The 212 area code is famous for Chinese language robocalls and fake FTC lottery scams. These callers try to trick you into believing you won a prize or have legal issues to get your banking details.
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 212 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof New York (New York) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 212 scams based on user comments:
This is the most frequently reported nuisance call in the 212 area code. Residents receive a pre-recorded robocall, usually in Mandarin or another Chinese dialect, often with music playing in the background. The scammers claim to be from the Chinese Consulate, DHL, or UPS, warning about an undeliverable package, an expiring visa document, or money that is owed to you, all in an attempt to get your personal information.
Official consulates and delivery services like DHL or UPS do not use unsolicited robocalls to inform you of package or document issues. They use official mail, email, and secure tracking information on their websites.
"Got a massage on answer machine from this number in Chinese, said we have a package from UPS is undeliverable for three time, need contact with them. I think it is a scam, we didn't see any UPS delivery coming... it is fraud, don't call them or talk to them."
This is a particularly cruel scam that targets residents by claiming they've won a massive prize. Callers say they are from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), using fake names like "John Reed" or "Pablo Sanchez," and tell you that you have won $750,000 or more from Publishers Clearing House or a Procter & Gamble raffle. The catch is they demand you pay thousands of dollars in "fees" before you can receive your non-existent winnings.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) does not call people to award prize money. It's a federal crime to ask someone to pay for a prize. If you have to pay, it's not a prize—it's a scam.
"My elderly parents have been returning calls to this number and sent a total of $31,000.00 to these scammers claiming they have won the Publishers Clearing House sweepstakes. The FBI now involved."
This widespread robocall scam uses fear to trick you. An automated message claims that your Social Security Number (SSN) has been compromised or will be "cancelled" or "suspended" due to fraudulent activity, often mentioning crimes discovered on the "southern Texas border." The caller ID is sometimes spoofed to look official, even showing up as the "DEA" (Drug Enforcement Agency).
The Social Security Administration will never call you to threaten your benefits or tell you your SSN has been suspended. They initiate contact by mail, not by phone for such matters.
"Robo call says my SSN will be suspended for fraud in Texas and other states. They have already called me twice today."
In this tech support scam, you receive an automated call claiming there has been a security breach on your Apple iCloud account. The message often states that your account has been accessed multiple times from a foreign location, like Mexico, and instructs you to speak with a support agent. Their goal is to gain your trust and convince you to give them remote access to your computer to steal your information.
Apple does not make unsolicited phone calls to warn you about security breaches. They will never ask for your password or request remote access to your device over the phone.
"Got a call stating that my iCloud account was accessed 30 times from Mexico. Then requested that I log on to my computer. I told him I will change my iCloud account, but will not provide anyone access to my computer. He hung up"
Scammers call claiming to be from a "Personal Injury Law Group" and reference a recent car accident you were supposedly involved in. Using names like "Max Lopez" or "Eddie Ortiz," they attempt to pressure you into filing a fraudulent insurance claim for non-existent injuries. They will fish for your personal details, including your social security number, date of birth, and the police report number from the accident.
The DMV does not release your personal phone number to third-party law firms for solicitation purposes. Legitimate legal contact regarding an accident would come from your insurance company or through official mail, not an unsolicited phone call.
"A person claiming to be called Max Lopez contact me and wanting to 'help' me after a reported accident I had been in...wanted my ss number, date of birth, address as well as the filing number of the police report that was filed. These lowlives really do not have any shame!!"
This scam arrives as a text message, not a call. The message claims you have an "Amazon Bonus credit" or "Amazon Rewards credit" for an amount like $130 or $150 that is about to expire. It often addresses you by a random first name and contains a suspicious-looking link, urging you to click it to claim your reward before it's too late. The link is designed to steal your personal or financial information.
Amazon does not notify customers of rewards or credits through unsolicited text messages with unofficial links. All legitimate account information, gift cards, and credits will appear in your account dashboard when you log in securely.
"Jamie, you still have $150 Amazon Bonus credit: w3fsv.info/8UyNSHqQCU See what you can buy before it expires on 03/28 w3fsv.info/8UyNSHqQCU"
These scammers target businesses by pretending to be from an employment screening company like "Sterling Testing." They call your workplace asking for the HR department to verify the employment or education history of a person who has never worked there. This is a social engineering tactic used to gather information, such as the names and titles of real employees, for more targeted scams later.
Legitimate background check companies have precise information about the applicant they are verifying and follow strict protocols. They do not cold-call businesses to fish for random employee data.
"Got a call on my work phone asking for the HR dept. for a different company. Absolutely a scam."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 212 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in New York, United States. Area code 212 is a general purpose code that has been in service since January 1, 1947.
Most common 212 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 York, or have a 212 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 York area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: