Who is 'Marissa Morgan'? Texas loan spam call scam explained

Look out for spam calls from scammers pretending to offer personal loans.

Sick of receiving calls from “Marissa Morgan”? You’re not alone.

With spam calls on the rise, it’s vital to know how to spot a scammer and how to protect your personal information — and your sanity. Here’s a quick guide for dealing with this annoying fraudulent calls.

Who is 'Marissa Morgan' from Underwriting Loans?

A recent wave of spam calls hitting Texas uses a few names — like Marissa Morgan, Brian Walter, Daniel Reeves, Maxine Kensington and Brianne — to lure unsuspecting victims. The resulting frustration has prompted some to air their grievances on social media.

“These [expletive] called me 30x in a row this morning,” one user commented on a Threads post. “Good thing I was sleeping and missed it, but they left me 18 voicemails of the same damn thing, all within a ~15 minute time period.”

Here’s one example of a repeated voicemail:

Hello, this is Marissa Morgan calling from Underwriting. I’m calling regarding your loan approval. Your file is in final review. If you’d prefer to speak directly with Underwriting, you can reach us at 888-269-4978.

How to spot spam calls

Last September, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warned consumers about spam calls regarding nonexistent personal loans.

The call may begin with a notification that the individual is “prequalified” for a loan, before requesting personal information like Social Security or bank account numbers, or date of birth. The FTC describes examples of pressure tactics frequently used by scammers:

“They may say the application is almost finished and just needs a few more details from you. (Not true.) Or say things like ‘I hope you don’t miss out' or 'no pressure.' (Those are pressure tactics.) In a voicemail, the caller might offer to take you off the call list… if you can them back. (Another pressure tactic.)”

How to block spam calls on iPhone

On an iPhone, Apple’s built-in call screening tool is found under Settings > Apps > Phone. Under “Screen Unknown Callers,” users can choose to silence any call from a number not saved in their contacts, which sends it to voicemail without ringing. Apple also offers a “Call Filtering” option under the same menu that moves calls from unknown numbers into a separate list for review.

How to block spam calls on Android

Android’s built-in Phone app includes a Caller ID and Spam filter under its settings that can automatically screen suspected spam calls. Users can also configure Do Not Disturb mode to ring only for numbers saved in their contacts, with everything else going silently to voicemail.

Does the National Do Not Call Registry work?

Unfortunately, blocking a number doesn’t always solve the problem. Scammers will often make seemingly urgent calls multiple times a day from different numbers. While reporting them to the FTC’s National Do Not Call Registry may slow the calls, it’s unlikely to stop them entirely.

The registry obligates legitimate telemarketers to stop calling numbers listed on it. It has no mechanism to stop someone who is already operating outside the law.

Registration is free at donotcall.gov. It will reduce unsolicited sales calls from companies that comply with FTC rules.

What to do if you receive a scam call

Central Texas law enforcement agencies recommend a simple response: hang up, verify independently and never send money.

Do not engage or press any buttons to opt out. The FTC says that it can confirm your number is active and lead to more scam calls.

Do not call back the number on your caller ID. Scammers can spoof legitimate numbers. Instead, look up the agency or bank yourself and call that number directly. If the caller claims to be with the Travis County Sheriff’s Office, use the non-emergency line at (512) 854-9770.

And do not send money, gift cards or cryptocurrency to anyone demanding immediate payment over the phone. Real law enforcement agencies and banks do not collect money that way.

For calls that resulted in financial loss, call local law enforcement. ReportFraud.ftc.gov and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov also accepts reports and can connect victims with investigators.