Residents are seeing a spike in 303 area code calls involving fake FedEx delivery issues and Xcel Energy shut-off threats. These scammers want to panic you into paying immediate fees to avoid losing your power or packages.
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 303 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Colorado (Denver, Aurora, Lakewood) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 303 scams based on user comments:
Scammers from numbers like 303-214-6058 are calling Denver residents claiming to be from FedEx Ground about a package they were unable to deliver. Using names like "Albert," "Miles," or "Zalma," they will ask you to confirm your address and provide a tracking number, often directing you to call back a separate 833 number to resolve the fabricated issue.
FedEx representatives have confirmed they will not ask you to call an 833 number for a delivery issue. They already have the tracking number and will direct you to their official customer service lines for any problems.
"Fake FedEx phone call . Call from this phone number saying there was a problem with a FedEx delivery asking me to call back on an 833 phone number and give them my information AND tracking number. When i called a verified FedEx number, they indicated that they DO NOT ask people to call back any number except their published **800** phone number."
Residents in the 303 area code are receiving automated calls pretending to be from Xcel Energy. The message threatens that your power will be shut off in 30 to 45 minutes due to a past-due bill and instructs you to "press 1" to make an immediate payment and avoid disconnection.
Xcel Energy does not call customers and threaten to disconnect service within the hour. They provide multiple written notices via mail or email long before disconnection would ever occur.
"Got a call from 303-442-8428 saying electricity would be turned off if I didn't pay, prompt to press 1 and I told the guy he was scamming me, my account is paid. Got online and checked balance also called xcel and this is a scam"
Scammers are aggressively calling Colorado residents claiming a tax lien has been filed against them or that an arrest warrant is imminent due to unpaid taxes. Callers may use names like "Jared" or "Katia Brushia" or identify as being from a vague entity like "BCT," creating panic to get you to send money or reveal personal information.
The IRS's first form of contact is always through official mail delivered by the U.S. Postal Service. They will never call to demand immediate payment, threaten arrest, or ask for credit card numbers over the phone.
"A women called looking for my husband. She said I have a tax lien. I told her I was not discussing anything with her. I will contact the IRS. I know I do not have one. She told me have fun paying 27000 dollars. Very rude. Be careful if they call you."
This scam involves a robocall or live caller claiming your Social Security Number (SSN) has been suspended due to fraudulent or illegal activity. They threaten you with federal charges or arrest if you do not call them back immediately to resolve the issue, aiming to steal your personal information or money.
The Social Security Administration will never call you to threaten your benefits or tell you that your Social Security number has been suspended. Any communication about problems is typically handled through official, mailed letters.
"Received a voicemail from this number claiming that my SSN was suspended and I needed to call them or face federal charges."
A robocall is circulating that threatens the cancellation of your government benefits, such as SNAP. The automated message pressures you to "press #" to speak with a representative to keep your benefits active, tricking you into engaging with a scammer who will then try to get your personal information.
Government agencies that administer benefits like SNAP will not contact you via a robocall threatening to terminate your benefits. Official communication is almost always sent via U.S. Mail.
"calling after 8 pm robo call saying to press # if you wish to keep your government benefits or press# to speak to a representative"
These callers target local businesses, demanding to speak directly with the owner, CFO, or manager by name. They are often extremely rude, refuse to state their purpose, and may falsely claim to be from a legitimate-sounding entity like the "Cherry Creek School District" or "Tucker Group." If denied, they may become belligerent or simply hang up.
Legitimate business partners, school districts, or municipal agents will identify themselves and their purpose clearly and professionally. They do not resort to rudeness and evasion to get past a gatekeeper.
"Asked for business owner by name. When I asked him who he was, he just said he was from 'Tucker Group.' When I asked about the reason for the call, he said 'Just get *owner name* on the phone,' so I hung up on him. Bastard."
This is a persistent robocall campaign telling you that your car's warranty has expired or is about to expire. The automated message urges you to press a number to speak with a "specialist" to extend your coverage, which is just a high-pressure sales tactic for an often worthless or overpriced service plan.
Legitimate manufacturers and dealers will contact you via mail with official branding regarding your warranty status. They do not rely on generic, high-volume robocalls to conduct business.
"left voice message for vehicle warranty expiration. That number in the voice message was 470-650-8272 - Britney"
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 303 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Colorado, United States. Area code 303 is a general purpose code that has been in service since January 1, 1947.
Most common 303 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 Colorado, or have a 303 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 Colorado area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: