The 209 area code is commonly used for fake process server calls and civil complaint threats. Scammers claim you are being sued to pressure you into paying a phantom debt.
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 209 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof California (Stockton, Modesto, Tracy) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 209 scams based on user comments:
This is one of the most aggressive scams hitting the 209 area code, particularly Stockton and Modesto. Users report receiving threatening calls from entities like "Kirk's Office," "CRG," or individuals identifying themselves as "Gretchen Davis," "Michael Davis," or "Mr. Richardson." The callers claim there is a "formal inquiry," "pending matter," or "4 serious allegations" against you. They threaten to serve you with legal papers at your home or place of employment within 24 hours unless you call back immediately to a specific number (often different from the caller ID) to "stop the complaint."
Real process servers and court officers do not call ahead to warn you they are coming; that defeats the purpose of serving you. If a legitimate lawsuit exists, they will simply show up and hand you the papers. They will never ask for payment or a "settlement" over the phone to stop the process.
"This is important message for [Name]... We have documents being issued out from Kirk's office. Please contact 833-826-3402... When calling, you may use reference file number 1188 1310. If there's no return call the home address and place of employment will be deemed verified and documents will be issued directly."
A highly specific robocall campaign is targeting 209 residents claiming to be "Allison" (sometimes "Sarah" or "Rachel") from the "Student Loan Department." The script is nearly identical across hundreds of reports: "Allison" claims she has important information to reduce your debt by 90% or that you have been pre-approved for forgiveness. The callers often leave a specific "reference number," with 985454 being the most frequently reported code in this dataset. Users who have paid off loans decades ago or never attended college are still receiving these calls.
There is no such thing as a generic "Student Loan Department" that calls consumers out of the blue. Legitimate loan forgiveness programs are processed through the Department of Education or your specific loan servicer, and they communicate via official mail or secure email, not random robocalls from "Allison."
"Hey this is Allison in the student loan department I'm reaching out to you about some updates with your student loans into a new program... it is important that you get back to me as soon as possible your reference number is 985454."
Residents in the 209 area are being bombarded with unsolicited text messages from "Anna," "Ariana," or "Zoe" representing "Simply Sell" or "SSHB." These texts ask if you have plans to sell a specific property address. The data shows these scammers often use "spoofed" local numbers and frequently reference addresses that the recipient does not even own. Other names used in these real estate schemes include "Robin Yvette Blakely" and "Cameron," often employing aggressive language if you ask them to stop.
Legitimate real estate investors do not use bot-farms to text random numbers about properties they don't own. These are lead-generation scams designed to harvest active phone numbers and property data to sell to third-party marketers.
"Hi, I'm Anna with Simple Sell. If you have any plans on selling (address), we'd like to know more about it Can we give you a call?"
This dangerous scam involves callers claiming to be from "Microsoft," "Amazon," "Geek Squad," or companies like "Asknet" and "Premium Tech Support." They claim you have been charged a large amount (specifically $299, $399, or $499) for a subscription renewal or that your "iCloud account has been breached." The goal is to panic you into calling back, where they will trick you into downloading software that gives them remote access to your computer to "process a refund," eventually draining your bank account.
Microsoft, Apple, and Amazon will never call you to report a "virus" or a "breach," nor will they ask to remotely control your computer to give you a refund. These companies do not operate via unsolicited outbound calls for individual billing errors.
"Got scammed by popup, I called... PASSED TO ASKNET PREMIUM TECH SUPPORT... multiple people who are supposedly each doing something diff to my computer... check my bank account next day and there were triple and quadruple charges... TOTAL LOSS to scammers $1,655.71!"
Scammers posing as the Social Security Administration (SSA) or the "Treasury Dept" are calling 209 numbers threatening "legal enforcement action." Callers often identify themselves as "Investigator Benjamin," "Evelyn," or simply "an officer." They claim your SSN has been suspended due to "fraudulent activity" in Texas or another state and that you will be arrested or face a "magistrate judge" unless you press 1 or call back immediately.
Your Social Security number cannot be "suspended" or "cancelled." The SSA communicates via US Mail. Any call threatening arrest for immediate payment or information is 100% fraudulent.
"The reason you have received this phone call from our department is to inform you that there's a legal enforcement action filed on your social security number for fraudulent activity... before you get arrested if you need any information... kindly call us back."
Scammers targeting the Central Valley are impersonating PG&E, SMUD, or generic entities like "The CA Power Program" or "Energy Upgrade Program." A specific scammer named "Zoe" sends texts claiming utility rates are increasing and offering to eliminate bills with solar. Other callers threaten that PG&E will shut off power within 30-45 minutes due to unpaid bills unless immediate payment is made via a specific method.
Utility companies like PG&E are required to send multiple written notices before disconnecting service. They will never call you demanding immediate payment within an hour to avoid shutoff.
"The old 'PG&E is going to shut off my power in 30 min. if I don't call their billing number and pay immediately'... I knew it was a scam the first time I heard it."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 209 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in California, United States. Area code 209 is a general purpose code that has been in service since January 1, 1958.
Most common 209 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 California, or have a 209 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 California area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: