Callers from area code 217 often threaten legal action or claim there is an issue with your Medicare benefits. They are trying to verify your personal details to steal your identity.
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 217 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Illinois (Springfield, Champaign, Decatur) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 217 scams based on user comments:
Residents in Central Illinois are receiving aggressive robocalls threatening legal action. Scammers leave voicemails claiming a "legal case has been filed on your name" or that there is a "pending service of summons" that will be executed at your home and workplace. Callers may identify themselves as being from "United Financial Solutions" or give a name like "Benjamin Alpert," warning that if you don't call back, a warrant will be issued for your arrest.
Real process servers and law enforcement officers do not call you ahead of time to warn you about a warrant or serving documents; they simply show up. These calls are designed to scare you into acting quickly without thinking.
"They keep telling me that if I don’t call them back to resolve a legal issue, they will issue a warrant for my arrest."
These scams target Illinois seniors with calls about their Social Security or Medicare benefits. A recorded voice, sometimes identifying as "Audrey" or "Nancy from Medicare," will claim your "SSN has been suspended" or that you are ineligible for benefits unless you act now. They may also claim to be returning a call you made about disability benefits, even if you never made such an inquiry.
The Social Security Administration and Medicare will almost always contact you via U.S. Mail, not with threatening robocalls. Your Social Security Number cannot be "suspended."
"Your SSN has been suspended and a case has been filed under your name at Federal Court house. So before you get arrested kindly press 1, I repeat press 1."
One of the most persistent complaints in the 217 area code involves robocalls about your vehicle's extended warranty. A recorded message will state they have been "trying to reach you" regarding your car's expiring warranty. These callers are aggressive and will continue calling from many different numbers even after you've asked them to stop or blocked them.
These calls are not from your car manufacturer or dealer. Legitimate companies send warranty information by mail and do not use these high-pressure, illegal robocall tactics.
"This number and MANY others similar to it have been calling my phone over the last few months. All are from some people saying something about getting a new 'warranty' on an old vehicle... I have asked repeatedly to stop being called, and I am still called."
Scammers are sending deceptive text messages about fake orders from retailers like Amazon. The texts often mention a high-value item you supposedly purchased, such as a "Samsung Air Conditioner" or an "LG Washing machine," and provide a strange link to "confirm" or "update" your details. These links lead to phishing websites designed to steal your personal and financial information.
Amazon and other major retailers will not send you order confirmations or account warnings via random text messages with unofficial links. All official communication will be within your account on their secure platform.
"received text stating 'you paid 2748.96 against Samsung Air Conditioner Order id PY52421VDF at AMZN on 05-24-2021. If NOT YOU, Call 1-833-220-3983' Did not click link, blocked number."
Callers are pretending to collect donations for police and veterans organizations in Illinois. They use official-sounding names like the "Illinois Police Fund" or a "disabled veterans organization" to sound credible. They often ask for a specific pledge, like $20, and can be very persistent, calling multiple times even after being told no.
Legitimate Illinois police departments and sheriff's offices do not call residents to solicit donations. Most fundraising for official organizations is done through community events or official mailings, not cold calls.
"Police charity scam he has called over 24 Times saying he is with the police department and would like to count on me to donate $20 to the police fund..."
This is a tricky scam where the caller's only goal is to get you to say the word "yes." The call may start with a simple question like, "Can you hear me okay?" or the caller might claim to be having issues with their Bluetooth. Once they have a recording of your voice saying "yes," they can potentially use it to authorize fraudulent charges on your phone or utility bills.
This is a well-known tactic used for "voice signature" phishing. Scammers want to record you saying "yes" to use it as proof that you agreed to a purchase or service you never actually wanted.
"Hello, my name is Sherry. I'm calling from the automotive department on a recorded line. Can you hear me okay?"
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 217 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Illinois, United States. Area code 217 is a general purpose code that has been in service since January 1, 1947.
Most common 217 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 Illinois, or have a 217 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 Illinois area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: