Scams from the 229 area code often involve government impersonation and high volumes of Medicare robocalls. Callers pretend to be officials to trick you into providing your social security or health insurance numbers.
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 229 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Georgia (Albany, Valdosta, Thomasville) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 229 scams based on user comments:
Residents in southwest Georgia are receiving aggressive calls from scammers pretending to be from the Social Security Administration, IRS, or even the "US Treasury Department." These robocalls falsely claim you've committed tax evasion or that illegal activity is linked to your Social Security number, threatening immediate legal action, suspension of your benefits, or even arrest by local authorities if you don't comply.
The real Social Security Administration and IRS will never call to threaten you with arrest or demand immediate payment. They primarily communicate through official, mailed correspondence, not threatening phone calls.
"Claimed they were Social Security and were going to arrest me if I didn’t give them my personal information. I told them to go ahead and arrest me. They hung up."
These are relentless, high-pressure telemarketing campaigns that can call dozens of times a day. Callers, sometimes identifying as "Randy Miller" or from the "Diabetes Center," push Medicare supplement insurance, medical braces, or other supplies. Many residents report that these barrages of calls began right after inquiring about health insurance online at sites like HealthCare.com.
Legitimate insurance agents and medical suppliers do not engage in this level of harassment. These high-volume tactics are a sign of aggressive lead-generation companies that sell your information, not reputable healthcare providers.
"I had over 20 calls in a 24 hour period. I was just looking for information online, not to be bothered with constant telemarketing calls. I have since blocked all those numbers on my phone, but this one calls every day."
Scammers are targeting job seekers on sites like Indeed with fake employment opportunities. They send text messages claiming to be from legitimate companies like Deloitte Limited or Mediphage Bioceuticals, using names like "Mrs Lori Ledford" or "Mrs Daniel Monica." They offer an attractive pay rate, such as $35 per hour, and try to conduct the entire "interview" process over text to steal your personal information.
Professional companies like Deloitte have formal, multi-step hiring processes that involve phone screens, video interviews, and official HR paperwork. They do not hire employees based on a simple text message exchange.
"My resume is on Indeed and as I type this they are trying to get all my information."
This scam involves a call or text claiming to be from a major company like Amazon, Apple, Chase Bank, or Cash App about a suspicious transaction. For example, they might claim there was a $398 payment on your Cash App or that your Apple device will be deactivated for 6 months. The goal is to create panic and trick you into calling back and providing account details or remote access to your device.
Companies like Amazon and Apple will not call you about account issues and threaten to deactivate your products. All official communication about suspicious activity happens through their secure apps or official websites, not through unsolicited, high-pressure phone calls.
"Yes - they claim to be with Apple and threaten that if not given money your Apple device will be deactivated for 6 months and that even the Apple stores cannot help you."
This is a cruel and targeted scam designed to exploit an grandparent's love for their family. A scammer will call an elderly person and pretend a grandchild is in serious trouble, often claiming they've been in a car accident and are in jail. In one local case, they claimed the grandchild hit a pregnant woman with their car and needed $6,500 for bond, creating extreme panic and urgency.
If a loved one is arrested, they are given the right to make a phone call themselves. You would not be contacted by a third party demanding thousands of dollars in bond money over the phone in this manner.
"Woman called my grandparents telling them I was in jail for hitting a pregnant lady with my car and needed $6500 bond."
Scammers are calling 229 residents asking for donations on behalf of local police or firefighter organizations. When questioned for details about the charity or where the money is actually going, the caller becomes defensive or evasive. One caller, claiming to represent the "Fraternal Order of the Police," became hostile when asked to stop calling a business number.
Legitimate charities and official benevolent associations welcome scrutiny and will happily provide you with their official website and registration information. High-pressure tactics and evasiveness are major signs of a scam.
"They called asking for money for firefighters but could not give me quality information on where my money would go. I am a firefighter and thought this was fishy."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 229 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Georgia, United States. Area code 229 is a general purpose code that has been in service since August 1, 2000.
Most common 229 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 Georgia, or have a 229 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 Georgia area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: