Residents seeing calls from area code 208 are often targeted by Apple iCloud breach alerts and Social Security threats. The goal is to make you fear identity theft so you give up your personal information to fix the problem.
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 208 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Idaho (Nampa, Meridian) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 208 scams based on user comments:
Dozens of Idaho residents are reporting an relentless flood of robocalls claiming to be from Apple Support. The automated message warns that your "iCloud account has been breached," sometimes mentioning foreign countries like Russia and Japan, and urges you to call a 208 number to speak with an "Apple Support Advisor." These calls come from many different spoofed numbers, making them impossible to block, with some victims receiving over 20 calls in a single day.
Apple will never proactively call you to warn about a compromised account. They communicate security alerts through official emails or on-device notifications. Furthermore, the 208 area code numbers they provide are not toll-free, despite what the robocall claims.
"I have had 2 dozen calls from various numbers that all have the same message: my apple account has been breached, and to call this toll free number (208-262-0000). I do not have an I-cloud account... When I try to get a live person they hang up as soon as I say that I don't have an account."
Scammers are calling Idahoans claiming to be from the Social Security Administration (SSA) or another federal agency. They use fear tactics, stating your Social Security Number has been compromised, used in a fraud case, or will be suspended. The goal is to panic you into providing personal information or even sending money via gift cards to "safeguard your accounts."
The Social Security Administration will never call to threaten you, suspend your number, or demand immediate payment. The SSA communicates primarily through U.S. mail, not threatening phone calls.
"claimed my social security number was used in a fraud case and I was going to be arrested."
A particularly aggressive scam involves callers threatening victims with imminent legal action. They claim to have received a "formal complaint" or "fax order" against you and that they will be serving papers at your home or place of employment. They will often threaten to contact your Human Resources department to scare you into complying before they hang up.
Official process servers do not call ahead to warn you that they are coming; their job is to deliver documents, not make threats. A legitimate debt collector must mail you a written validation notice if you request it.
"These ppl said that would be Pershing me at my residence and my place of business when I returned the call they told me I had two complaints against my name when I ask for their information and told them I was tracking the number they immediately hung up the phone..."
This scam starts with a robocall or email claiming there's a problem with a large purchase on your Amazon account for an item like a MacBook Pro or a PlayStation. The message instructs you to call a provided number immediately to cancel the fraudulent order. This is a trick to get you on the phone with a scammer who will then try to steal your credit card or personal information.
Amazon does not call customers about suspicious purchases. All communications and order details can be safely verified by logging into your account on Amazon's official platforms.
"I received an email for a Amazon order that has this number as their customer service number to call... My credit cards have not been billed. Your payment Mode: Credit/Debit Card Amount Due: $1,269.00 USD... Apple Mac Book Pro..."
Many Idaho residents report receiving persistent robocalls about their car's extended warranty being "nearly expired." The recorded message pressures you to act immediately to avoid being responsible for "expensive bills or payments." These are high-pressure sales calls designed to sell you an often overpriced and unnecessary service contract.
These calls are not from your car's manufacturer or dealership. They are from third-party companies using publicly available information to make unsolicited sales calls.
"hello we are calling again to tel you this is your last chance to renew your car warranty, as it is nearly expired, if you do not renew it, you will be on your own to pay off any sort of expensive bills or payments"
Business owners in Idaho should be wary of calls from people claiming there are urgent "changes to your merchant services account" or "risk matrix." Callers are often pushy, demand to speak only with the owner, and are vague about which company they represent, sometimes stating they are "above all banks." Their goal is to trick you into switching your credit card processing service under false pretenses.
Your legitimate credit card processor will always identify themselves clearly and communicate important changes through official channels, like your monthly statement or a direct email. The term "risk matrix" is jargon used to create confusion and pressure you into a sales pitch.
"Same experience. 'Changes to merchant account'. When you ask what company he works for he just says 'I'm at the national level'. SCAM. Went by the name Michael Burgeon."
This scam targets businesses with DOT numbers, using robocalls to claim they are "out of compliance" with their biennial update. The message warns of potential FMC fines and urges a call back to avoid penalties. This is a deceptive marketing tactic from third-party compliance companies trying to trick you into paying them for a service you can do yourself for free or have already handled.
The DOT and FMCSA primarily communicate through official mail and do not use third-party companies to make threatening robocalls about your compliance status. This is simply a deceptive sales pitch.
"DOT MCS-150 Non-compliance call...completely fake"
A massive number of automated calls are hitting Idaho phones with the exact same message. A recorded voice states, "We are a Research Company that conducts in Political Surveys. We are not selling anything." While not a direct financial scam, this high volume of nuisance calls can be extremely disruptive and is often used to identify active phone numbers for future spam or scam calls.
While legitimate political polls exist, they typically identify the polling organization by name. This widespread, anonymous robocall campaign is more likely a method to build a list of active phone numbers to be used for other purposes.
"We are a Research Company that conducts in Political Surveys. We are not selling anything; We are only trying to get people's opinions which are very important to us."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 208 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Idaho, United States. Area code 208 is a general purpose code that has been in service since January 1, 1947.
Most common 208 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 Idaho, or have a 208 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 Idaho area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: