Ohio's 234 area code is targeted by Social Security suspension scams and offers for fake government grants. Callers try to steal your personal information by promising free money or threatening legal trouble.
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 234 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Ohio (Akron, Canton, Youngstown) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 234 scams based on user comments:
Residents in the Akron-Canton area are receiving threatening robocalls claiming to be from the Social Security Administration. The recorded message, sometimes from an "Officer Lisa Williams," warns that your Social Security Number (SSN) has been compromised and will be suspended if you don't call them back immediately to avoid "legal consequences" and arrest.
The Social Security Administration will never call to threaten you, demand immediate payment, or tell you that your SSN is suspended. They primarily communicate via U.S. Mail and will not use threatening language.
"Number issued at hand is very time sensitive the very second you receive this message I need you to return the call as soon as possible on my department no. which is 234-221-0288 if I don't receive your call your SS# will be suspended to avoid all legal consequences call me this is your last chance for the resolve night of this is serious case again this is Officer Lisa Williams from SS Administration."
This scam involves a caller, sometimes named "Brandon," stating you have been approved for a $14,000 U.S. government grant. To receive this money, they instruct you to go to a local store like Dollar General or 7-11, purchase a Visa gift card for $150-$200, and then call them back with an "approval code" like RS104 to give them the card number.
Legitimate government grants do not require winners to pay a fee to collect them. The government does not award grants over the phone and will never ask for payment via gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency.
"Wanted me to go to Dollar general and get $200 on a Visa card then call them back I gave me a ID number RS 104 told me to call number 234-243-4725 and I would receive $14,000"
Scammers are calling Ohio residents pretending to be debt collectors for old accounts, sometimes belonging to a relative. They often have some of your personal information, like an address or even a full Social Security Number, and will get hostile and threaten to "proceed with a summons" if you question them or refuse to pay immediately.
Under federal law (the FDCPA), real debt collectors must provide you with a written validation notice about the debt upon request. They cannot legally threaten you with jail time for most consumer debts, and using abusive language is illegal.
"When I started to question him about wanting to see documentation about the charges etc. he got huffy with me and said they'd just proceed with a summons and I said fine and good luck!"
This scam leaves a recorded voicemail claiming a "formal complaint" is being filed against you. The message states they are calling to "verify the correct address" before filing "necessary paperwork within your county" and warns that law enforcement may contact you. They provide a fake "reference claim number" to create a sense of legitimacy and urgency.
Official legal notices are delivered in person by a process server or through certified mail, not via a warning phone call. This tactic is designed purely to scare you into calling back and revealing personal or financial information.
"I'm contacting you in regards to a formal complaint that's in the process of being filed for several different matters. I am calling to verify that we do have the correct address for this individual. The next step will be filing the necessary paperwork within your county... You have been notified law enforcement may contact you."
These are relentless, automated calls claiming your vehicle's warranty is about to expire. Callers, sometimes identifying as "George" or from the "dealer processing center," pressure you to purchase an expensive and often worthless extended service contract. They frequently hang up if you ask for specific details about their company.
These calls are almost never from your vehicle's manufacturer or the dealership where you bought it. They are from third-party telemarketers who use public records to target car owners with high-pressure sales tactics.
"car warranty company - robocall - held for service agent; asked company name -dealer processing center; state located - california; asked to stop calling and was hung up on"
Scammers are spoofing their Caller ID to appear as if they are calling from "Caresource" or "Anthem." They may try to verify your medical insurance information or, in some reported cases, attempt to schedule a "home visit/wellness check" during the pandemic, which is highly suspicious.
While some insurance plans offer home wellness checks, they are typically arranged in advance through official channels you initiate. Scammers impersonate trusted companies to steal your personal information for medical identity fraud.
"Got a call from this number this morning, she said she was with CareSource and was trying to set up a home visit/wellness check? Since when do nurse practitioners come to your home in the middle of a pandemic?"
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 234 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Ohio, United States. Area code 234 is a general purpose code that has been in service since October 30, 2000.
Most common 234 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 234 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: