The 276 area code is seeing many fake legal threats and scams regarding Medicare benefits. Callers claim you are in trouble or need to verify insurance details to steal your identity.
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 276 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Virginia (Bristol, Martinsville, Wytheville) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 276 scams based on user comments:
Residents in Southwestern Virginia are receiving aggressive robocalls claiming to be from the IRS or Social Security. These calls often use a robotic voice to state there are "four allegations against you" and that "local cops" are coming to arrest you unless you call them back immediately. Scammers also claim a complaint has been filed involving your Social Security Number and threaten that a judge will rule against you or that they will freeze your bank accounts.
Official government agencies like the IRS and Social Security Administration initiate contact via U.S. Mail. They will never call you to threaten immediate arrest or demand payment over the phone.
"Robotic voice said there were “four allegations against me and the local cops...†and to call them back at the ?(276) 212-2570? number to avoid being arrested etc; before seeking legal councel."
Scammers are targeting local seniors with calls claiming that their Medicare benefits are at risk. A recorded message will state they have tried to reach you by mail and that if you don't respond, Medicare will "label you as ineligible for coverage." They then instruct you to press 1 to speak with an agent, where they will try to steal your personal Medicare information.
Medicare will not call you unexpectedly and threaten to cancel your benefits. Important communications about your coverage will arrive via official U.S. Mail.
"This woman calling states that if I don't 'act soon Medicare will label me as ineligible for coverage.' She instructs caller to press 1 to speak with her or 2 to be put on the do not call list."
This scam involves a vague voicemail from a person who gives a simple name like "Dave." The message says he needs you to call back about "your paperwork" or references a non-existent case file. If you call back or answer, they may refuse to identify their company, try to get you to verify personal information, or make threats about issuing a subpoena for an old, non-existent payday loan.
Legitimate debt collectors are required by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) to provide you with a written validation notice. They cannot legally threaten you or refuse to identify themselves.
"Hey it's Dave. When you get a chance, can you give me a call regarding your paperwork? Thanks..."
You may receive a voicemail or text message claiming to be from "Amazon customer support" about a suspicious, high-dollar purchase. The scam mentions a specific charge, like "$1,099" or "$896," or a product like an "iPhone13." The goal is to create panic so you'll call the fraudulent number provided, where they will try to get your credit card information or remote access to your computer.
Amazon will not call you regarding suspicious purchases. Official notifications are sent via email or appear as alerts within your secure account on their official website or app.
"Left a voicemail claiming to be Amazon customer support and to call back about suspicious activity for a payment of $1,099 (checked my bank activity and had no charges)"
These are relentless robocalls about your "expiring" car or home warranty. Even if you don't have a warranty, they create a sense of urgency to get you on the line with a sales agent. Callers, sometimes identifying as "Valerie," often don't know what kind of vehicle you own and will hang up if you ask to speak with a manager or question their legitimacy.
These calls are almost never from your car's manufacturer. They are from third-party sellers trying to sell you expensive and often unnecessary service contracts.
"Calls about vehicle warranty expiring on most recent vehicle. But asks for the make and model and when you say they should have that information on hand she hangs up on you and it's always the same girl named Valerie who answers."
A man identifying himself as "Steve Dixon" from "IDS" is aggressively calling local businesses. The caller ID often says "GPS," and he will ask for the owner by name, acting as if they have a prior relationship. He is known for being extremely rude, telling office managers they "did not rate the conversation," and hanging up abruptly when questioned or put on hold.
Legitimate sales professionals and business partners do not use intimidation, insults, and deceptive tactics to earn your business. This behavior is a clear sign of a high-pressure scam operation.
"Steve Dixon from IDS, caller id says GPS, asked for the Owner by name, told him the Owner was not in, I am the Office Manager and he said I did not rate the conversation. I am going to Love Blocking him!"
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 276 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Virginia, United States. Area code 276 is a general purpose code that has been in service since September 1, 2001.
Most common 276 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 Virginia, or have a 276 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 Virginia area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: