The 347 area code is known for Social Security threats and fake debt collection hoaxes. Scammers pose as government officials or lawyers to intimidate you into settling non-existent debts.
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 347 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof New York (New York, Bellerose Terrace, Bellerose) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 347 scams based on user comments:
Callers posing as law enforcement officers, specifically using names like "Officer Steven White," "Kevin Williams," or "Kevin Jones," claim your Social Security number has been blacklisted due to fraudulent activity. They threaten that an arrest warrant has been issued and officers are being sent to your place of employment unless you return the call immediately.
The Social Security Administration does not suspend or "blacklist" numbers, nor do they threaten arrest over the phone. Real warrants are served in person by officers who do not call ahead to warn you.
"This morning I received a phone call... Informing me that if I didn't return the call my Social Security Number would be Blacklisted and tomorrow morning I would be arrested at my place of employment."
Scammers claiming to be from "Garden Law Firm," "Addison and Ashford," or representing "CashNet USA" harass users about non-existent payday loans or "3 allegations" of fraud. These callers, often citing specific fake debt amounts (e.g., $7,000+), threaten to garnish paychecks or serve papers at your workplace.
Legitimate debt collectors must provide written validation of the debt within five days of contact. They cannot legally threaten you with immediate arrest or garnish wages without a prior court judgment.
"Received 6 phone calls from two males named mark, both foreign and one from garden law. Said... there was a civil suit against me... contacting my place of employment to garnish my paychecks."
Callers often identifying themselves as "Peter Green" (a fake lawyer) or "Mark Stevens" target seniors, claiming a grandson has been in a car accident (sometimes involving a pregnant woman) or arrested for DUI. They demand thousands of dollars in cash or bail money to be transferred immediately to avoid legal consequences.
Bail is paid to the court, not to a "lawyer" via cash courier or wire transfer. Real attorneys and police officers will never call family members demanding immediate cash payments to make legal issues disappear.
"Called 90 year old pretending to be Peter Green from the county. Said grandson was in an accident and needed bail money. Said it had to be cash."
Users in the 347 area receive text messages claiming to be from AT&T apologizing for "signal issues" (specifically mentioning dates like September 12 or 16) or confirming a bill payment. These texts promise a "symbolic reimbursement" or a gift and include a suspicious link to claim it.
Mobile carriers apply credits directly to your bill statement. They do not send text messages asking you to click external links to claim refunds or "symbolic gifts."
"AT&T Free Msg: Sorry for the signal issues on September 12, here's a symbolic reimbursement --- they provided a link which is obviously spam."
Scammers posing as "David King," "Michael Washington," or "Dave Sawyer" claim you have won millions (often $2.5 or $5.5 million) and a Mercedes Benz. They insist that the prize team is on the way (sometimes with a flatbed truck) but require you to pay an "FDIC insurance fee" or buy a gift card before delivery.
Legitimate sweepstakes never require you to pay fees, taxes, or insurance upfront to claim a prize. If you have to pay to get it, it is not a prize; it is a scam.
"Scammer... claiming to be from Publishers Clearing House. Promising money and new Mercedes Benz to be delivered to home address on flatbed truck! Wanted money sent by money order..."
Fraudsters impersonating Optimum, Spectrum, or DirectTV (using names like "Sylvester Alex" or "Mark Clement") claim your receiver needs a software update or satellite alignment. They demand a payment (often $199 or $299) to prevent service interruption, sometimes promising a discount on future bills as compensation.
Cable and satellite providers push software updates to your equipment automatically and remotely at no cost. They do not call customers to demand payment for maintenance or updates.
"Caller claims to be ATT/ Direct TV / Tech Supervisor for Software update of receivers for satellite alignment... $40 discount on monthly bill for 2 yrs after $299.00 Hold Security received..."
Scammers posing as recruiters from "Bright Allies Company Limited" or referencing "Blaze Staffing Solutions" offer fake positions, such as a Verizon Project Manager role. They interview you but then demand you pay out-of-pocket for specific training (e.g., "Scrum Master Certification") through a bogus portal like ExpertsLearn.com.
Legitimate employers do not ask candidates to pay for their own certification or training as a condition of hiring, nor do they conduct high-level interviews exclusively via text message.
"I was told the contract was with their client Verizon, and I needed to be a Certified Scrum Master... sponsor half if I went through some training company called ExpertsLearn.com."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 347 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 347 is a general purpose code that has been in service since October 1, 1999.
Most common 347 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 347 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: