Scammers using the 272 area code often use aggressive vehicle warranty calls and government impersonation tactics. They try to trick you into paying for auto service contracts or fines you do not owe.
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 272 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Pennsylvania (Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Williamsport) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 272 scams based on user comments:
Residents in the 272 area are being flooded with robocalls about extended car warranties. Scammers use "neighbor spoofing" to make the call appear local, sometimes even displaying the name of a deceased neighbor on caller ID, and will ignore all requests to stop calling.
These calls are illegal robocalls that violate the Do Not Call Registry. Legitimate companies do not use these aggressive and deceptive tactics, such as spoofing a dead neighbor's phone number, to sell you a service.
"Imagine that, my dead neighbor is trying to sell me a warranty. They claim they are a member of the Better Business Bureau but they won’t give you the company name to verify."
Scammers are calling from 272 numbers claiming to be from the Social Security Administration or the "Internal Revenue Service Collection Department from Pennsylvania." They create a panic by saying your Social Security Number has been compromised or is linked to fraudulent activity to steal your personal information.
The real Social Security Administration and IRS initiate contact through official U.S. Mail. They will never call you to threaten you or demand immediate verification of your Social Security number over the phone.
"The caller claimed to be from the Social Security Administration and stated that my social security number had been compromised. They asked me to verify my number and provide personal information to resolve the issue."
Be cautious of calls where the caller ID is spoofed to say "Highmark" or "Matrix Medical." These callers try to pressure you into setting up a "home wellness care visit" or a virtual appointment, which may be a trick to gain personal information.
While insurance providers may offer wellness programs, they will not use high-pressure tactics or spoofed caller IDs to schedule them. Always verify such offers by initiating the call yourself through official, trusted phone numbers.
"They called and Highmark came up on the screen and they wanted to set up a home wellness care visit, or a virtual. After all said and done they had no virtual appointments and said I could call 855-403-0967. Now I am worried!"
Scammers are calling residents, and even their family members and ex-spouses, about fake debts. They often have incorrect information, like a misspelled name, and try to harass you into paying for a non-existent debt.
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) strictly forbids collectors from discussing your debt with most third parties. Legitimate collectors must provide you with a written notice and will have accurate information.
"My family members & my ex-husband receive phone calls from this # stating that I owe money. They don't even have the spelling of my name correct."
This cruel scam involves a caller pretending to be a grandchild in a desperate situation. One local report involved a scammer posing as a granddaughter who claimed she was arrested and needed $5,000 for bail money immediately.
Scammers exploit your love for your family to create a false emergency. Real family emergencies can be verified by calling family members directly on numbers you know and trust.
"This number called posing as my grand daughter asking for money . Only one problem I have no Grand daughter . They said she was arrested and needed $5,000 bail money . Scam from the start ."
Be aware that some numbers are being used to send direct and threatening text messages and tweets to residents and their families. These messages are a form of harassment and may include suspicious links to sites like "SMSKola.com".
This is a pure intimidation tactic designed to scare you. No legitimate person or company communicates through anonymous threats. Clicking the link could install malware on your device or lead to a phishing website.
"Sending threatening texts to families Added SMSKola.com at the end"
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 272 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Pennsylvania, United States. Area code 272 is a general purpose code that has been in service since October 21, 2013.
Most common 272 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 Pennsylvania, or have a 272 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 Pennsylvania area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: