The 218 area code is seeing a flood of Medicare imposter scams and IRS arrest threats. These fraudsters try to trick seniors and other residents into sharing sensitive health or financial data.
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 218 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Minnesota (Duluth, Moorhead, Hibbing) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 218 scams based on user comments:
Scammers are actively calling Minnesota residents in the 218 area code, falsely claiming to be from United Healthcare, the "Medicare Help Line," or another health service. Callers, sometimes using names like "Nancy" or "Meredith," will offer free items like back braces or topical pain cream, then pressure you for your Social Security or Medicare number to "verify" your eligibility.
Medicare and legitimate insurance companies like United Healthcare will almost never call you to offer free products or ask for your personal numbers over the phone. Official communication is typically sent through U.S. Mail.
"Caller said he was preparing to send a Complimentary gift of health products free of charge. Caller already had my nick name and address. then asked for SS or Medicare #. When I said NO caller hang up."
This is an aggressive scam designed to frighten you. An automated or live caller will claim to be from the IRS, stating you are "hiding taxes" or have an outstanding issue. They will threaten that a lawsuit is being filed against you and that you will be arrested if you don't provide personal information or send money immediately.
The real IRS always initiates contact with taxpayers through official letters sent via the U.S. Mail. They will never call to demand immediate payment, threaten you with arrest, or ask for payment information over the phone.
"Someone called and said they needed my social security number to clear up a problem with my taxes pr I would be arrested. When I refused to give them the infomation. They called me a bitch and hung up."
A deeply disturbing trend involves numbers from the 218 area code sending unsolicited and pornographic material. Residents report receiving disgusting text messages containing lewd photos of male genitalia, explicit videos, and vulgar requests, often late at night or in the early morning hours.
This is not a financial scam but a form of digital harassment and is illegal. No legitimate organization will ever send unsolicited pornographic material. These are malicious individuals seeking to shock and disturb recipients.
"Received a text message from this number with male genitalia pictures and a video"
Scammers are robocalling residents with threats of pending legal action. The recorded message or live caller may claim a "complaint has been filed against you" or that they are calling to "serve you with legal papers." When you call back, they may be evasive or hang up after making vague threats about you having "fun in court."
Legitimate process servers do not call ahead to warn you; they deliver legal documents in person. Furthermore, law enforcement does not call to warn you about an impending arrest for a civil matter.
"robo call stating they serving me papers and i have been notified. I call number and the guy said my name and repo then said had fun in court. He hung up on me"
These are relentless, high-volume robocalls trying to sell you an extended vehicle warranty. The automated message often creates a false sense of urgency about your car's warranty expiring. Callers frequently ask about a vehicle you sold years ago or never even owned, and will hang up if you question where they got your information.
These calls are from third-party telemarketers, not your car manufacturer or dealership. Legitimate companies will contact you via official mail regarding your warranty status, not through illegal robocalls.
"After trying to verify my name, they tried to sell me an extended vehicle warranty. When questioned about how they got my information, they hung up. I called back, many times. Each time I got a different person, and each time they went on a spiel about how my warranty expired on the first. Total scam."
This specific text scam targets people with offers that are too good to be true. You may receive a text from "Sweet Treats Ice Cream" offering you $500 per week to put a logo on your car. Another version claims your phone number won the "Mega Millions/iPhone lottery" and instructs you to email an agent named "Katie McGrath" to claim your prize.
Legitimate companies do not recruit for car wrap advertising via random texts, and you cannot win a lottery you did not enter. These are phishing attempts to steal your information or trick you into an advance-fee scam where you pay money to get your "winnings."
"Hi there you have been chosen as one of the lucky people we would like to work with. Sweet Treats Ice Cream seeks people from your city who will allow us to plaster our logo on their car/bike or in front of their house/apartment for advert and you will be getting 500 dollars per week."
Business owners in the 218 area code are being targeted by extremely persistent and rude callers. A man identifying himself as "James Murphy at AMP" repeatedly calls, demanding to speak with the person in charge of credit card processing. He makes unbelievable claims, such as saving you 40-60% on your fees, and becomes hostile if you refuse to engage.
Reputable financial service providers do not use harassment and high-pressure tactics. They will identify themselves professionally and offer to send official information for you to review, not demand sensitive business details on a cold call.
"I have been getting calls (repeatedly) from a person named James Murphy at AMP... He is extremely rude and persistent. I hung up on him three times, finally telling him to NOT call back again. It is a credit card processing scam/phishing activity."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 218 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Minnesota, United States. Area code 218 is a general purpose code that has been in service since January 1, 1947.
Most common 218 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 Minnesota, or have a 218 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 Minnesota area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: