20 Scary Phone Numbers You Should Never Call (Myths, Legends & Truth)

When you dial scary phone numbers, the experience can vary—sometimes, it’s just a prank, but other times, the outcome can feel unsettling. People have reported hearing strange voices, creepy noises, or even eerie static that makes them anxious. Callers sometimes receive disturbing text messages or experience unusual events after the call.

Some creepy phone numbers are believed to be cursed, and stories of bad luck or unexplained happenings are linked to those who dare call. Whether it’s a psychological trick or something more, dialing these numbers can leave a lasting impression that’s hard to shake.

Some phone numbers have emerged as haunted, cursed, or linked to terrifying occurrences. Whether based on myths, urban legends, or creepy coincidences, these scary phone numbers have sent chills down the spines of curious thrill-seekers.

Here is a list of the scariest phone numbers to call:

Note: The phone numbers mentioned are for informational and entertainment purposes only and are based on myths, urban legends, or past promotions. So, the experiences described are anecdotal and not scientifically proven. Plus, many of these numbers may no longer be active due to disconnection, reassignment, or telecom changes.

Known as “The Number of the Beast,” 666 has a long history of being associated with evil, the devil, and all things sinister. Mentioned in the Bible’s Book of Revelation, the number has been linked to the antichrist and mysterious occurrences. In the USA, calling numbers with 666—such as 666-666-6666—is said to result in disturbing experiences, such as hearing eerie voices or strange sounds.

Many also associate 666 with Roman Emperor Nero Caesar, who was notorious for his brutal treatment of early Christians. Over time, 666 has become a popular symbol of evil, often used in movies, horror stories, and even as ringtones or contact names meant to frighten people.

In Thailand, the number 999-9999 is known as the cursed number, which is said to grant the caller a wish but at a deadly cost. The legend goes that whoever dials 999-9999 may receive their heart’s desire, but it comes with a price no one would want to pay. It’s believed that after your wish is granted, a mysterious force claims your life shortly after.

Despite the chilling tale, many have been tempted to dial 999-9999 in hopes of testing the myth. However, the number’s reputation as one of the scariest phone numbers to call leaves most people hesitant to take the risk.

1-888-888-8888 is widely regarded as a haunted number, particularly in Bulgaria, where it’s associated with numerous deaths. It’s believed that anyone who owns this number or even dials it will face fatal consequences. Several prominent people who had this number died under mysterious circumstances, fueling its terrifying reputation.

The repeated digits of 1-888-888-8888 are considered ominous, with many cultures associating them with bad luck or death. The eerie history behind the number has made it one of the creepiest phone numbers to never call, as the fear of what might happen next keeps people from dialing.

090-4444-4444 is known as Japan’s Sadako Number, named after the vengeful spirit from the famous horror movie The Ring. Legend has it that anyone who dares to call this number will hear a strange, eerie voice and die within a week, much like the curse in the movie. The repeated number "4" is significant in Japan - it is considered unlucky because it sounds similar to the word for “death.”

This combination of folklore and superstition makes 090-4444-4444 one of the scariest numbers to call, with many believing it to be cursed.

1-207-404-2604 is often called the “Creepypasta Hotline,” a number tied to the chilling lore of internet horror stories. When dialed, it supposedly connects callers to a sinister website known as the “Red Room,” rumored to display disturbing and terrifying content. The eerie nature of the number made many claim that it brings fear and discomfort to those who dare to call.

The unsettling connection to creepypasta tales and the dark reputation surrounding this scary number makes it one of the most feared in horror circles.

408-634-2806, also known as “The Red Room Number,” is tied to an eerie legend about a mysterious website called the “Red Room.” According to urban myths, calling this haunted number supposedly connects you to a deadly online space where terrifying images and videos appear. Some even claim that the call brings ominous consequences, as the Red Room is rumored to be linked to sinister events.

408-634-2806 is associated with dark web folklore, which has led people to call it out of curiosity. It has earned its place as one of the scariest numbers to never call.

Due to its eerie reputation, the number 1-216-333-1810 is often referred to as the “Hotline to the Devil.” Some people who have dialed the phone number claim to hear unsettling whispers, disturbing sounds, or even voices that feel unnatural. These strange experiences have led many to believe the number connects to something sinister, with chilling outcomes for those who dare call.

Its dark associations make 1-216-333-1810 one of the scariest numbers to avoid, as its mystery continues to unsettle the curious ones.

1-000-000-0000, often called “The Phantom Number,” is believed to be a direct line to eerie, supernatural forces. Those who have dared to call this phone number report hearing disturbing noises, strange voices, or even a cold presence around them. Some say it’s a portal to the unknown, while others claim it brings unsettling nightmares.

1-000-000-0000 has earned its reputation as one of the most haunting and terrifying phone numbers to never call, and many advise avoiding it to escape its mysterious, phantom-like consequences.

Dialing 701-347-1936 is rumored to bring a deadly curse upon those who make the call. Some who have dared to call this eerie number report experiencing strange occurrences, bad luck, or an overwhelming sense of doom. It’s said that the number connects you with dark forces, making it one of the creepiest phone numbers that should be avoided.

Many believe that calling 701-347-1936 could have terrifying, lasting consequences, whether it's a curse or coincidence. Proceed with caution—or better yet, don’t call at all.

630-296-7536 is associated with a haunted doll that brings bad luck to anyone who dials the number. Legends say that calling the number invokes a curse, potentially leading to a series of unfortunate events for the caller. The doll, believed to be possessed, is said to bring terrifying misfortune to anyone who contacts this number.

630-296-7536 taps into common fears of haunted objects and cursed artifacts, making it one of the most spine-chilling phone numbers you should never call.

This is one of the oldest and most well-known “haunted” numbers in the United Kingdom, dating back to the era of analog phone booths. According to legend, dialing these digits from a public telephone connects you to a mysterious woman who whispers about a “drowning girl” or someone named “Susie.” The voice is said to belong to a spirit trapped in the phone lines, endlessly searching for someone to hear her tragic story.

Although modern digital networks make it nearly impossible to recreate the old loop-line glitches that likely inspired this myth, the number remains a staple of British urban folklore. It represents the classic “ghost in the machine” trope, where outdated technology becomes a bridge to the supernatural.

Often called the “Binary Number,” this line is popular among tech-themed horror fans. Instead of a voice, callers reportedly hear sharp, rhythmic, high-pitched digital beeps resembling a malfunctioning computer. The cold, mechanical sound creates an unsettling feeling, as if the caller has tapped into a system they were never meant to access.

According to online lore, some listeners translated the beeps from binary code into text, allegedly revealing the repeated word “DEATH.” This interpretation fueled theories that the line is a warning from a sinister digital afterlife.

This number serves as a gateway to the surreal world of “Echo River,” part of an immersive storytelling project for the video game Kentucky Route Zero. When called, it leads to an eerie but professional automated phone tree discussing secret tourism, underground rivers, and philosophical ideas that feel slightly detached from reality.

What makes this number especially unsettling is its depth and longevity. Unlike many promotional lines, it has remained active for years, allowing callers to explore its strange, dreamlike atmosphere repeatedly.

Known online as “The Warning,” this Colorado-based number has fascinated internet users for years. The legend claims callers hear a distorted, gravelly voice delivering cryptic messages like “I see you” or “Watch your back.” The poor audio quality and sudden delivery add to the fear factor.

In reality, the number has often functioned as a “shout line,” where callers leave anonymous recordings for others to hear. This creates an unsettling loop in which listeners never know whether the message is fictional, a prank, or something more personal.

This number is allegedly linked to Zozo, a malevolent entity often associated with Ouija board sessions and modern digital hauntings. According to the legend, callers who dial this line report hearing a range of disturbing sounds, from animal-like growls and frantic screams to a male voice that repeats specific numbers or cryptic messages that seem to taunt the listener.

The most unsettling aspect of the myth involves the voice reciting the numbers 1, 3, and 7 before revealing personal details about the caller, such as their name or current activity. While most paranormal experts believe it to be an elaborate prank or an unclaimed ARG (Alternate Reality Game).

This New York-based number is designed purely for shock value. There is no greeting or buildup, and once the call connects, the caller is hit with a sudden, high-volume scream that sounds alarmingly real.

The number became popular as a prank, often played on speakerphone to scare unsuspecting people. Its effectiveness comes from the immediacy and realism of the sound, triggering a strong startle response.

This number stands out because it is linked to a real person known as Wrinkles, a “clown for hire” from Naples, Florida. Wrinkles went viral after videos showed him lurking near homes or emerging from unexpected places. The number was promoted as a service for parents wanting to scare misbehaving children.

Today, calls typically reach a voicemail with a deep, gravelly voice. Knowing that a real individual once monitored these messages adds a layer of unease that fictional numbers lack.

Unlike other entries, this number is actually a telecom test line used to check call quality and latency. When you speak, your voice is played back with a slight delay, creating a disorienting echo effect.

Despite its technical purpose, the experience has become popular in horror circles. Hearing your own voice repeated with imperfect timing can feel unsettling, as though someone else is mimicking you from nearby.

This number is an Easter egg created by Netflix for the series Stranger Things. It belongs to the character Murray Bauman and plays a long, paranoid voicemail filled with conspiracy theories and warnings.

Although it is in a scary number list, it can also be found in the list of funny numbers to call, demonstrating how fictional phone numbers can blur the line between on-screen storytelling and real-world interaction.

Originating from a widespread urban legend in the early 2000s, these numbers are famously known as the “Red Numbers.” The legend claims that when these digits appear on a mobile screen, they glow in a vibrant, ominous red color. According to the myth, anyone who answers the call is subjected to a lethal, high-frequency sound that causes immediate physical distress, ranging from vomiting blood to fatal brain hemorrhages.

In reality, these numbers were part of a massive viral hoax in parts of West Africa and Asia during the initial boom of mobile phone usage.

No, scary numbers are not real, although they have become part of urban legends and internet myths, with stories circulating about haunted lines. While these tales may seem real due to the eerie experiences shared by some callers, there is no solid evidence to suggest that these numbers are genuinely dangerous or linked to the supernatural.

These numbers likely gained their creepy reputations from prank calls, psychological suggestions, or technological quirks. The unsettling feelings experienced after calling these numbers are often driven by the power of suggestion rather than anything truly paranormal.

Curiosity can sometimes get the best of us, especially when it comes to mysterious or eerie phone numbers. However, dialing creepy phone numbers can impact your safety, peace of mind, or wallet.

• Many of these numbers are international or premium-rate, leading to high fees on your phone bill.
• Most scary numbers play eerie or disturbing messages that can cause fear, stress, or anxiety.
• Some of these numbers might be linked to phishing schemes or scams, potentially compromising your personal information.
• Hearing creepy or disturbing sounds can have a lasting psychological impact, causing unnecessary fear or paranoia.
• Ultimately, calling scary or creepy phone numbers has no positive outcome. They often only lead to unsettling experiences without any real purpose.

Scary phone numbers continue to capture attention because they tap into fear, curiosity, and the human love for mysterious stories. Most of these numbers gained their reputation through urban legends, horror films, viral marketing, or psychological suggestion rather than real paranormal activity. The unsettling experiences people report are often influenced by expectation, imagination, and the atmosphere surrounding the call.

In reality, the actual risks of calling such numbers are practical rather than supernatural. Unexpected charges, exposure to scams, and emotional distress are far more likely than any curse or haunting. Treat these stories as modern folklore meant for entertainment, and remember that avoiding these calls is the best way to protect your peace of mind and personal safety.