Scammers using the 332 area code are targeting victims with fake student loan forgiveness offers and phony debt collection calls. They try to steal your personal data by promising to erase your loans or threatening legal action.
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 332 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof New York (New York) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 332 scams based on user comments:
Scammers leave urgent voicemails claiming your application for loan forgiveness is "incomplete" and must be submitted before a "forbearance deadline." They use names like "Marissa Martin" or "Julia Birch" and provide a fake "approval code" to seem legitimate to residents in the 332 area code.
Official federal student loan servicers will contact you through their official websites and U.S. Mail, not with unsolicited robocalls from random New York City numbers demanding immediate action.
"Hi this is Marissa Martin I'm following up regarding your eligibility for loan forgiveness it looks like your application is incomplete and needs to be submitted before the end of the forbearance deadline it's urgent that you return the call to complete your application... please be sure to provide your approval code 213005 when speaking to your counselor to expedite your call thank you and have a wonderful day…"
Callers pretend to be debt collectors for companies like "American Express" or use vague terms like a "pending legal matter" to scare you. They often refuse to provide any specific details about the supposed debt and may even harass your family members at their phone numbers.
Legitimate debt collectors are required by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) to identify themselves and provide you with information about the debt. They cannot legally harass you or threaten action they don't intend to take.
"Very sketchy call from someone speaking about a 'pending legal matter' - I've received these before and whenever I Google the number, it turns out to be a number with many complaints."
You receive a text message pretending to be from a well-known company like Verizon, AT&T, or Amazon. These messages claim your bill is paid and offer a "little gift," that you have "$130 Amazon Rewards credit," or that you've won AirPods, all designed to get you to click a malicious link.
Companies like Verizon and Amazon do not send rewards through random text messages with unofficial links. All account information and legitimate offers will be in your secure account portal on their official website or app.
"Text message reads VZN Free Msg: December bill is paid. Thanks. Here's little gift for you: yzpv3.info/w9FIWytWD6"
This tactic involves receiving multiple calls a day, sometimes five or more, from similar 332 numbers. Scammers use "neighbor spoofing," changing the last four digits of the number to bypass call blockers. Often, the line is silent when you answer, or the call disconnects immediately.
This is an automated harassment technique. The goal is often just to identify active phone numbers for future scams. Answering the call confirms your number is live and can lead to even more calls.
"i get calls continually from 332 223 4733 and 3854 and 4740, 4741, 4742, 4743, 4744, i try and block and i get another number from them."
Callers identifying themselves as "James Dawson" claim you have been "preapproved" for a business line of credit. The calls often use a "double ring" method to get past robocall blockers and instruct you to call back a different number, usually in a completely different area code like 949.
Legitimate financial institutions do not make initial credit offers through unsolicited robocalls. These are designed to trick small business owners into paying upfront fees for a loan that doesn't exist.
"Message comes from 'James Dawson' and tells listener to call back to 949-365-4020 to receive a business line of credit. BTW ~ They will never remove your number because they are not a Legit business."
A text message arrives stating a "pkg. has been shipped" and provides a link to click for tracking. The message is a scam because it doesn't name the delivery company (like UPS or FedEx) and is sent to people who are not expecting any packages.
Official carriers like USPS, UPS, and FedEx always include their company name and a legitimate tracking number in notifications. They will not send you a vague text from a random 332 number with a non-standard link.
"Text saying pkg. has been shipped, gave a site to click on but I didn't. No business name, etc., just the phone no. plus I'm not expecting any packages."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 332 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 332 is a general purpose code that has been in service since June 10, 2017.
Most common 332 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 332 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: