The 231 area code is seeing a rise in Social Security legal threats and fake debt collector calls. Scammers claim you owe money and will be sued if you do not pay immediately.
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 231 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Michigan (Muskegon, Norton Shores, Traverse City) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 231 scams based on user comments:
Residents in Northern Michigan are receiving alarming robocalls claiming to be from the "Social Security legal department." These automated messages falsely state that your Social Security Number has been compromised or used for fraudulent activity in places like Texas, and threaten you with arrest, jail time, and monetary fines if you do not call back immediately to resolve the issue.
The Social Security Administration will never call you to threaten arrest or demand immediate payment. They primarily communicate via U.S. Mail and will not suspend your number over the phone.
"Claimed to be calling from social security legal department stating they were taking legal action against my social security account and I would receive jail time and monetary fine. I did not return the call."
This aggressive scam involves callers who claim a lawsuit has been filed against you for an unpaid debt. They use high-pressure tactics, threatening to send the Sheriff to your house to pick you up for a "failure to appear" if you don't comply with their demands for personal information or payment.
Legitimate debt collectors cannot have you arrested for unpaid civil debts. The threat of sending a Sheriff is a scare tactic designed to make you act without thinking.
"Tried to tell me that they were going to send the Sheriff to my house to pick me up for a debt that isn't mine"
These callers frequently target seniors, claiming to be from Medicare or a "Medicare advocacy" group. They create a false sense of urgency by stating your Medicare coverage will be dropped or you will lose eligibility for benefits like cancer screenings or back braces if you don't act immediately. Others, posing as "the pharmacy," inquire about your back pain to sell you unneeded topical creams.
Medicare will not call you to sell you products. Representatives will only call you if you've specifically requested it, and they will never threaten to cancel your benefits for not accepting a product or service.
"Same thing every time. Time is running out to get a free knee or back brace through Medicare. If I don't act soon Medicare will deny my request"
This trick starts with a caller immediately asking, "Can you hear me okay?" The goal is to get you to say "yes." Scammers record your affirmative response and may use it as a voice signature to authorize fraudulent charges on your credit card or sign you up for unwanted services.
Legitimate callers from companies you do business with will identify themselves and the reason for their call first, not open with a question designed to trick you.
"Can you hear me okay? They want you to say yes so they can sign you up for something with a fraudulently acquired affirmative answer."
You've likely received these relentless robocalls about your car's extended warranty. Callers often know the make and model of a car you own (or used to own) and create a false sense of urgency, claiming it's your last chance to renew. If you engage, agents can become extremely rude or simply hang up if you ask to be removed from their list.
These calls are not from your car's manufacturer or dealer. They are from third-party companies using scare tactics to sell often overpriced and poor-quality service contracts.
"Offers extended warranty told me they are based out of New Jersey gave me 855 number to call back but my caller ID said they called from Wolverine Michigan. Well I live in Wolverine so why would a company out of New Jersey have a Wolverine phone number"
These scams try to panic you with a text or automated call about a large, fake purchase. Reports mention a text about a "$3,000.00 LG washing machine" or a call from "Charlie Peterson" at "VTEC solution" about a "$399" subscription charge. The goal is to make you call the provided number in a panic, where they will then try to steal your credit card or personal information under the guise of "canceling" the order.
Real companies like Amazon will not send you a text message with a phone number to call for order issues. All order confirmations and problems are handled through their official website and app.
"receive a text message saying that I placed an order for an LG washing machine for 3,000.00 and gave a number to 'if you did not'. I called the number given and the man with an ( East Asian Accent) answered the phone. He said Hello this is Amazon."
If you're selling items on sites like OfferUp or Poshmark, be wary of this scam. A "buyer" will offer to mail you a check for your item, often for more than the asking price. They will then claim they "accidentally put their daughter's money in it" and ask you to refund the difference via PayPal or another cash app before you realize their check is fake.
There is no legitimate reason for a buyer to send you more money than you asked for. This is a classic fake check scam designed to steal your money before their fraudulent check bounces.
"Posted an item on Poshmark sent the check but they said they accidentally put their daughter's money in it and they want me to refund it through Paypal. Never cashed the check and decided to return the check."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 231 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Michigan, United States. Area code 231 is a general purpose code that has been in service since June 5, 1999.
Most common 231 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 Michigan, or have a 231 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 Michigan area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: