The 318 area code is heavily linked to Social Security arrest warrant scams and fake lawsuit threats. Fraudsters use aggressive language to convince you that police are on the way unless you make 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 318 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Louisiana (Shreveport, Bossier City, Monroe) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 318 scams based on user comments:
Residents in Louisiana are receiving calls falsely claiming to be from the Social Security office or local law enforcement. Scammers, sometimes using names like "Chris Smith," allege your Social Security Number has been involved in "suspicious activity" or that you are facing arrest for IRS fraud and a Sheriff is on the way.
The Social Security Administration and the IRS will never call you to threaten arrest or demand immediate payment. They primarily communicate through official U.S. mail, not surprise phone calls.
"Called me and my mother pretending to be with Sheriff on way to arrest me for IRS fraud."
This scam involves a call claiming you are being sued or need to be "serviced" with legal papers. They often reference old addresses to seem legitimate and create panic, stating you must call back to find out if you're involved in a crime.
Real process servers do not call ahead to warn you; their job is to deliver legal documents in person without prior notice. A phone call warning is a classic sign of a scam.
"This number just called me and said i was being sued and they were trying to service me at an address I have not been at in 11 years"
Scammers are calling 318 numbers claiming to be from Publisher's Clearing House (PCH), falsely telling victims they've won millions of dollars and a car. They may use a name like "Michael Headwards" and instruct you to call a number to arrange collection, sometimes even telling you to ignore skeptical family members.
Publisher's Clearing House famously surprises its big winners in person with their Prize Patrol. They never call to announce a win or ask for money to deliver a prize.
"Said from publisher clearinghouse and said I won a car but I had to call this number. My husband was listening and told me not to answer. The called told me not to listen to my husband."
Callers are targeting Louisiana residents with fake charity drives, often identifying themselves as fundraising for "American Vets," "Firemen," or "policemen." A caller named "Fred" has been reported as being very persistent, not letting you get a word in and refusing to take no for an answer.
Legitimate charities welcome scrutiny and will never pressure you for an immediate donation. They can provide official documentation and will be listed on charity-checker websites.
"Have received many calls from this number claiming to be representing American Veterans... The problem is that the same number has called representing Firemen hurt in on the job and policemen injured as well. The catch is that they forget to change the caller ID from American Vets when they are reading the other scripts."
These are extremely common robocalls and live calls falsely claiming your car's warranty is expiring. Callers, sometimes identifying as "Jackie from Dealers Service Center," use aggressive tactics to sell you an unnecessary and often worthless extended warranty.
Your vehicle's manufacturer will not use aggressive robocalls to sell you an extended warranty. These calls originate from unrelated third-party sellers who often have no information about your actual car.
"i'm sick and tired of getting calls to remove my warranty. When I ask to be removed they want me to justify a response. How about just do it because I said to."
Scammers are sending text messages designed to trick you into clicking malicious links. These texts may falsely claim your bank account is frozen, you need to update Netflix payment info, an order is arriving that you didn't place, or provide an unsolicited "one-time access code" for services like United Healthcare.
Banks, streaming services, and healthcare companies will not send you a text with a link to resolve a security issue. Unsolicited access codes often mean a scammer is trying to use your phone number to access one of your accounts.
"Fraud text claiming my bank acct has been frozen. Has a link that if you click on it would redirect your ph or possibly download virus. I have received multiple messages like this from various numbers."
This automated scam plays a recording that says you are receiving a free call from an inmate at a local facility, such as the "Saint Mary Parish, Louisiana" jail or "Harrison County Annex." The goal is to get you to press "1" to accept the call, which could connect you to a scammer or authorize fraudulent charges.
While real inmate call systems exist, they typically require you to have a pre-funded account. Unsolicited calls like these are often scams designed to trick you into accepting premium-rate charges or engaging with a fraudster.
"Hello you have a free call from Jordan an inmate at the Harrison County Annex. This call may be monitored or recorded any attempt to connect to third party will result in the immediate termination of your call. Press one to accept the call..."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 318 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Louisiana, United States. Area code 318 is a general purpose code that has been in service since January 1, 1957.
Most common 318 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 Louisiana, or have a 318 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 Louisiana area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: