Hardly expected that a museum name would surface on a spam list, but the pattern here points to a spoofed caller ID leveraging the Smithsonian brand. Callers repeatedly use the same number with no consistent voice message, often just breathing or silence, which is classic for automated scams or harassment. Block the number at the carrier level and add the 202 area code to your personal filter if you receive multiple hits. Never share personal data, and if a voicemail claims to be from an institution, verify through official channels before responding. Keep your call‑blocking app updated to catch the latest spoof attempts.
Multiple calls have been received from this number, including a recent voicemail containing only the sound of breathing, which is unsettling.
I ignored the call yesterday, but they left a message, a woman's voice asking for me by name, strangely, it didnt sound like a telemarketer, but im glad i found this warning.
We have blocked this number, which calls daily under the name 'Spam?Smithsonian', and it rings once before being blocked, prompting us to inform the Smithsonian Institution about this issue
Verizon marked this number as spam, but today it wasnt marked and the call got through, I might add 202 to my blocked area codes or block 202 838 3008, the scammer didnt leave a message
No messages is ever left by them
During dinner, a call came in at 20:19, the Caller ID displayed Smithsomian, the call went to voicemail.