212 area code phone numbers reported to the FTC in the last 30 days:
| Phone Number | Complaints | Last Reported |
|---|---|---|
| (212) 272-2000 | ||
| (212) 408-0011 | ||
| (212) 270-6000 | ||
| (212) 931-0828 | ||
| (212) 554-1930 | ||
| (212) 541-0899 | ||
| (212) 384-1000 | ||
| (212) 625-3157 | ||
| (212) 640-2000 | ||
| (212) 229-0888 |
The 212 area code is famous for Chinese language robocalls and fake FTC lottery scams. These callers try to trick you into believing you won a prize or have legal issues to get your banking details.
Mandarin robocalls alleging expiring visas or undelivered packages to steal personal data.
"Got a massage on answer machine from this number in Chinese, said we have a package from UPS is undeliverable for three time, need contact with them. I think it is a scam, we didn't see any UPS delivery delivery coming... it is fraud, don't call them or talk to them."
Fake FTC agents demanding upfront fees to release bogus $750k sweepstakes winnings.
"My elderly parents have been returning calls to this number and sent a total of $31,000.00 to these scammers claiming they have won the Publishers Clearing House sweepstakes. The FBI now involved."
Automated threats of SSN cancellation due to border crimes to steal identities.
"Robo call says my SSN will be suspended for fraud in Texas and other states. They have already called me twice today."
Repeated automated warnings of foreign iCloud breaches to trick victims into granting remote computer access.
"Got a call stating that my iCloud account was accessed 30 times from Mexico. Then requested that I log on to my computer. I told him I will change my iCloud account, but will not provide anyone access to my computer. He hung up"
Ambulance chaser scams fishing for SSNs and police reports to file fraudulent insurance claims.
"A person claiming to be called Max Lopez contact me and wanting to 'help' me after a reported accident I had been in...wanted my ss number, date of birth, address as well as the filing number of the police report that was filed. These lowlives really do not have any shame!!"
Phishing texts offering expiring $150 bonus credits with malicious links to steal banking details.
"Jamie, you still have $150 Amazon Bonus credit: w3fsv.info/8UyNSHqQCU See what you can buy before it expires on 03/28 w3fsv.info/8UyNSHqQCU"
Fake background check companies cold-calling HR departments to fish for random employee data.
"Got a call on my work phone asking for the HR dept. for a different company. Absolutely a scam."
Phone numbers with the 212 area code originate from most of the borough of Manhattan in New York City. Initially, 212 was the original code assigned for all of New York City in 1947. Its use was restricted to just Manhattan and the Bronx in 1985, and then further restricted to the rest of Manhattan in 1992. Notably, the Marble Hill neighborhood of Manhattan is located in the 718/347/929 numbering plan area (NPA), rather than the Manhattan NPA.
Area code 212 operates as part of an overlay complex, working alongside area codes 646 and 332 for Manhattan. Area code 917 also overlays the entirety of New York City, including the 212 service area. Area code 212 was the original code for the entire city, established in 1947, and its service area was restricted to Manhattan in 1992. Area code 917 overlaid the entire city in 1992. Area code 646 was implemented as an overlay for Manhattan on July 1, 1999. Subsequently, area code 332 was assigned in November 2015 and became active on June 10, 2017.
Manhattan's original area code, 212 carries strong name recognition and is associated with the borough's financial, media, and academic elite. Chase and Citi fraud departments, NBC and ABC media booking producers, global law firms, and NYU and Columbia admissions offices are among the most common callers.