The 224 area code is targeted by Social Security suspension threats and student loan forgiveness schemes. Callers promise to erase your debt or fix your social security status in exchange for a fee.
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 224 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Illinois (Elgin, Waukegan, Arlington Heights) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 224 scams based on user comments:
Residents in the 224 area code are receiving robocalls and live calls claiming to be from the Social Security Administration. The caller, often with an Indian accent, alleges fraudulent or criminal activity on your SSN and threatens immediate legal proceedings or suspension of your number if you don't comply or call back.
The Social Security Administration does not call people to warn them about legal action or suspend their number. They communicate primarily through U.S. Mail. Any call threatening legal action related to your SSN is a scam.
"I got a voicemail from this phone number saying they are from Social Security and they are suspending my social security number due to suspicious activity. Anyone else?"
Scammers are targeting area residents with calls about federal student loans, often using names like "Becca Ortiz," "Mia Torres," or "Nadine Smith." They create false urgency by claiming your "prequalified status" for loan forgiveness or discharge is about to expire and you must call back immediately.
Official student loan servicers will not call you with urgent threats about your "prequalified status" expiring. Legitimate forgiveness programs have clear application processes found on official government websites, not through unsolicited phone calls.
"I'm not sure if you received a notice that went out recently regarding your student loans, but either way I don't want your prequalified status to change especially the qualifications for forgiveness or possible on discharge so please give me a call when you have a few minutes so I can go over the details with you."
Extremely persistent callers are harassing residents with claims of old or non-existent debt. They call multiple times a day, refuse to identify their company, and demand your Social Security number before they will provide any details, calling it an "important business matter." When you call back, the number is often reported as out of service.
Legitimate debt collectors are legally required to identify themselves and their company and must provide you with a written validation notice upon request. They cannot refuse to give you information until you provide your SSN over the phone.
"All they will say is this is an important business matter and we can’t give you any information without confirming your social security number at which point I hang up."
This scam involves a robocall or live caller threatening that you will be served with a warrant or legal documents for an unspecified issue. They use scare tactics, mentioning the "Feds and local sheriff" will be involved and that you will be served between specific times, like "3-5pm tomorrow," to pressure you into calling back.
Real process servers do not call ahead to warn you they are coming; their job is to serve you with documents unexpectedly. Law enforcement does not call to warn you about an impending warrant.
"Received a call telling that my name has been linked to criminal activity and I must call 224-241-2544 now or I will be served a warrant between 3-5pm tomorrow for my signature. If I am not available the Feds and local sheriff will be involved."
You receive a text or call claiming a large purchase has been made on your Amazon account for hundreds of dollars (e.g., $568.38 or $892.95). The message provides a phone number and instructs you to call immediately if you did not authorize the purchase, aiming to get your account or credit card information.
Amazon will never call or text you to confirm a purchase and ask you to provide information over the phone. All legitimate order confirmations and issues are handled through your secure account on their official website or app.
"Your request to process ProductID #AMZ163229 is confirmed, total USD568.38 will be debited from your account. Call AMAZON on 18559515422 if not you."
A caller, sometimes claiming to be from a rewards department or medical service, will immediately ask "Can you hear me okay?" Their goal is to get you to say "Yes," which they can record and potentially use as a voice signature to authorize fraudulent charges.
Legitimate callers will identify themselves and the purpose of their call first. This opening question is a known tactic used by scammers to capture your affirmative response for malicious use.
"Caller said she was calling from rewards department and then immediately asked if I could hear her ok. Dummy me said 'yes'. She then hung up."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 224 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Illinois, United States. Area code 224 is a general purpose code that has been in service since January 5, 2002.
Most common 224 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 224 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: