The 320 area code is seeing a rise in aggressive debt collection calls and Social Security impersonation scams. Callers claim you owe a debt or have a problem with your government file to pressure you into paying.
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 320 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Minnesota (St. Cloud, Willmar, Sartell) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 320 scams based on user comments:
Scammers are calling 320 residents claiming to be from debt collectors like "Midland Credit Management" (MCM) or fake legal firms such as "Titan Legal Services." They aggressively try to confirm your personal information, threaten to file a "civil suit," and even warn they will show up at your home or work with a man named "Erik White" to serve you. Other callers threaten to report a supposed complaint against you to your HR or payroll department if you don't call back an 800-number immediately.
You cannot be "formally served" with a lawsuit over the phone. Real process servers deliver legal documents in person without calling ahead to warn you. Furthermore, legitimate debt collectors are required by law to mail you a written validation notice of the debt.
"I keep getting a call/message from this number saying they are filing a civil suit against me and that I have been formally served. Today a guy named Erik White said to be prepared with my ID at my work or home, he's on his way.... I do believe this is a scam??"
Residents in the St. Cloud and surrounding areas are receiving robocalls with a computer voice claiming their Social Security number is being blocked or suspended. When you call back, a person with a heavy Indian accent often answers as the "social security office" from a noisy call center. Other variations claim you recently applied for SS disability benefits or, using the name "Nancy," warn this is your "final chance" to act.
The Social Security Administration will never call you to threaten your benefits or tell you that your SSN has been suspended. They primarily communicate through U.S. mail and will not ask for personal information via a phone call you did not initiate.
"computer voice said they were blocking my social security number and to call a toll free number and to have a blessed day. Called the number back and after several clicking noises on the phone an indian speaking man answered phone as 'social security office, how can help you' there was a lot of noise in the background so I just hung up"
Many people in Central Minnesota are being bombarded with robocalls about an expiring "Vehicle Protection" plan or car warranty. These calls often start right after purchasing a new vehicle. The automated system will ask you to press 1 to speak to a specialist, but engaging often leads to more calls. If you tell them you're not interested or have an old car, they typically hang up immediately.
These calls are not from your car's manufacturer or dealership. They are from third-party companies using scare tactics to sell expensive and often worthless service contracts. Your actual dealer will contact you by mail for official business.
"Got a call from this number telling me my warranty was expiring on my car and would I like to renew it. Told them I had an old car with no warranty and they hung up fast!"
Scammers are leaving voicemails claiming to be from the IRS or a tax advocacy group with an "important update regarding your outstanding tax balance." They specifically mention a fictional "Advantage Tax Forgiveness Program" released in February 2023. The recording instructs you to call back a different number to have your tax debt forgiven or reduced.
The IRS initiates most contact through official U.S. mail, not unexpected phone calls. They will never leave pre-recorded, threatening messages, and fictional programs like the "Advantage Tax Forgiveness Program" do not exist.
"This is an important update regarding your outstanding tax balance. The new Advantage Tax Forgiveness Program was released this February 2023. And now your outstanding tax debt is eligible to be forgiven or reduced by 50 percent...it is imperative that you us call back at 201-249-5643."
This scam involves automated calls claiming a service you never signed up for is about to be renewed. Callers may claim they will "continue to bill me at $299 for some 'platinum' service" for your PC unless you call back. Other versions impersonate major companies like Apple or Microsoft, stating your account has been compromised or your financial data was breached, instructing you to press 1 to speak with a representative.
Legitimate companies like Microsoft and Apple do not make unsolicited calls to inform you of security breaches. Subscription renewal notices are typically sent via email, and they will never ask for remote access to your computer or credit card information over an incoming phone call.
"Received an automated call claiming that they will 'continue' to bill me at $299 for some 'platinum' service unless I called back"
Residents are receiving unsolicited text messages from individuals who identify themselves as "Mike" or "Mike Martinez." The message often mentions your specific home address and asks if "the estate" is interested in selling. This is a phishing tactic to confirm your name, phone number, and property ownership for future scams or unwanted solicitations.
Legitimate real estate agents typically do not use anonymous, unsolicited text messages from out-of-state numbers as their first point of contact. This is a common tactic used by data miners and aggressive wholesalers to find distressed properties or gullible sellers.
"I received the same message: “Hey there, I'm Mike Martinez. I noticed *Home Address*. Does the estate want to sell? STOP2END”"
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 320 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Minnesota, United States. Area code 320 is a general purpose code that has been in service since March 17, 1996.
Most common 320 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 Minnesota, or have a 320 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 Minnesota area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: