Scammers using the 313 area code often threaten victims with arrest or pose as Apple Support technicians. They use fear or fake technical issues to trick you into sending money or granting access to your computer.
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 313 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Michigan (Detroit, Dearborn, Dearborn Heights) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 313 scams based on user comments:
Residents in the Detroit area are receiving aggressive robocalls and live calls falsely claiming to be from the Social Security Administration or other law enforcement. These scammers threaten you with immediate arrest for "fraudulent activities running in the state of Michigan" and claim a suspension notice has been issued for your Social Security Number (SSN).
The Social Security Administration will never call you to threaten your benefits or tell you that you face arrest. Government agencies typically initiate contact through official mail, not with threatening phone calls.
"Claimed that my SSN was involved in a scam... MSG: 'OK suspension notice you have received against your Social Security number regarding some fraudulent activities running in the state of Michigan so we need to talk to you as soon as possible.'"
This is a high-volume scam where you receive relentless, back-to-back calls from a recorded message claiming to be from Apple Support. The message falsely states that your Apple products have been compromised, creating a sense of panic to trick you into calling back.
Apple does not make unsolicited support calls to warn you that your devices are compromised. This is a pretext to gain access to your personal information, install malware on your computer, or sell you worthless services.
"Continued calls to my work phone - usually 5 to 10 minutes apart. No option to Opt Out of Call. Recorded message from Apple Support saying my Apple products are compromised. I don't have any Apple Products here."
This automated robocall scam claims you are a "registered customer" for a computer service that is about to renew automatically. The message warns that a specific amount, often "$399.00 will be deducted from your account," to pressure you into calling back to cancel the non-existent charge.
Legitimate companies do not use threatening robocalls to notify you of a service renewal. This is a high-pressure tactic designed to scare you into calling scammers who will then try to get your credit card or bank information.
"robo call Dear Customer this call is in regards to the renewal of your computer services as you are registered customer $399.00 will be deducted from your account as renewal charges if you wish to stop or cancel the payment please call us at our customer care number..."
Scammers are calling 313 residents posing as debt collectors from agencies like "Washington Recovery" or "Midwest Recovery," attempting to collect on old, expired, or completely fake debts. They often have some of your personal information, such as the last four digits of your Social Security number, to appear legitimate and may threaten to show up at your home or workplace.
Under federal law, real debt collectors must provide you with a written validation notice within five days of first contacting you. They cannot legally threaten you with actions they have no intention of taking, like having you arrested.
"The lady knew my name and last 4 of my SS#. She was calling me about a debt from 2012 and claimed the last payment was 2016 which I know is not true...In Michigan debt statue of limitations is 6 years for debt. She wanted me to make a payment so they could start the debit over."
Scammers are spoofing phone numbers and pretending to be from trusted local Detroit-area companies like Quicken Loans, DTE, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. They may use real employee names like "Mike Woods" or claim to be calling for a survey, to discuss your mortgage, or to review your prescriptions, all in an attempt to get your personal information.
While local companies may call you, it is very easy for scammers to fake the caller ID to make it look like the call is coming from a trusted source. Always be skeptical of unsolicited calls and verify independently.
"313.373.1215 - Said they were with my Mortgage company Quickenloans. Didn't give any personal information but as soon as I hung up I received 4 robo calls. And the agent who said he'd prepare a new Interest rate never called back it must be a scam"
This strange scam involves a robocall threatening that your government benefits, such as "food stamps," are about to expire. Callers may claim to be from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) or Q Link Wireless. In some alarming cases, victims report the scammer is able to hijack their phone to make it look like one of their own phone numbers is calling another.
State agencies like MDHHS communicate about your benefits through official mail, not through robocalls that demand immediate action. The claim that your benefits will be cut off is a lie designed to create panic.
"Somehow this number (313)483-7071 hit both my phones simultaneously with the 313 I'd showing on one phone and then my other was myself calling from my first phone!!! How the heck can they do that? It just said press 1 if you wish to keep these benefits..."
Scammers claiming to be from "Pharmacy Services" or "Medical Supply" are calling Detroit residents relentlessly. These callers, often with heavy foreign accents, may already know personal details like your name or that you are diabetic. They attempt to sell you unwanted medical supplies, like back braces, and claim they are "on behalf of Medicare" to trick you into giving them your Medicare number.
Medicare will not call you to sell you products. This is an illegal scam to bill Medicare for fraudulent charges using your stolen information. Only provide your Medicare number to trusted healthcare providers.
"They have been calling my cell and the house twice daily...When you answer there is a pause then someone asks for So and So says this is a personal business matter...they was from Diversified something or another."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 313 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Michigan, United States. Area code 313 is a general purpose code that has been in service since January 1, 1947.
Most common 313 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 Michigan, or have a 313 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 Michigan area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: