The 301 area code is frequently used for grandparent bail scams and unsolicited texts about buying your home. Scammers often use emotional manipulation or constant messaging to trick you into sending money or giving up personal details.
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 301 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Maryland (Germantown, Silver Spring, Waldorf) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 301 scams based on user comments:
This is a cruel scam targeting Maryland seniors. A caller will pretend to be your grandson, claiming to have been arrested for a drunk driving accident and desperately needing thousands of dollars for bail. A second person, often calling himself "attorney Michael White," may join the call to add legitimacy and pressure you to send money immediately.
Law enforcement and attorneys do not call relatives to collect bail money over the phone. All financial transactions related to bail are handled through official channels at a courthouse or detention center, never through urgent, secretive phone calls.
"Caller pretended to be grandson and needed bail money because he was in jail for drunk driving, getting in an accident, etc. Really upset my elderly parents. Special place in hell for you scammer who prays on the elderly."
You may receive unsolicited texts or voicemails from individuals like "Nate," "Jim," or "Danny" claiming to be local real estate investors. These messages often use your real name and address, asking to buy your property for cash "as-is" to make the offer seem convenient and appealing.
While some investors use public records to find homeowners, this tactic is frequently used by scammers to verify personal data for phishing or to lock homeowners into lowball cash offers before they can consult a licensed realtor about their home's true market value.
"Hey [NAME], my apologies for the surprise msg. I hope you are staying healthy! I'm Nate, a local realtor and I am interested in buying the property at [ADDRESS]. Do I have the right person?"
Scammers are robocalling 301 residents claiming there is "suspicious or fraudulent activity" on your Social Security Number (SSN). The recording or live caller, often with a heavy accent, will threaten that your SSN will be "suspended" and that legal proceedings will begin if you don't press 1 to speak with an "agent."
The Social Security Administration will never call to threaten your benefits or tell you to wire money or send gift cards. They initiate contact by U.S. Mail. Your Social Security number cannot be suspended or canceled.
"Robocall says this is Officer xxxxx, a complaint has been filed against your social security number and 'this is the last attempt to contact you'."
This scam uses robocalls to leave vague but alarming voicemails about a "complaint being filed against you" or a "pending case in our office." The message intentionally omits your name and the company's name, creating fear to trick you into calling back a different number to find out more.
You will never be notified of a legitimate lawsuit or legal complaint via a generic robocall. Official notifications are delivered in person by a process server or sent via certified U.S. Mail, not through a threatening, anonymous voicemail.
"They left a voicemail saying that I needed to call them back about a claim against me. Pretty sure it’s bogus."
Scammers are calling Maryland residents claiming to be from the IRS or the U.S. Treasury, often using a spoofed Caller ID that says "Ofc of the Comp." Callers, frequently with a heavy Indian accent, will state that you are in jeopardy of legal conflict and must call back immediately to avoid being arrested.
The IRS's first point of contact is always through U.S. Mail. They will never threaten to have you arrested for not making an immediate payment, nor will they demand payment via gift cards or wire transfers.
"Received a message... stated that they are the IRS saying that I need to call them about a very important legal matter saying I am in jeopardy of legal conflict and said myself or my attorney needed to call them back immediately or face imprisonment...."
You may get a robocall with a Caller ID that says "Apple" claiming your iCloud account has been compromised. Another version claims there has been a large fraudulent charge on your Amazon account for over $1,400. In both cases, the goal is to create panic and get you to "press 1" to speak with a fake support agent who will then try to steal your account or financial information.
Apple and Amazon do not call customers about compromised accounts. All official security notifications will come through email or directly within the company's app or website. Anyone calling you about this is a scammer.
"Call with an automated message, pretending to be Amazon customer service. They tell you that there was a fraudulent charge on your account, then they tell you to press 1 to talk to customer service."
These are relentless, high-volume robocalls trying to sell you an extended auto warranty. The automated message often creates a false sense of urgency, claiming it's a "final notice" before your coverage expires. These calls persist for years, even after you've repeatedly asked to be removed from their list.
These calls are not from your car's manufacturer. They are from third-party companies selling service contracts that are often overpriced and offer very limited coverage. Official manufacturers communicate about warranties through the mail.
"I have asked this company repeatedly for more than 4 years to stop calling me. It is a car warranty extension. I receive an average of 8-10 calls per week from this and other numbers associated with them. NO doesn't work with them. I'm at the end of my rope with them."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 301 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Maryland, United States. Area code 301 is a general purpose code that has been in service since January 1, 1947.
Most common 301 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 Maryland, or have a 301 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 Maryland area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: