Scammers using the 254 area code often use Social Security suspension threats and fake process server schemes. They want to frighten you into believing you have a legal emergency so you pay them money.
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 254 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Texas (Killeen, Waco, Temple) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 254 scams based on user comments:
You may receive a robocall claiming your Social Security Number has been suspended due to "fraudulent activity," often mentioning it happened right here in Texas. Callers may identify themselves as "Bryan Miller" from the "security division" and threaten you with a lawsuit or immediate arrest if you don't call back to resolve it.
The Social Security Administration will never call you to threaten you, suspend your number, or demand immediate payment. Official communication from the SSA almost always comes through the U.S. Mail, not intimidating robocalls.
"Department has decided to suspend your Socila Security number and file a lawsuit against you as we have received an suspicious activty on your social. To get more information..."
Scammers are leaving urgent voicemails claiming a "courier" is scheduled to serve you with certified legal documents at your home or work. They use official-sounding names like "Gina Antonucci" or "Beverly Williams" and provide fake "file numbers" like M848347 to seem legitimate, sometimes threatening to report you to your HR department if you don't comply.
Real process servers do not call ahead to warn you or give you a chance to avoid being served. They are legally required to deliver the documents in person without prior notice.
"This message is for .......... this is Gina Antonucci calling about your file number M848347 my courier will be coming out there in the next 24 to 48 hours with your certified documents these documents are attached to your name and Social Security number they do require your signature..."
These scammers call from numbers that appear local to Central Texas, claiming to be from agencies like "Account Management Group and Associates." They often reference old or completely false debts, becoming nasty and rude when questioned. They may use names you haven't had in years and illegally threaten to have you taken to court or arrested.
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) requires collectors to provide written proof of a debt upon request and prohibits them from using abusive or deceptive tactics. You cannot be arrested for a civil debt in the United States.
"Very nasty and rude guy sounding like a middle eastern foreigner claiming to be a bill collector. He Does not and will not identify himself or the company that he supposedly works for... He upped the amount and said that he will just take half and then everything will disappear off of my credit report right away..."
This scam specifically targets local Texas businesses. An abrupt, often arrogant caller will ask to speak directly with the "owner or controller" about a vague "on-going investigation." If you ask for details, they become evasive or hang up. This isn't a real investigation; it's a high-pressure sales tactic to trick you into using their bad debt collection services.
Legitimate government agencies or investigators will clearly identify themselves and their organization. They do not use deceptive cold calls to sell commercial services like debt collection.
"phone call from an abrupt (Arrogant) male asking to speak to the owner about an on-going investigation into my business. I asked twice for him to identify himself and the agency he represented, then I yelled to my secretary to call the FBI and trace this call."
Using robocalls, scammers impersonate the IRS or the "US Treasury department," claiming you owe back taxes and will be taken to a "federal claims court house" or arrested if you don't call them back. To seem more convincing, they may spoof the Caller ID to look like a local entity, such as the "City of Gatesville."
The IRS's first form of contact with you will always be through official U.S. Mail, not an unsolicited, threatening phone call. They will never demand immediate payment over the phone using a gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency.
"This was an automated robo call stating that the IRS would be taking legal action against the person called. It instructed the person called to return the phone call to 254-326-1329. This is a scam and the IRS will not send out an impersonal or robotic call of concern to a taxpayer."
Residents in the 254 area code are receiving relentless robocalls from people like "Katie" about their car's "factory warranty" expiring soon. These callers are trying to pressure you into buying an overpriced and often useless third-party extended service plan. They typically don't even know what kind of car you drive.
Official car manufacturers do not use aggressive, generic robocalls to sell you an extended warranty. These calls come from unrelated third-party companies hoping to scare you into making a purchase.
"BS automobile extended warranty robocall."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 254 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Texas, United States. Area code 254 is a general purpose code that has been in service since May 25, 1997.
Most common 254 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 Texas, or have a 254 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 Texas area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: