The 239 area code is full of government imposter scams and threats to shut off your power. Fraudsters try to panic you into paying a fake bill to keep your electricity running.
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 239 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Florida (Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres, Fort Myers) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 239 scams based on user comments:
Residents in Fort Myers and Naples are receiving alarming robocalls claiming to be from the Social Security Administration or other agencies like the DEA. These scammers falsely accuse you of "fraudulent and suspicious activity in the state of Texas," threaten that a "warrant for my arrest will be issued," or claim your Social Security number has been frozen or compromised to scare you into providing personal information or payment.
The Social Security Administration and other federal agencies will never call you to threaten arrest or demand immediate payment. They primarily communicate via official U.S. mail. Real federal investigators do not call ahead to warn you about a warrant.
"Recorded message, stated from Social Security Office, must call 239-286-7834 (Fort Myers Florida) back, or 'warrant for my arrest will be issued'. I called the # back and a man with a heavy Asian accent answered."
Scammers are spoofing Florida Power & Light (FPL) and calling 239 residents with urgent threats. They claim your power will be cut off in 30 minutes if you don't make an immediate payment over the phone. Some callers use wordplay on the caller ID, showing "FL P&L CO" to trick you into thinking it's a legitimate call from your utility provider.
FPL and other legitimate utility companies provide multiple written notices before shutting off service for non-payment. They will never demand immediate payment over the phone as the sole way to avoid disconnection.
"Got a call from FPL to cut off my service in 30 minutes if i don't pay. I hung up. Total Scam."
This scam involves a robocall or email claiming an expensive subscription for a service like "Webroot," "McAfee," or a general "computer protection subscription" is about to auto-renew. They'll state a specific amount, like $200 or $299, will be deducted from your account and instruct you to call them back immediately to get a refund or cancel, which is a trick to get your financial information.
Legitimate companies list charges directly in your account history on their official website. They do not use high-pressure robocalls from random Florida numbers to alert you to renewals and then ask you to call back for a refund.
"VM message was a recorded message stating computer protection subscription will be renewed with automatic payment of $200 will be collected and to call this number for refund. Dont do it!!"
These are highly persistent robocalls claiming your "Car-Care Warranty" is expiring soon. Callers, sometimes identified as "Rita" from the "Car Care Center," will repeatedly call from different 239 numbers. They try to sell you an expensive and often worthless service contract for your vehicle, sometimes even for a car you no longer own.
These calls are from third-party telemarketers, not your car's manufacturer or dealership. Your actual manufacturer warranty information is available in your vehicle's paperwork; you don't need to respond to a cold call.
"'Hello, Mary, my name is Rita. I'm with the Car Care Center.' Told her I was not interested; she kept talking. I hung up. Have now blocked number."
Callers are impersonating organizations like the "Police Dept benevolent association" or the "Gulfcoast Benevolent Police Association" to solicit donations for families of fallen officers. They pressure you for a donation of $25, $35, or $50 over the phone and may become aggressive or hang up if you ask to call them back. Some even spoof the caller ID to say "Police Dept" to appear legitimate.
Legitimate charities and police benevolent associations rarely, if ever, solicit donations using aggressive cold-calling tactics that demand immediate credit card payments. They will happily mail you information and will be transparent about how your donation is used.
"Claimed to be police Dept benevolent association seeking donations for families of fallen officers. Wanted donation of 25, 35, or 50 over the phone."
These callers often target seniors, opening the call by saying they are from "Medicare on a recorded line" or a "Disability Advisory" group. Scammers like a woman named "Brenda" might claim to be a "Medicare Advisor with the SSA" to sound official. Their goal is to get your personal information by offering things like free medical alert systems or better insurance plans.
Government employees from Medicare or the Social Security Administration (SSA) will never call you to sell you products or ask for your personal information unless you have specifically requested a call first. A "Medicare Advisor with the SSA" is not a real title.
"Said her Name was BRENDA --A medicare Advisor with the SSA...quickly said to call 1-866-200-0152 if disconnected. Was immediately disconnected...researched 866#---SSA SCAM NUMBER ....dont call or provide ANY info."
You may receive unsolicited calls or texts from people wanting to know if you are interested in selling your house. These callers often have your name and property address, which can be unsettling. Some, like a robocaller named 'Kevin,' call repeatedly from different numbers, while others get angry or rude if you say you are not interested in their "cash offer."
While some real estate investors do make cold calls, aggressive and harassing tactics are a major red flag. Your property information is often public record, which is how they get your details, but you are under no obligation to speak with them.
"Robocall from ‘Kevin’ a real estate investor looking to buy homes in my area. I don’t have a home. I rent. This calls has come from numerous numbers that all get blocked. I have YEARS of this robocall jerk calling my phone."
If you own a business in the 239 area, you're likely a target for these calls. Scammers will claim your "Google business listing is not verified" and press you to talk to a "specialist." Others, using names like "Jessica Parisi" or "Troy Leighton," will call asking for the business owner about a "merchant services issue" or a "wholesale conversion leak" to trick you into switching credit card processors.
Google does not use robocalls to verify business listings; this is a tactic used by third-party SEO companies trying to sell you services. Your actual merchant services provider will identify themselves clearly and will not use vague threats to get you on the phone.
"Troy Leighton called and asked for owner by name. He said the call was about wholesale conversion leak. I ask him what that is, he said she would know. I asked how would she know, and he claimed they already spoke on the number he called. I told him I am the only one that answers this number and he was a crock of sh!t! He hung up on me."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 239 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Florida, United States. Area code 239 is a general purpose code that has been in service since March 11, 2002.
Most common 239 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 Florida, or have a 239 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 Florida area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: