The 281 area code is heavily used for Social Security threats and fake process server scams. Fraudsters try to intimidate you into paying a debt by claiming you are about to be sued.
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 281 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Texas (Houston, Pasadena, Pearland) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 281 scams based on user comments:
This is the most reported scam targeting Houston-area residents. A robocall, often with a computer-generated voice or a person with a heavy accent, claims your Social Security Number has been suspended due to "fraudulent activity" or "suspicious activity," sometimes specifically mentioning drug trafficking in Texas. They threaten you with arrest, legal proceedings, or a warrant if you do not call back immediately to verify your information or provide the last four digits of your SSN. Some callers identify themselves as "Officer Marie Gomez."
The Social Security Administration will never call you to threaten your benefits or tell you to wire money or send gift cards. They communicate through official mail, not with threatening robocalls. Your Social Security number cannot be suspended or cancelled.
"Robo call message left on my voice mail stated that I must call them immediately and verify my last 4 digits of my social security number. If I do not get back to them they will issue a warrant for my arrest."
Scammers call claiming a "formal complaint" or "civil complaint" has been filed against you. They threaten to have uniformed officers serve legal papers at your home or place of employment, sometimes within the hour. They often provide a fake "case number" and instruct you to call a different number to resolve the matter. In many cases reported in the Houston area, these callers harass family members as well.
Real process servers do not call ahead to warn you; they are paid to find you and serve the documents in person without prior notice. A phone call warning you of impending service is a clear sign of a scam designed to scare you into paying a non-existent debt.
"Started as an automated message of someone saying hello like he can't hear you... a real person takes over. Then he says he has uniformed police officers on the way to serve you. What idiot actually believes that we'll believe a processing company will warn you ahead of time?"
This is a particularly nasty scam where callers, often identifying themselves as "Lisa Montgomery" or "Nicole Johnson," claim to be from a "check fraud unit" or "Economic Crimes Division." They are extremely rude and aggressive, threatening you or your family members with felony charges for old or bogus debts. They often call repeatedly and will curse at you or hang up when questioned.
You cannot be arrested or charged with a felony for failing to pay a civil debt like a payday loan. Legitimate debt collectors cannot use abusive language or threaten you with arrest, which are violations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).
"Lisa Montgomery claiming to be from the check fraud dept left a VM for me to call back and pay to avoid going to court, Good luck a hole"
This scam arrives as a text message claiming Whole Foods Market is hiring "store evaluators" for a research project in your area, offering high pay like $400 or $500 per assignment. If you respond, they send a large fake check via courier (like DHL) and instruct you to deposit it, then immediately buy thousands of dollars in gift cards (specifically American Express) and text them the card numbers. One scammer uses the name "Robert Zamora."
The check they send is fraudulent and will bounce a few days after you deposit it, but by then you have already sent the scammers untraceable money via the gift card codes. You will be held responsible by your bank for the full amount of the bounced check.
"Yes I got a text message too about secret shopping and fell for it. Yesterday a DHL Pkg was delivered to me with a check in it to purchase American Express gift cards at three different stores, 500 dollars each and take 300 plus expenses for myself."
You receive a robocall claiming a subscription for computer security or a firewall is about to auto-renew. They frequently mention a specific charge, such as "$299" or "$290," that will be taken from your bank account unless you call them back to cancel. When you call, their goal is to gain remote access to your computer, where they can steal your personal information or install malware.
Legitimate tech companies like Microsoft, Google, or Apple will not cold-call you about your computer's security status or a subscription renewal. Any renewal notices would come via email from an official address. The entire call is a pretext to access your computer and financial accounts.
"Caller said my firewall was about to expire and $299 was going to be taken out of my bank account. And if I wanted to cancel, to call 281-305-6174. This is a scam."
This scam specifically targets local Houston businesses. The caller, often from a noisy call center, asks to speak directly with the "owner or controller" about a vague "investigation." They refuse to identify their company or the purpose of the call and become aggressive or hang up when questioned by a receptionist. They are phishing for the owner's name and contact information for a future sales pitch or scam.
Legitimate business is not conducted this way. A real investigator or official would not cold-call the front desk and refuse to identify themselves. This is a high-pressure sales or information-gathering tactic used by shady operators.
"Asked to speak with the owner or controller about an investigation. I know this is a scam because the caller id said telemarketer, plus we have received calls like this in the past. I am fed up with these people calling my office."
This is a phishing attempt that comes as a text message, often with no words at all, just an attached image of a "Family Coverage" prescription plan card. The card contains a fake Rx Group ID and other numbers. The goal is to get you to call the number on the card or use it at a pharmacy, which could compromise your personal information.
Your health insurance or prescription provider will not send you a new insurance card via a random, unsolicited text message from a number you don't recognize. This is always done through official channels like the mail or a secure patient portal.
"I got a stray text message with an image of a prescription plan card. It looks like an insurance card of some kind with 'Family Coverage' listed with an Rx Group ID and other random numbers on it. No other text was included..."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 281 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Texas, United States. Area code 281 is a general purpose code that has been in service since November 2, 1996.
Most common 281 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 281 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: