Common Calender vs Calendar Spelling Mistakes
Why do so many of us spell it "calender"? The letter 'a' vs 'e' mistake at the end of the word is one of the most common typographical errors in the English language, and scammers know it.
The $1.2 Million Letter 'E'
In 2022, consumer protection agencies tracked over $1.2 million in fraudulent charges originating from users dialing 1-800-CALENDER instead of 1-800-CALENDAR.
The Linguistic Trap
The English language often uses the "-er" suffix for agent nouns (someone who does something, like a baker or a driver). Because we say "cal-en-der" phonetically with a schwa sound at the end, our brains naturally want to spell it with an 'E'.
| Intended Number | Common Typo Dialed | Scam Risk Level |
|---|---|---|
| 1-800-CALENDAR | 1-800-CALENDER | EXTREME |
| 1-888-MY-CALENDAR | 1-888-MY-CALENDER | HIGH |
| 1-800-SCHEDULER | 1-800-SCHEDULAR | MODERATE |
How Typo-Squatters Buy Numbers
Scammers purchase "toll-free" numbers that are one digit off from highly trafficked legitimate numbers. Because the numbers look identical on a keypad when mapped to letters, you never realize you've made a mistake.
FAQ: What if I already called?
A: Hang up immediately and call your credit card provider's fraud department (using the number on the back of your card). Dispute the charge as fraudulent.
A: No. Tech companies do not charge a "calendar setup fee" or ask you to buy gift cards over the phone. Read more about tech support scams.