The 214 area code is rife with Social Security legal threats and fake process server scams. Callers claim you are about to be served with court papers unless you make a payment right away.
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 214 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Texas (Dallas, Plano, Garland) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 214 scams based on user comments:
Many Dallas-area residents are receiving terrifying robocalls and live calls claiming to be from the Social Security Administration or IRS. Scammers falsely state that your Social Security Number has been used in fraudulent activities, such as "illegal activity using my social security in the southern border of Texas," and is now suspended. They threaten you with an "arrest warrant" or "legal enforcement action" to scare you into calling them back and providing personal information.
The Social Security Administration and IRS will never call you to threaten you or demand immediate payment. They initiate contact through official U.S. mail, not with intimidating robocalls threatening your arrest.
"The moment you receive this message I need you to get back to me on my department division number... now if I don't hear a call from you we will have to issue an arrest warrant under your name and get you arrested so get back to me as soon as possible thank you…"
These aggressive callers prey on fear by claiming a legal complaint has been filed against you or a family member. They use names like "Ashley Mitchell" from "Sachs and Associates" and threaten to send a "process server" to your home or workplace if you don't call back. These scammers often have old personal information, like maiden names or past addresses, and will harass your relatives to create a false sense of legitimacy.
Real process servers do not call ahead to warn you; their job is to serve legal documents in person without prior notice. Legitimate debt collectors are legally forbidden from harassing you, threatening arrest, or discussing your debt with third parties like family or employers.
"My sister received a call from some one by the name of Ashley Mitchell today referencing court preceding against me. The number 214-281-8914. Asking my sister to locate me and additional information from her."
This scam specifically targets local Dallas businesses. Callers claim to be from "Merchant Services" and lie that you've been "overcharged" on your credit card processing fees. Their goal is to trick you or an employee into pulling out a recent statement and reading them your account information so they can either steal your details or slam you with a new, high-cost contract.
Your real payment processor already has all of your account and statement information. They would never call and ask you to read it back to them to fix a supposed billing error.
"She stated she was from Merchant Services on us being 'over charged' for processing fees for credit card payments we accept, but couldn't tell which credit card processing company I even use."
You may receive a text message claiming to be from a familiar service like USPS, FedEx, Amazon, or Netflix. The message will create a false problem, stating your package dispatch was "postponed," your Netflix payment was "declined," or you won a prize from AT&T. These texts always include a suspicious link, which is designed to steal your personal information or install malware on your phone.
Major companies and delivery services use their official websites and apps for communication, not random text messages with unofficial links. They will never ask for personal or payment information through an unsecured text message.
"USPS: planned dispatch time of your package 1z82753 was changed. Make sure to verify here: CHRISTOPHER q2fzs.info/A45tvkuf9k"
These unsolicited calls and "ringless voicemails" often feature a friendly-sounding person, frequently named "Maria," who claims they "drove by" your property in Dallas and want to make you an all-cash offer. They use this tactic to seem like a local neighbor, but it is a mass-marketing ploy to find homeowners to lowball, even contacting people who don't own property in Texas.
These calls are from wholesale investors or lead generation companies, not a neighbor who happened to drive by. Their goal is to get your property under contract for far below market value and then quickly sell that contract to a real investor for a profit.
"Same annoying message from a chatty neighborhood 'Maria' who says she's seen my property and want to make and offer. But I do not own any property in Texas and do not live in Texas."
This is a particularly scary scam where criminals impersonate law enforcement, such as the DEA or "Dallas Narcotics," sometimes using the name "Angel Claudio." They claim you're part of a major investigation, often referencing a very old online purchase, and threaten you with immediate arrest. Their goal is to frighten you into paying a fake "fine" with cash, bitcoin, or gift cards to make the charges disappear.
Law enforcement agencies will never call you to demand money. Warrants are served in person by uniformed officers, and official fines are handled through the court system, not via phone calls demanding payment in bitcoin.
"Oh this guy is good...very convincing. Ultimately he instructed me to get cash and go to federal courthouse downtown to 'sign an affidavit' and pay a fine...when I said 2 minutes away I was instructed to pull over for bad news. 'I was too late and the arrest warrant was signed...'"
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 214 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Texas, United States. Area code 214 is a general purpose code that has been in service since January 1, 1947.
Most common 214 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 Texas, or have a 214 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 Texas area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: