-336-1058 is likely a legitimate number, it’s good to be aware of common scam tactics:
🔴 Caller claims to be from an official institution but asks for personal details.
🔴 Call demands immediate action, such as pressing a number or providing a password.
🔴 Pre-recorded messages (robocalls) urging you to act quickly.
🔴 Requests for financial information or credit card numbers.
If a call seems suspicious, HANG UP IMMEDIATELY.
Common Reasons for Receiving a Call from 217-336-1058
- Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): The University of Chicago may call to verify your identity when logging in.
- Incorrect Number Entry: Someone might have mistakenly entered your number, triggering an authentication call.
- Possible Scam or Spam: While the number is linked to 2FA, scammers can spoof numbers to trick people.
- Repeated Unwanted Calls: If you get frequent calls but have no link to the university, it might be a wrong number or spam.
Is 217-336-1058 a Scam or a Legitimate Call?
The number 217-336-1058 is primarily associated with the University of Chicago’s authentication system. This means it is usually safe if you are expecting a verification call. If you recently tried logging into a university-related system, you can answer the call to confirm your identity.
However, scammers can spoof numbers, making it seem like they are calling from 217-336-1058. If you receive a call but did not request a verification, it’s best to ignore it. Never share personal details unless you are sure the call is legitimate. If unsure, contact the university directly to verify.
What to Do If You Keep Getting Calls from 217-336-1058
If you are not expecting a call from this number, do not answer. If the calls are frequent and unwanted, you can block the number using your phone’s settings. If you suspect fraudulent activity, report the call to your phone provider or the FTC (Federal Trade Commission). Always stay cautious and avoid sharing personal details with unknown callers.
How to Identify Unknown Callers and Protect Yourself
Check Caller ID Information
Most phones display caller ID details, helping you recognize known contacts. If the number looks suspicious or appears as “Unknown”, it’s safer to ignore the call. Always be cautious and avoid answering calls from unfamiliar numbers.
Use Reverse Phone Lookup
You can search the number online to find reports from other users. Reverse phone lookup services can help identify if the number is linked to spam or fraud. Checking before answering can prevent potential scams.
Beware of Urgent Requests
Scammers often create a sense of urgency to trick people into sharing personal details. A legitimate institution will never pressure you to act immediately or demand sensitive information. Always verify the caller before responding.
Enable Call Blocking and Filtering
Most smartphones allow you to block unknown numbers and enable spam filters. Using these features can reduce unwanted calls and protect you from possible scams. Check your phone settings or use a spam-blocking app.
Alternatives to Blocking 217-336-1058
| Method | Description |
| Silence Unknown Calls | Send calls from unknown numbers straight to voicemail without blocking. |
| Report the Number | Notify your phone carrier or FTC about unwanted calls. |
| Use a Call Filter App | Apps like Hiya or Truecaller help detect and filter spam calls. |
| Change Your Number | As a last resort, if spam calls persist, consider changing your phone number. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is 217-336-1058 a scam?
No, reports indicate that this number is linked to the University of Chicago’s authentication system. However, scammers can spoof numbers, so always verify before taking action.
2. Should I answer a call from 217-336-1058?
If you are expecting a two-factor authentication (2FA) call, you can answer. Otherwise, ignore it and verify with the university directly.
3. How do I stop receiving calls from 217-336-1058?
If you are getting unwanted calls, you can block the number through your phone settings or report it if you suspect fraud.
4. Can I call 217-336-1058 back?
In most cases, this is an automated number that does not accept incoming calls. If you have concerns, contact the University of Chicago’s IT support directly.
5. Why did I receive a call even though I’m not affiliated with the University of Chicago?
Your number may have been entered by mistake, or a previous owner of your number may have linked it to their account.
Final Thoughts
Receiving a call from 217-336-1058 is usually nothing to worry about, as it’s linked to the University of Chicago’s authentication system. However, you should always be cautious when answering calls from unknown numbers.
✔️ If you’re expecting an authentication call, you can proceed.
❌ If not, ignore the call and verify through official sources.
By staying informed and knowing how to handle such calls, you can protect yourself from potential fraud and unwanted interruptions.
Read Also:
