The 201 area code is heavily targeted by Social Security and arrest warrant threats. Scammers call claiming you have a legal issue to frighten you into paying immediate fines.
Look up any suspicious number using our scam and spam phone number lookup database. It includes over 29 million Do Not Call and robocall complaints reported to the Federal Trade Commission.
Getting calls from 201 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof New Jersey (Jersey City, Union City, Bayonne) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 201 scams based on user comments:
Residents in Northern New Jersey are receiving aggressive robocalls and live calls from individuals pretending to be from the Social Security Administration (SSA) or the US Treasury. These scammers, sometimes using names like "Officer Ryan Smith" or "Officer Jason Matthew," falsely claim a lawsuit has been filed against you or that an arrest warrant has been issued for "unethical activities." They often provide a fake case ID, such as "CP78298," to create a sense of legitimacy before demanding personal information or money.
The Social Security Administration and IRS will never call you to threaten arrest or demand immediate payment. These agencies primarily communicate through official U.S. Mail, not with intimidating phone calls.
"Hi this is Officer Ryan Smith calling you from the Department of Social Security administration the reason you have received a phone call from our department is to inform you that there is a legal enforcement action filed on your social security number for criminal activity so when you get this message kindly call as soon as possible..."
Scammers are specifically targeting New Jersey residents by pretending to be from local utility companies like PSE&G and Elizabethtown Gas. Callers, often using the name "Sandra Turner" or "Laura" and providing a fake record ID like "E003351," claim they need to review your "supply charges." Their goal is to trick you into providing your account number, which they can use to illegally switch your service to a different, often more expensive, third-party supplier without your consent.
Your utility company already has your account information and will not call you asking to "review" it. This is a known scam tactic used by third-party energy suppliers to switch your service without proper authorization.
"Yes hi this is Sandra Turner I was trying to reach you regarding an important matter of reviewing your supply charges on your PS ENG electric account so if you could just return my call my number is 201-347-0233... and then your record ID number to refer to when you call back is E as in Edward 003351 thank you..."
This widespread scam involves text messages and calls pretending to be from services like DoorDash, Amazon, or FedEx. You might receive a text about a DoorDash order you never placed from restaurants like Pizza Hut or Subway, often with a suspicious link to track it. In other cases, callers impersonate FedEx or Amazon, claiming there's an issue with a delivery or a fraudulent charge for hundreds of dollars to get your personal information or address.
While DoorDash uses automated texts, they won't come with orders you didn't place. Companies like Amazon will not call you about fraudulent charges and ask for remote access to your computer; they handle security alerts through their official app and email.
"Got a call from this number about an Amazon charge, they wanted to access my computer by running a program called teamviewer. this is a scam. I checked my bank and Amazon acct and there was no charge."
These callers are exceptionally hostile, targeting people with offers for student loan forgiveness. If you show hesitation, ask to be removed from their list, or question their legitimacy, the callers often become abusive. Victims report being cursed at, called names like "whore" and "motherf'er," and threatened that the caller would ensure their wages are garnished. This aggressive behavior is a tactic to intimidate and scare you into complying.
Legitimate debt relief and student loan programs do not employ agents who curse at and threaten potential clients. Official information on federal student loan forgiveness is only available through government websites like StudentAid.gov.
"Got a call about student loan forgiveness. I was transferred to a woman, when she said hello, I didn't say anything. She then told me to f--- off and hung up. A couple minutes later, I received a text message from another number... the message stated 'you dumb bitch don't waste my time, I'm gonna make sure your garnished now'."
One of the most frequent complaints involves robocalls claiming your car's warranty is about to expire. These calls are relentless, often occurring 4-6 times a day from various 201 numbers to evade call blockers. The callers, like a "Stacy from the auto service center," will pressure you to "press 1 to speak with a warranty specialist," even if you don't own the car they're referencing or have repeatedly asked to be removed from their list.
These calls are not from your car manufacturer or dealership. They are from third-party sellers using aggressive and often illegal tactics to sell overpriced and often useless service contracts.
"Calls almost daily from different numbers. Asks some times to speak to Ethel. No Ethel here, don't even know an Ethel. Then asks who the owner of a Ford F-150 is...it's an extended warranty scam..."
This scam specifically targets local New Jersey businesses. A caller using a name like "Kevin Adams," "Ryan Young," or "Raymond" will leave a voicemail about urgent "state and federal OSHA requirements" or other compliance issues. They often use a spoofed local number on caller ID but ask you to call back a different 201 number. Their goal is to scare business owners into buying unnecessary safety posters, training materials, or services.
OSHA does not call businesses to sell compliance products. They communicate about official matters through certified mail or conduct in-person inspections. These calls are from private companies using fear tactics to sell their products.
"Has called from 972-885-6792 twice in the last 2 hours, leaves a message 'Hi, this is Raymond calling in regards to the company's OSHA safety requirements. Please call me back at 201-383-4560' Little do they know."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 201 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in New Jersey, United States. Area code 201 is a general purpose code that has been in service since January 1, 1947.
Most common 201 scam types are:
You're likely experiencing "Neighbor Spoofing." Scammers fake their caller ID to display local or familiar numbers. If you live in or near New Jersey, or have a 201 phone number yourself, scammers know you're more likely to answer what appears to be a local call.
Calling back to unknown spam number may incur premium charges or at least confirm your phone number is active and lead to more spam and scam calls.
There are three main ways to reduce spam calls:
It's definitely possible to block all specific area code phone numbers. However, we do not recommend this option because it would also prevent friends, family, doctors, and legitimate businesses from reaching you.
Other New Jersey area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: