Area Code 210 Scams and Spam Calls

San Antonio's 210 area code is seeing many Social Security legal threats and bank impersonation calls. Fraudsters pretend to be from your bank or the government to steal your money or account access.

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.

Texas Phone Number Lookups

Most Common Area Code 210 Scams

Getting calls from 210 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Texas (San Antonio, Schertz, Universal City) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 210 scams based on user comments:

San Antonio residents are receiving a high volume of robocalls claiming to be from the Social Security Administration. The automated message warns that "legal enforcement actions" have been filed against your Social Security Number for "fraudulent activity" or "criminal activities." Callers may identify themselves with fake names like "Officer Shawn Peterson" and threaten that your SSN will be suspended or that you will be arrested if you don't call them back immediately.

Warning Signs

  • A robotic voice threatens you with legal proceedings or arrest.
  • The caller claims your Social Security Number has been suspended or used in a crime.
  • They may identify themselves as a specific "officer" like Brandon Hammer or Jose Sanders.
  • The message creates urgency, demanding you call back immediately.

Protect Yourself

  • Hang up the phone. Do not press any numbers.
  • Never provide your Social Security number or other personal information.
  • Block the phone number.
  • Report the scam call to the Social Security Administration's Office of the Inspector General (OIG).

The Social Security Administration will not call you to threaten you with arrest or legal action. They primarily communicate through official U.S. mail and will never ask you to verify your SSN over the phone to avoid being arrested.

Real Victim Quote

"Hi this is Officer Sean Peterson calling you from the Department of Social Security administration the reason you have received his phone call from Social Security department is just to inform you that there is a legal enforcement action filed against on your Social Security number for criminal activities so when you get this message kindly call us as soon as possible..."

Fake Process Server & Lawsuit Scam

This aggressive scam involves callers pretending to be process servers, compliance officers, or from the "Bexar County Legal Department." They claim you have a pending case or civil matter and that they will be serving you with legal documents at your home or place of employment. These callers, using names like "Dave walker" or "Mr. Boone," are often extremely rude and will yell or threaten you if you question them, sometimes telling you to "shut your mouth."

Warning Signs

  • The caller threatens to serve you papers at your home or work.
  • They become hostile, verbally abusive, or hang up when you ask for details.
  • They reference a fake case number and demand you call an 855 number to resolve it.
  • They call your family members or coworkers trying to find you.

Protect Yourself

  • Do not confirm your name, address, or any other personal information.
  • Contact your local county clerk's office directly to see if any real case has been filed against you.
  • Look up the phone number on a reverse lookup service like ThisNumber.com.
  • Report the number to the FTC.

Real process servers do not call you ahead of time to warn you they are coming. They are paid to locate you and deliver documents in person, and they will not threaten you or demand payment over the phone.

Real Victim Quote

"The call showed as 'Spam Likely'... The gentleman asked for a wrong first name and when I told him I didn't know that name, he asked for other names. I asked what company he was calling from and all he would say was that he was a process server so I pressed for more info, he told me to shut my mouth. I hung up."

USAA & Bank Impersonation Scam

Be cautious of calls that appear to be from your bank, even if the caller ID looks legitimate. Scammers are spoofing the phone numbers of local institutions like USAA and Chase. They'll claim to be from the fraud department, alerting you to fake suspicious charges from places like Target or for Bitcoin. Their goal is to create panic so you'll click a fake verification link they text you or give them your login details to "secure your account."

Warning Signs

  • Caller ID says "USAA" or "JPMorgan Chase," but the call is unexpected.
  • They report fake charges to get you to act quickly.
  • They send a text message with a suspicious link that does not go to the bank's official website.
  • They ask for your online banking login, password, or SSN over the phone.

Protect Yourself

  • Hang up and call your bank directly using the number on their official website or the back of your card.
  • Never click on links sent in unsolicited text messages.
  • Do not give out your username, password, or PIN to anyone who calls you.
  • Check your account status through your bank's official app or website.

While your bank's fraud department might call you about suspicious activity, they will never ask you to log in through an unsecure link sent via text or ask for your password over the phone.

Real Victim Quote

"Received a call from 210-531-8722, listed as USAA on my caller id, so I answered the call. They said they were in the fraud department and wanted to verify charges... He sent me a link via text to further secure my account and needed me to login from there for security. It did not have usaa in the link he sent me."

CPS Energy Impersonation Scam

This scam targets San Antonio locals by spoofing the caller ID to look like "CPS ENERGY." An automated message warns that your electricity will be disconnected in 30 minutes due to non-payment. To prevent the shutoff, you are instructed to immediately call a separate 1-800 number to make a payment, creating a false sense of emergency.

Warning Signs

  • An automated call threatens to shut off your power within 30 minutes.
  • The caller ID might say "CPS Energy," but the call is unexpected.
  • You are directed to call a different number than the official CPS Energy customer service line.
  • They demand immediate payment via credit card, wire transfer, or gift cards.

Protect Yourself

  • Hang up the phone immediately.
  • Check your bill and account status directly through the official CPS Energy website or by calling their official number.
  • Never make a payment over the phone to a number given to you by an unsolicited caller.

CPS Energy provides multiple written notices long before disconnecting service. They do not call with a 30-minute warning demanding immediate payment over the phone.

Real Victim Quote

"CALLER ID SAID CPS ENERGY .AUTOMATED CALL SAYING THEY WOULD DISCONECT THE ELECTRICITY FOR NONE PAYMENT IN 30 MINUTES UNLESS YOU CALL HEAD QUATERS AT 1800 991 2897"

Fake Amazon & Apple Support Alerts

Scammers are calling and texting, pretending to be from Amazon or Apple support. They will claim a fraudulent, expensive purchase was made on your account, such as an iPhone or a charge for nearly a thousand dollars. Other versions claim your iCloud account was breached from another country like Russia. Their goal is to scare you into calling back or visiting a fake website to "cancel" the charge, where they will try to steal your login credentials or financial information.

Warning Signs

  • An automated message warns you of a large purchase you did not make.
  • The message says your account has been compromised from a foreign country.
  • They ask you to press 1 or call a number back to speak with "customer service" to resolve the issue.
  • They may ask for remote access to your computer.

Protect Yourself

  • Do not call the number back or press any buttons.
  • Log in to your Amazon or Apple account directly using the official app or website to verify any activity.
  • Never give out your password or account information over the phone.
  • Never grant a stranger remote access to your computer.

Amazon and Apple will not call you about suspicious orders. Notifications about your account are handled securely through their official websites, apps, and emails from verified company addresses.

Real Victim Quote

"Trying to pose as Amazon Customer service letting you know someone is buying something on your account for almost a thousand dollars."

Unsolicited "Cash for Your Home" Offers

Many San Antonio residents are receiving unsolicited text messages and robocalls from individuals claiming to be real estate investors who want to buy their house for cash. These callers, sometimes using names like "Justin" or "April," often know your name and full address, which can be unsettling. While some may be legitimate wholesalers, many are data mining operations or using high-pressure tactics.

Warning Signs

  • You receive an unsolicited text asking if you want to sell your property.
  • The message uses your name and correct home address.
  • The caller is vague, identifying only as a "local investor" without a company name.
  • They persist even after you say you're not interested.

Protect Yourself

  • Do not reply to the text, as this confirms your number is active and invites more spam.
  • Block the number on your phone.
  • Never provide personal or financial information to an unsolicited caller or texter.

Your name and property address are public records, which is how these individuals get your information. However, legitimate real estate professionals typically use more formal methods of contact and do not rely on aggressive, unsolicited text messages.

Real Victim Quote

"Texted me about buying a house next to my house and gave me MY address. Um, no replying to that sort of fishing... I may have been born, but it wasn't yesterday."

Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls

Is area code 210 a scam?

No, area code 210 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Texas, United States. Area code 210 is a general purpose code that has been in service since November 1, 1992.

What are the most common area code 210 scams?

Most common 210 scam types are:

Why do I get spam calls from area code 210?

You're likely experiencing "Neighbor Spoofing." Scammers fake their caller ID to display local or familiar numbers. If you live in or near Texas, or have a 210 phone number yourself, scammers know you're more likely to answer what appears to be a local call.

What happens if I call back a spam number?

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.

How to stop spam calls from the same area code?

There are three main ways to reduce spam calls:

  1. The Do Not Call Registry: Register your number at donotcall.gov
  2. Carrier Tools: Contact your phone carrier about their spam blocking solutions
  3. Third-Party Apps: Install spam call blocking apps that identify and filter scam numbers

Can I block all calls from a specific area code?

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.

Scams and Spam in Other Texas Area Codes

Other Texas area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: