The 220 area code is often used for fake purchase alerts from retailers like Walmart or banks. Callers want you to panic about a fraudulent charge so you give them your account credentials.
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 220 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Ohio (Newark, Lancaster, Marion) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 220 scams based on user comments:
Scammers are robocalling Ohio residents, often pretending to be from Walmart, and falsely reporting a large charge like $1500 to your account. Another version claims a $300 charge was made to your checking account, designed to make you panic and call back the number they provide to "resolve" the non-existent issue.
Legitimate companies like Walmart will not make unsolicited robocalls about account charges. They communicate through secure emails or in-app notifications and would never direct you to call an unverified phone number.
"Said the call was from WalMart and we had a $1500 charge on our account and to call 220-204-3242."
This scam involves a threatening voicemail claiming "fraudulent activity" has been detected on your Social Security account. The message warns that your account will be "permanently closed" if you don't immediately press 1 to speak with an agent, creating a false sense of urgency.
The Social Security Administration will never call you to threaten to suspend your account or demand immediate action. They communicate primarily through official U.S. mail, not through intimidating robocalls.
"I received a call from 1.220.777.2052 regarding fraudulent activity on my social security account. I did not take the call but a voice message was left advising my account would be permanently closed if I did not press one to talk to someone about it."
A company named Portfolio Recovery is reportedly making collection calls to 220 area code numbers. Residents report that they use "spoofing" to make the call appear to be from a local landline number to increase the chances you will answer the phone.
While Portfolio Recovery is a real company, you have legal rights. You can demand all communication be done in writing. Scammers also impersonate debt collectors, so never pay over the phone without first receiving official, mailed documentation verifying the debt.
"This is one of many numbers from around the country used by Portfolio Recovery. They are a debt collecting company"
A caller, often with a foreign accent and a poor connection, will claim you have been awarded a government grant. The goal is to trick you into providing your bank account information, supposedly so they can deposit the "free money" which does not exist.
Real government agencies do not call people out of the blue to award surprise grants. The process to receive government funds is complex and is always initiated by you through official application channels, not by a random phone call.
"Scam-caller claimed I was awarded a government grant and wanted bank account information. Foreign accent and really poor call quality."
An automated message from a caller named "Rebecca with the Health Enrollment Center" calls about "open enrollment." The call specifically targets people paying over $200 per month for healthcare and asks them to call back a toll-free number to explore new options.
"Health Enrollment Center" is a generic name used by many telemarketers and lead generation companies, not an official government agency. Unsolicited calls about health insurance are often designed to gather your personal information or sell you subpar health plans.
“Hey it's Rebecca with the Health Enrollment Center, I'm calling because open enrollment is here if you're paying over $200 per month please give me a call back to explore new 2021 healthcare options 888-307-3196 thank you…”
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 220 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Ohio, United States. Area code 220 is a general purpose code that has been in service since April 22, 2015.
Most common 220 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 Ohio, or have a 220 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 Ohio area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: