281 area code phone numbers reported to the FTC in the last 30 days:
| Phone Number | Complaints | Last Reported |
|---|---|---|
| (281) 519-0519 | ||
| (281) 535-8976 | ||
| (281) 535-8967 | ||
| (281) 503-4162 | ||
| (281) 317-6635 | ||
| (281) 503-4218 | ||
| (281) 754-3404 | ||
| (281) 524-6088 | ||
| (281) 407-8261 | ||
| (281) 252-7832 |
The 281 area code is heavily used for Social Security threats and fake process server scams. Fraudsters try to intimidate you into paying a debt by claiming you are about to be sued.
Threatens arrest for Texas drug trafficking to steal SSN digits and identities.
"Robo call message left on my voice mail stated that I must call them immediately and verify my last 4 digits of my social security number. If I do not get back to them they will issue a warrant for my arrest."
Plays sirens in the background while threatening workplace legal service to extort money.
"Started as an automated message of someone saying hello like he can't hear you... a real person takes over. Then he says he has uniformed police officers on the way to serve you. What idiot actually believes that we'll believe a processing company will warn you ahead of time?"
Hostile threats of felony charges and extradition for fake debts to drain bank accounts.
"Lisa Montgomery claiming to be from the check fraud dept left a VM for me to call back and pay to avoid going to court, Good luck a hole"
Fake secret shopper jobs sending bad checks to demand thousands in American Express gift cards.
"Yes I got a text message too about secret shopping and fell for it. Yesterday a DHL Pkg was delivered to me with a check in it to purchase American Express gift cards at three different stores, 500 dollars each and take 300 plus expenses for myself."
Fake $299 firewall auto-renewals used to gain remote computer access and install malware.
"Caller said my firewall was about to expire and $299 was going to be taken out of my bank account. And if I wanted to cancel, to call 281-305-6174. This is a scam."
Vague, hostile demands to speak to business owners to steal contact info for identity theft.
"Asked to speak with the owner or controller about an investigation. I know this is a scam because the caller id said telemarketer, plus we have received calls like this in the past. I am fed up with these people calling my office."
Unsolicited texts with images of fake prescription cards to steal health data at the pharmacy.
"I got a stray text message with an image of a prescription plan card. It looks like an insurance card of some kind with 'Family Coverage' listed with an Rx Group ID and other random numbers on it. No other text was included..."
Area code 281 was created for most of Houston's suburbs, generally serving the area outside Beltway 8.
Area code 281 is part of an overlay complex with area codes 713 , 832 , 346 , and 621 in the Houston area. Area code 713 was one of the original four area codes established for Texas in 1947. Area code 281 was created in 1996. Area code 832 was added in 1999. Area code 346 was added in 2014. 621 was reserved as the fifth overlay code and implemented in 2025. Ten-digit dialing is mandatory for all calls in the Houston area.
The 281 area code is one of the codes blanketing the greater Houston metro, reaching Pasadena and Sugar Land. MD Anderson patient coordinators, United Airlines logistics staff, energy trading desks, and port logistics dispatchers are among the most common callers.