The 253 area code is targeted by fake legal action threats and government impersonation scams. Callers claim you are in trouble with the SSA or IRS to pressure you into paying fines.
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 253 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Washington (Tacoma, Federal Way, Kent) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 253 scams based on user comments:
This is a highly aggressive scam hitting 253 area code residents. A robocall message claims a formal complaint or legal judgment is filed against you. They threaten to contact your HR department or serve you papers at home or work, creating panic. Scammers often use a fake name like "Client Services" and provide a phony case number (e.g., "KBH79210" or "RPB28560") to seem legitimate, pressuring you to call back a different number to "resolve" a non-existent debt.
Real process servers do not call you to give a warning; their job is to show up unannounced to serve legal documents. Legitimate debt collectors must provide written validation of a debt upon request and will not primarily use threatening robocalls.
"Calling stating last chance to be able to state my side on a complaint. Will be reaching out to my HR, etc. I get these types of call at least every six months when they reuse their list. Block the call on your phone, don't answer and report it as fraud/scam to your service provider."
Scammers are spoofing local 253 numbers and pretending to be from the Social Security Administration (SSA) or IRS. They leave urgent robocall voicemails claiming your Social Security Number has been suspended due to "fraudulent activity" or that the "cops" will be involved if you don't call back immediately. Some callers identify themselves with fake names like "officer John" and threaten you with an arrest warrant before the matter "goes to federal claims court."
The Social Security Administration and IRS will never call you to threaten arrest or demand immediate payment. These agencies initiate contact through official U.S. Mail, not with aggressive, menacing phone calls.
"Threatening phone call, 'Before this matter goes to federal claims court house or you get arrested. Kindly call us back on the same number immediately.'"
This scam preys on those in need by offering a fake government grant, often for a large sum like $9,000 or $14,000, that you "never have to pay back." Callers with foreign accents claim to be from a government office and may even have some of your personal information. The catch is they require you to first pay a "registration fee" of several hundred dollars, often by purchasing gift cards at Walmart or Walgreens and providing the numbers over the phone.
The federal government does not call citizens to award unsolicited grants. Information on legitimate federal grants is available for free at Grants.gov, and you will never be asked to pay a fee to receive one.
"Wants you to purchase gift cards in exchange for them depositing $15000.00 into your account, they also 'need' your account number to make the deposit. Unfortunately I got taken for $4500.00."
In this tricky scam, the caller's only goal is to get you to say the word "yes." They often begin the call with a phrase like "This is [Name] on a recorded line, can you hear me?" or a similar question designed to get a "yes" response. Once they record your affirmative answer, they can potentially use that voice signature to authorize fraudulent charges on your credit card or phone bill.
Legitimate companies do not need to trick you into saying "yes" to conduct business. This tactic is exclusively used by scammers to create a fraudulent voice authorization for services or charges you never agreed to.
"I picked up my phone, but, I said nothing. She gave her name and said she was a 'hearing administrator' then asked 'can you hear me?' I hung up."
Residents in the 253 area are receiving a high volume of unsolicited calls and texts from people claiming they want to buy your property for cash. Callers, often using names like "Ryan from Century 21" or "Keith," will have your address and try to pressure you into a quick sale. These are frequently aggressive telemarketers or shady investors fishing for desperate sellers, and they often hang up when questioned about their legitimacy.
While some real estate investors do use cold calling, the high volume and aggressive tactics reported are signs of a widespread data-scraping operation. They are not making a serious, informed offer on your home; they are mass-dialing numbers hoping to find a vulnerable homeowner.
"Ryan keeps calling on the hour wanting to sell my house. Cannot pronounce the city where it is located and can hear fellow boiler-room scammers buzzing in the background. Con artists who are dialing for dollars and fishing for suckers."
Scammers are impersonating major companies like Amazon, Apple, and Norton Security, claiming there is a problem with your account. You might get a robocall saying someone ordered an expensive item on your Amazon account and to "press 1 to allow or 2 to decline." Others send emails claiming your Norton subscription is auto-renewing for $499 and provide a number to call to cancel. The goal is to get your credit card details or remote access to your computer.
Amazon, Apple, and Microsoft will not call you about suspicious activity or fraudulent orders. They handle these notifications through their secure websites and official apps. Any unsolicited call claiming to be from their fraud department is a scam.
"Caller claimed to be from Amazon and stated someone was trying to use my Amazon card - very specific about what was ordered and how much (robocall) asking to press 1 to allow or 2 to decline. I hung up and checked with Amazon - not them"
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 253 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Washington, United States. Area code 253 is a general purpose code that has been in service since April 27, 1997.
Most common 253 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 Washington, or have a 253 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 Washington area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: