Scammers use the 213 area code to pose as the Chinese Consulate or utility companies threatening shutoffs. They use fear and urgency to make you pay immediately to avoid trouble.
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 213 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof California (Los Angeles, East Los Angeles, South Gate) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 213 scams based on user comments:
This is one of the most pervasive scams in the 213 area code. Residents report receiving relentless robocalls in Mandarin Chinese (and occasionally broken English) claiming to be from the "Consulate General of the People's Republic of China in Los Angeles." The scripts often claim you have an urgent package that has not been picked up, an important document regarding your legal status in the USA, or that you are implicated in an international money laundering scheme.
Foreign consulates and embassies do not use automated robocalls to notify individuals of legal documents or pending arrests. Official legal notifications are almost always sent via certified mail.
"Hello this is a notice from consulate general of the peoples Republic of China in Untied States. You have an important document that has not yet been received. Today is the last notice. Please contact us..."
Scammers posing as "compliance officers" or process servers call to threaten you with an imminent lawsuit or court summons. Users in Los Angeles report aggressive calls from people identifying themselves as "Jessica Novak," "Martin Ravendale," or "Daniel Lewis," claiming they will serve you legal papers at your home or workplace. They insist you have a specific window of time (usually 2 hours) to call back and pay a "settlement" to stop the process.
Real process servers rely on the element of surprise to serve you papers; they do not call ahead to warn you, as this would allow you to avoid them. Furthermore, legitimate courts do not solicit payments over the phone to cancel warrants.
"This is compliance officer Jessica Novak from State of California. You were supposed to appear for a court hearing... If you were not properly served, please contact my office directly. If you fail to do so, you will be legally prosecuted in this case."
Scammers target Los Angeles residents by impersonating utility providers like LADWP (Los Angeles Department of Water and Power), PG&E, or "Just Energy." They claim a technician is currently at your property or en route to disconnect your water and power within 15 to 30 minutes. To stop the disconnection, they demand an immediate payment, often citing a specific amount like a "$499 security deposit" for a "smart meter."
Utility companies are required by law to send multiple written notices by mail before disconnecting service. They never demand immediate payment over the phone to stop a technician who is already dispatched.
"Call... stating the DWP technician was at my house and was going to shut off my water and power in 15 min if I didn't pay a $499.00 security deposit for the smart meter they installed."
Callers posing as the "Social Security Administration," "Inspector General," or "Department of Justice" claim your SSN has been "suspended" or "flagged for illegal activity." Users report threats involving "abandoned cars" containing drugs near the Mexico border or general "fraudulent activities." They demand you verify your personal information or pay to remove an arrest warrant.
Your Social Security number cannot be "suspended," "locked," or "cancelled." The SSA will never call to threaten you with arrest or demand money to resolve an identity theft issue.
"This is a final reminder from the office of Inspector General of Social Security administration. Your social security number has been suspended and request you get back to us so that we can discuss about this case."
A high volume of SMS text messages are sent from 213 numbers promoting a "CoinCircle" app or similar crypto schemes. The texts usually address the recipient by name or claim a friend sent the invite. They promise unrealistic returns, such as "8% APY" on Bitcoin or Ethereum, and claim you can earn "$200 daily."
Legitimate investment platforms do not solicit customers via random text messages promising guaranteed daily income. These are phishing attempts designed to steal your financial information or Ponzi schemes.
"Hey, check out this app - it lets you buy, sell, earn, and borrow crypto. We can also earn up to 8% APY on USD, BTC, and ETH. Join using my link - we can both earn $200 daily."
Callers claiming to be from "VTech Solutions," "Geek Squad," or simply "technical support" leave voicemails stating you will be charged a large sum (often $299, $399, or $499) for an antivirus subscription you never ordered. They instruct you to call back to "cancel" the charge, at which point they try to gain remote access to your computer to "process the refund."
Legitimate companies do not proactively call you to cancel a service or offer a refund for a product you didn't buy. If a charge were real, you would handle it through your bank, not by letting a stranger access your PC.
"Robo type voice stated the company as VTec Solutions and that our account would be charged $399 for an anti-virus upgrade and that we had 48 hours to call to cancel."
A particularly disturbing form of harassment reported in the 213 area involves unsolicited FaceTime video calls, often late at night (e.g., midnight to 3 AM). If the victim answers, they are immediately shown graphic, indecent exposure (a man exposing himself or masturbating).
This is a form of digital sexual harassment. There is no legitimate reason for an unknown number to request a video call.
"Received a FT call around midnight of a boy/man with his face covered while masturbating. Very disturbing!!... No answering unknown FT calls!"
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 213 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in California, United States. Area code 213 is a general purpose code that has been in service since January 1, 1947.
Most common 213 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 213 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: