Residents are reporting constant 315 area code calls regarding fake Apple iCloud breaches and Social Security suspension threats. These scammers want to panic you into sharing your passwords or personal identification numbers.
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 315 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof New York (Syracuse, Utica, Rome) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 315 scams based on user comments:
This is the most aggressive scam hitting the 315 area code. You will receive dozens, sometimes over 100, calls in a few hours from various spoofed numbers. A robocall voice, often identified as "Olivia," claims your iCloud account has been breached and warns you not to use any Apple devices until you call their "toll-free" number, which is actually a local 315 number. Their goal is to create panic and get you to grant them remote access to your computer.
Apple will never call you unsolicited about a compromised account, nor will they use a relentless barrage of robocalls from spoofed numbers. Furthermore, a 315 area code is for Upstate New York and is not a toll-free number.
"As of 2-29-2020 I have received a call approx. every 30 mins. claiming my i cloud acct has been breached and stop using any Apple devices. I went for opt #1 and a man answered with an India accent telling me to log on to my computer and he'd help me with the issue, that Russia, Germany and China all have made too many inquiries... I hung up."
Residents in Central New York are receiving alarming calls claiming their Social Security Number has been suspended due to fraudulent activity. Callers pose as federal agents, using fake names like "Agent Kevin Anderson" and phony badge numbers like "#ssn615639," to create a sense of authority. They threaten you with arrest or legal proceedings to trick you into providing your personal information.
The Social Security Administration will never suspend your SSN. The agency primarily communicates via official U.S. mail and will never call to threaten you with arrest or demand personal information.
"Caller said they were Federal Agent Badge #ssn615639 Kevin Anderson. He said found suspicious activity on my social security number... I asked why he was calling me from Texas on a phone number from New York and he said they have different locations."
This scam preys on fear. You'll get a robocall claiming to be from the IRS, stating that a lawsuit has been filed against you or that a warrant is out for your arrest due to tax fraud. They create extreme urgency and demand immediate payment, sometimes for specific amounts like "$4000," often instructing you to pay using Target gift cards.
The real IRS will never call to demand immediate payment over the phone, nor will they threaten to have you arrested by local police for a tax issue. Demands for payment via gift cards are a guaranteed sign of a scam.
"caller said i was in violation of tax fraud and i needed to pay 4000$ w/target gift card"
This scam starts with great news: you've been selected to receive a free government grant, often for $9,000. The caller may claim to be from the "Health and Human Services dept." or the "Federal Grants Department." The catch comes when they tell you that in order to receive your "free" money, you must first pay a fee of around $200 via Western Union or by purchasing gift cards.
Legitimate government agencies will never call you at random to award you free money, and you never have to pay a fee to receive a real government grant.
"I went through multiple calls to listen to their entire scam. In the end, you must send them $200 by Western Union so they can send you a $9000 government grant.I didn't send the $200, since I suspect it's possible they are con artists."
Scammers will call claiming to be from Microsoft, HP, or another tech company. They may say your computer support contract is expiring and will be auto-renewed for hundreds of dollars unless you cancel, or that they owe you a refund for $299. Their goal is to get you on your computer and trick you into granting them remote access, allowing them to steal your information or lock your device until you pay them, often with gift cards.
Microsoft and other major tech companies will not call you out of the blue to fix a problem with your computer or issue a refund. These are always scams designed to steal your money or data.
"I was called and told I was getting a Microsoft refund and the best way to refund it is by checking account. Then by virtual connect and me accepting, I went and logged into my acct. he put not $299 but $4,299. Then said the only way to reverse the $4,000 was to get gift cards."
This is a cruel scam that targets grandparents' emotions. A scammer calls pretending to be your grandson or granddaughter, claiming they have been in a car accident and are now in jail. They sound distressed and may have a "public defender" named "John Reid" call you next, demanding thousands of dollars for bail, often between $3,000 and $9,600, that must be sent immediately.
This is a classic scare tactic. Scammers rely on your love for your family to make you act quickly without thinking. Always verify an emergency story by contacting your family member directly through a number you know is theirs.
"I also received a call from a guy coughing the whole time on the phone and saying he was my grandson and that he got in a car accident and ended up going to jail... He gave me a phone number, 315-636-0542, and said it was for John Reid, a so called Public Defender with case number, 0426771-A."
Watch out for robocalls claiming a fraudulent purchase has been made on your Amazon account for an expensive item, such as an iPhone or a MacBook. The recording will state the charge amount, often over $400, and instruct you to press 1 if you did not authorize the purchase. This is a trick to get you on the line with a scammer who will then try to get your account and financial information.
Amazon will not call you about suspicious purchases. They will notify you through email or directly within your account on their secure website or app. Any unsolicited call about an order is a scam.
"Got an automated call from this one saying it was about a $400 Amazon order placed this morning and if I'd placed the order, hang up and do nothing. If I hadn't, to call the number. That was almost a good trick - I did place a large Amazon order this morning!"
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 315 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in New York, United States. Area code 315 is a general purpose code that has been in service since January 1, 1947.
Most common 315 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 New York, or have a 315 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 New York area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: