The 316 area code is frequently used for fake process server threats and phony Social Security Administration calls. The callers lie about court dates or suspended benefits to steal your money and identity.
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 316 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Kansas (Wichita, Derby, Newton) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 316 scams based on user comments:
Scammers are aggressively calling Wichita residents pretending to be from a "processing division" or a fake company like "Consumer Recovery Associates." They use intimidation, threatening to pursue you at your home and job over phantom debts or accounts paid off years ago, often mentioning "two charges pending" to create panic and demand payment.
Real process servers do not call ahead to warn you; they just show up. Legitimate debt collectors are legally required to send you a written validation notice within five days of first contact and cannot threaten you or discuss your debt with third parties.
"He was rambling on and on about the two charges pending against me and saying they will garnish my wages and I once again told him to stop calling my friends and family and to send proof. He said he doesn't need to send proof...He yelled at me wishing me good luck in court and hung up on me! About 10 seconds later I got an UNKNOWN call stating in 24-72 hours a case will be filed."
This scam involves threatening calls claiming to be from the Social Security Administration. Scammers in the 316 area code are telling people their assets and bank accounts will be frozen, that federal officials will show up at their house for "drug trafficing," or that their Social Security will be stopped unless they press 1 to "re-instate" it.
The Social Security Administration primarily communicates through U.S. mail. They will never call you to threaten your benefits, demand payment, or ask for personal financial information over the phone.
"They asked for my name, address, and last four of my social. Then, they said that federal officials would be showing up to my house the next day and that my assets and bank accounts would be frozen within 20 minutes...Then the guy said 'Shut up,' and just hung up."
Residents are receiving robocalls claiming to be from Amazon about suspicious account activity. These calls often mention a specific, high-value purchase, such as a "$750 for an Iphone" or a "$399.99 credit card purchase," and instruct you to call a number back immediately to cancel the order you never made.
Amazon does not call customers to verify purchases or ask for account information. All official communication about your orders will appear within your secure Amazon account online or in the app.
"They claim to be Amazon & there's a charge for $750 for an Iphone."
These are relentless, high-volume spam calls about your car's extended warranty. Callers often use robocall technology and will call repeatedly, sometimes five times in a single day from different numbers, creating constant disruptions.
These calls are almost never from your actual car dealer or manufacturer. They are from third-party telemarketers who often don't even know what vehicle you own and use high-pressure tactics to sell questionable service plans.
"THEY KEEP CALLING ME PRETENDING TO BE AUTO WARRANTY SERVICE OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT ---- THEY CALLED ME 5 TIMES IN ONE DAY --- THIS IS RIDICULOUS"
Scammers are calling residents with false promises of student loan forgiveness. They use names like "Amber" or "Stephanie McCormick" and claim to be from the "Federal Student Loan Assistance Center," creating false urgency by saying it's "imperative" to speak today, even if you have no student loans.
The U.S. Department of Education does not make unsolicited calls to offer loan forgiveness. Real federal programs are free to apply for, and you should never pay a third-party company for help you can get for free.
"Amber with the Federal Student loan assistance center. States that I need to get up into a Federal Student Loan forgiveness program possible immediately. I have no student loans"
These callers target people with offers for "free" medical supplies or genetic testing they claim is covered by Medicare. Reports mention calls about knee braces, diabetes supplies, and a caller named "Becky," a supposed "patient advocate," pushing for genetic cancer screenings.
Medicare will not call you to sell you products or services. Any legitimate medical tests or supplies must be prescribed by your doctor, not offered to you by a telemarketer over the phone.
"Recorded message. Becky, organization not identified, stated patient advocate, wanted to have me sign up for genetic testing for cancer. Stated would be covered by Medicare."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 316 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Kansas, United States. Area code 316 is a general purpose code that has been in service since January 1, 1947.
Most common 316 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 Kansas, or have a 316 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 Kansas area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: