The 304 area code is known for fake legal action threats and government impersonation calls. Fraudsters claim you are in trouble with the courts or the IRS to pressure you into making a payment.
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 304 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof West Virginia (Charleston, Huntington, Parkersburg) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 304 scams based on user comments:
Scammers from West Virginia numbers are leaving terrifying voicemails claiming you have a "pending claim" or "two pending judgements" against you. They threaten to contact your HR department to have you served with papers at your job or home, mentioning things like "wage and asset verification" to scare you into calling back a different number.
Real process servers do not call ahead to warn you or give you a chance to "take care of this matter outside of court." They are legally required to deliver documents in person without prior notice.
"This message is solely intended for David... when calling please be certain to reference a case number... you are being contacted by the processing division we need to verify the contact address as well as a place of business to proceed against you at this time you are forfeiting your wife to take care of this matter outside of court he will contact your human resources department..."
Callers are pretending to be from the Social Security Administration or the IRS. They may claim your Social Security number has been "suspended for suspicious fraudulent activity" or demand you verify information for your tax returns. Callers can be very aggressive, with one West Virginian reporting a "very mean person claiming to be an agent from the IRS."
The Social Security Administration and the IRS will never call you to threaten you or tell you that your number has been suspended. These agencies initiate contact via U.S. Mail, not with surprise phone calls.
"Got a robo call claiming my SS number has been suspended for suspicious fraudulent, to get ahold of the magistrate to call (304) 867-4631"
Residents are being bombarded with robocalls about Medicare benefits. These calls often create false urgency, claiming it's your "last chance" to get a Medicare back brace or that your coverage will be "cancelled" if you don't respond. Callers sometimes identify themselves as "Brenda, a Medicare advisor" to sound legitimate.
Medicare will not call you to sell you anything. Official representatives will not threaten to cancel your coverage over the phone for not accepting a product you didn't ask for.
"Robot call, calls several times daily saying we have tried to reach you by mail and telephone, this is your last chance for a Medicare back brace, then says something about pain, then they say coverage will be terminated if we do not hear from you."
You may get a call from someone like "Suzanne" claiming your Toyota or other vehicle warranty is about to expire. These calls often try to trick you by congratulating you on a "$0 deposit and free maintenance" offer for being a "loyal customer," even if you aren't one. The goal is to sell you an expensive and often useless service contract.
Legitimate companies related to your vehicle will typically contact you via mail with official documents. These cold calls are from third-party sellers unaffiliated with your car's manufacturer.
"Some lady left a VM saying her name was Suzanne and that my Toyota warranty was up for renewal. Also, congrats on my $0 deposit and free maintenance for being a loyal customer (am not a customer)."
Scammers are calling from West Virginia numbers claiming to be "James Williams" or "Mark Pierce" from Publishers Clearing House. They'll tell you you've won millions of dollars and a new Mercedes Benz. The catch is they instruct you to first go buy a "One Vanilla Gift Card" for $500 to cover fees before a prize agent can deliver your winnings.
Publishers Clearing House and other legitimate sweepstakes will never ask for money upfront to cover taxes, shipping, or any other fees. The real PCH prize patrol shows up at your door unannounced, not after you've paid them with a gift card.
"James Williams said I won $3.5 million and a 2020 Mercedes. I was to get a One Vanilla Gift Card $500. A guy from Allentown is to bring my winnings! So sad people fall for this."
This is a tricky scam where the caller's only goal is to get you to say the word "Yes." They often open the call by asking "Can you hear me okay?" and then hang up as soon as you respond. They record your "Yes" and can potentially use it as a voice signature to authorize fraudulent charges or services.
Legitimate callers will state their name and the reason for their call immediately. A call that opens with a question designed to get a "Yes" response is almost always a scam attempt.
"A ladies voice said: 'I'm a trip advisor. Can you hear me?' As soon as my wife answered 'Yes' it hung up. I'm concerned that it was a known scam call where all they want is to record a 'Yes' answer from you..."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 304 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in West Virginia, United States. Area code 304 is a general purpose code that has been in service since January 1, 1947.
Most common 304 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 West Virginia, or have a 304 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 West Virginia area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: