Residents are seeing a high volume of 336 area code calls regarding Social Security suspensions and fake debt collection. These scammers use intimidation tactics to trick you into confirming your identity or paying fake fines.
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 336 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof North Carolina (Greensboro, Winston-Salem, High Point) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 336 scams based on user comments:
Residents in the 336 area code are receiving alarming robocalls claiming to be from the "investigation department from the Social Security Administration." These automated messages falsely state there is a "suspension against your SS#" due to criminal activity and demand you call them back immediately to avoid legal consequences.
The Social Security Administration will never call you to threaten you or tell you that your SSN has been suspended. They primarily communicate via U.S. Mail and would never demand payment or personal information over the phone to resolve a problem.
"Got a call from 336-310-1284 saying it was the investigation department from the Social Security Administration. Scam! Same - called from Kernersville NC number saying there was a 'suspension against my SS#' hahahaha. Good thing these clowns are so STUPID."
Scammers are aggressively calling North Carolina residents, falsely claiming a "formal complaint" or "civil suit" has been filed against them. They threaten to serve papers at your home or job and may even send police to arrest you if you don't pay immediately for a supposed old debt, sometimes from as far back as 2007.
Legitimate process servers do not call ahead to warn you; they simply show up. Furthermore, you cannot be arrested for a civil debt. Threats of arrest are a clear sign of an illegal scam.
"Will send police to my home or work for unpaid collections if I don't answer. When I answer, I'm placed in que forever, If I return the call, I'm placed on hold until the call automatically ends."
Many 336 residents are being bombarded with relentless robocalls about their car's "expired warranty." These callers use high-pressure tactics and will call multiple times a day from slightly different numbers, even after you've asked them to stop or have blocked them. Some people report being yelled at when they refuse the service.
These calls are from third-party sellers, not your car's manufacturer or dealership. Legitimate companies will send you information by mail and will not harass you with dozens of unsolicited robocalls.
"They keep calling about an extended warranty for my 10 year old car. The guy on the phone was yelling at me today when I told him to quit calling me."
Scammers are calling from local 336 numbers pretending to be from United Healthcare, Blue Cross, or a generic "Medicare Advisor." They often state they can reduce your premiums or offer better benefits, but their real goal is to get your Medicare number and personal information for identity theft and fraudulent billing.
Official Medicare representatives will never call you out of the blue to sell you something or ask for your personal information unless you have specifically requested a call.
"SAID THEY WERE WITH UNITED HEALTHCARE; I DO NOT HAVE UHC. RECORDING ASKED ME CALL BACK WITH DIFFERENT NUMBER 866-686-2504"
Callers are soliciting donations for fake charities like the "Police Benevolent Association" or "Concerned Veteran Actions." These scammers use emotional appeals and may try to sound official, but the money they collect does not go to law enforcement or veterans. They often demand immediate donations via routing and account numbers.
Legitimate charities do not typically use high-pressure phone tactics and will gladly mail you information. Most local police departments do not solicit donations over the phone.
"'Eddie' called from 336-203-5703 soliciting for the 'Police Benevolent Association'. This is utter crap. Tell them to take you off of their list. They will hang up before you can finish your sentence."
Homeowners are receiving a high volume of unsolicited calls and texts from people claiming they want to buy their house for cash. These callers often sound like they are in a call center and may reference your address or county, such as Forsyth County, to seem local and legitimate.
While some real estate investors do make cold calls, the vast majority of these are phishing attempts or high-pressure tactics from wholesalers trying to get you to sell your home for far below market value.
"Caller expressed interest in purchasing a property I own in North Carolina. I do not, nor have I ever owned property in North Carolina"
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 336 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in North Carolina, United States. Area code 336 is a general purpose code that has been in service since December 15, 1997.
Most common 336 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 North Carolina, or have a 336 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 North Carolina area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: