The 346 area code is frequently used for Social Security arrest warrant scams and fake lawsuit threats. The callers try to convince you that you are in serious legal trouble to panic 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 346 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Texas (Houston, Pasadena, Pearland) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 346 scams based on user comments:
Residents in the Houston area are receiving automated calls claiming there is "fraudulent activity" or "legal enforcement actions" connected to their Social Security Number. The robotic voice threatens immediate arrest, warns that your bank account will be frozen, or that your SSN will be suspended if you do not call them back immediately.
The Social Security Administration will never call to threaten you, demand immediate payment, or tell you that your SSN has been suspended. They will almost always contact you through official, mailed letters, not through aggressive robocalls.
"A recorded voice threatened me with an arrest if I do not call and give my social security number! Why can’t something be done about this?"
This aggressive scam involves threatening voicemails from people claiming to be from a "Processing Division" or a fake agency like "Allenwood and Associates." They allege that "two charges are pending" against you and that they will be "actively pursuing you at your place of employment" or home to serve papers unless you call back and settle the matter.
Real process servers do not call ahead to warn you; their job is to deliver legal documents in person without notice. Any legitimate debt collector must provide a written validation notice, and threatening to show up at your work to embarrass you is an illegal tactic.
"Order for you it looks like two charges pending. Now unfortunately because I'm unable to reach you by phone I will be actively pursuing you at your place of employment and your residence. You have the right to contact the client to resolve this matter voluntarily."
This scam starts with an email that looks like it's from Amazon, falsely confirming a very expensive order you didn't make, such as a "MacBook Pro" or an "iPhone 12 pro." The email often states the item is being shipped to a "Mark Walton" at "1015 Virginia Blvd, Austin, TX 77010" and provides a Houston-based 346 number to call "customer service" to cancel it.
This is a phishing attempt to create panic. The scammers want you to call their fake customer service line, where they will try to trick you into revealing your account login, personal information, or credit card details to "cancel" the non-existent order.
"Received email from Amazon to let me know that a MacBook was shipping today to Mark Walton in TX. This number was left as customer service. Not today Satan!!"
People across the 346 area code are receiving unsolicited text messages with an attached image of a fake prescription discount card. The card often has a logo like "USRx" and the message urges you to "Present this card at your local pharmacy for immediate use," claiming it is your "updated prescription information."
This is a scheme to steal your personal and health information. When a pharmacy tries to process the fake card, the scammers behind it can capture the data you provide. Legitimate prescription card services require you to sign up first; they don't send cards out of the blue.
"Received a text from this number. Prescription card. I was very suspicious. Looked it up and here we are - numerous other previous complaints are listed. No way I will even click the image on the text."
This is a robocall that claims your computer's security software subscription has expired and that your bank account is about to be debited for "$399" for a renewal. The recording then pressures you to "press 1" or call them back immediately to cancel the charge, which is a trick to connect you with a live scammer.
Legitimate tech companies do not use high-pressure robocalls for renewals. Any renewal notice would come via email or a notification within the software itself, not with a threat of an unexpected charge that requires an urgent phone call to stop.
"Called and said my computer's security software was expiring and I was going to be charged $399.00. This part is a recording. Then it gets YOU to engage them by saying something like 'if this is incorrect please press 1...'"
Scammers are sending text messages offering a job as a "store evaluator" or "secret shopper" for Whole Foods, CVS, or other retailers. The texts are designed to look like a great opportunity, promising high pay like "$400 on every task," and provide a link to an application form that steals your personal data.
This is a phishing scam to steal your identity. Real companies like Whole Foods post jobs on their corporate websites and use formal application processes. They do not recruit for high-paying roles through random, unsolicited text messages.
"Whole Foods Market ® is beginning an exceptionally huge research project in your area. This project happens each week, so we have to select Shoppers to function as a store evaluator. You will get $450 on every task."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 346 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Texas, United States. Area code 346 is a general purpose code that has been in service since July 1, 2014.
Most common 346 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 Texas, or have a 346 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 Texas area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: