Chicago's 312 area code is seeing a high volume of IRS arrest warrant threats and fake debt collection calls. The callers pretend to be law enforcement or government agents to intimidate you into paying non-existent fines.
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 312 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Illinois (Chicago) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 312 scams based on user comments:
Chicagoans are receiving automated calls with a robotic voice claiming to be from the IRS. The message falsely states that an arrest warrant has been issued against you, that your "physical property" is being monitored, and that you must call them back immediately to avoid further legal action.
The real IRS always initiates contact through official U.S. Mail, not with threatening robocalls. They will never threaten to have local police arrest you for not paying or demand payment with gift cards.
"This pre recorded message is to notify you that I RS has issued an arrest warrant against you right now you and your physical property both are being monitored, and it's very important that I do hear back from you as soon as possible before we proceed further in any legal matter."
Scammers are calling residents claiming to be from a "mediation firm" or processing "legal documentation" tied to your Social Security number. They frequently reference old, non-existent payday loans from companies like "My Cash Now" from as far back as 2012 and threaten to show up at your workplace to have a supervisor witness you signing documents.
Legitimate process servers do not call you in advance to warn you they are coming; they just show up. Real debt collectors are required to provide a written validation notice upon request and cannot threaten to discuss your debt with your employer.
"Got a voicemail from this number stating that they needed me to sign documents and have HR or my supervisor be a witness since they were coming to my place of work between 12 and 5 pm."
You receive a robocall warning that a subscription, often for "Microsoft" or "antivirus" services, is about to be renewed. The message states that $299 or $399 will be automatically deducted from your bank account unless you call back immediately to cancel.
Major companies like Microsoft do not use threatening robocalls for billing issues. All subscription management is handled through your official online account, and they will never need to call you to process a refund.
"I keep getting robo calls which leaves messages on my phone saying they are going to deduct $399 from my bank account for renewal of subscription. I dont have any subscriptions."
Residents report that Grubhub drivers are using these Chicago-based numbers to perpetrate scams. Drivers are reportedly stealing food, marking orders as "delivered" when nothing has arrived, and then becoming unresponsive or providing strange excuses.
Grubhub uses masked phone numbers to protect both customers and drivers, which is why a Chicago 312 number may appear even if your driver is local. Always handle order issues through the app, as Grubhub can verify the driver's location and order status to resolve the problem.
"This person picked up my GrubHub order and stole it. Instantly reported and fully refunded. Also from upstate NY, buyers beware."
Callers are pretending to be from local law enforcement, such as the "Chicago Narcotics team" or the "Cook County Sheriff's Office." They use intimidation tactics, claiming you bought drugs online or that they have an "ongoing investigation," and then offer to close the case if you pay them.
Police and sheriff's departments do not call people to inform them of a narcotics investigation or demand payment to drop charges. Official legal matters are handled through the courts and with official, in-person service of documents, not a phone call.
"Called said they were Chicago Narcotics team , they stated I bought a Narcotic on line . No never . He said I have a clean record so I can just pay amount to close case .. Scam !"
Callers claim to be from the CDC or the University of Chicago conducting a "National Immunization Survey." While the CDC does run such surveys, Chicagoans have reported callers who are abusive, call at extremely late hours like 11 PM, and ask invasive questions about children in the home, leading many to believe it's a scam.
Even if a survey is legitimate, professional surveyors will not call at unreasonable hours, use abusive language, or pressure you for sensitive information. Given the reports of alarming behavior, you should treat these calls with extreme caution and prioritize your family's privacy.
"Asking about minor children at home, do not provide any information, possible pedophile database creation."
This scam starts with a text message that seems to be a mistake. A person named "Elena" or "Anna" texts you, thinking you are their friend "Amelia," and talks about her boyfriend "Andrew" cheating. The goal is to get you to reply and draw you into a conversation that leads to a different scam.
This is a classic social engineering tactic. Scammers blast these messages out to thousands of random numbers, hoping a few kind people will reply. Once you're engaged, they can pivot to romance scams, phishing attempts, or other fraudulent schemes.
"Hi Amelia. Are you busy this week? Let's order some take out and get together.. Seems that Andrew and I are over, I think he cheated on me -Elena"
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 312 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Illinois, United States. Area code 312 is a general purpose code that has been in service since January 1, 1947.
Most common 312 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 Illinois, or have a 312 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 Illinois area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: