Scammers using the 361 area code frequently use Social Security threats and tech support refund scams. They try to access your bank account by claiming they need to send you a refund or fix a government error.
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 361 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Texas (Corpus Christi, Victoria, Kingsville) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 361 scams based on user comments:
Residents in the 361 area code are receiving threatening calls from individuals posing as officials from the Social Security Administration. These scammers, sometimes using names like "Officer Steven White" or "Officer Maria," falsely claim your Social Security Number has been compromised or used in criminal activities. They create panic by threatening that your SSN will be "permanently blocked" or that a legal enforcement action has been filed in your name, demanding you call them back immediately.
The Social Security Administration will never call you to threaten your benefits or tell you to wire money, send cash, or put money on gift cards. They communicate through official U.S. mail, not through intimidating robocalls or fake "officers."
"My name is Officer Steven White calling you for him to Department of Social Security Administration. The reason you have received this phone call from our department is to inform me about a legal enforcement action, which has been filed on your name and social number for criminal activities."
This scam involves a caller claiming to be from a tech support company, such as "ProCare Tech Support," stating the company is going out of business. They offer a refund, often a specific amount like "$299.99," for a service contract you likely never purchased. The entire story is a trick to get you to provide your credit card numbers or grant them remote access to your computer to "process the refund."
Legitimate companies do not call customers to ask for financial information to process a refund. If a company were truly ceasing operations, they would likely issue refunds automatically or provide secure, official instructions via email or mail, not through a high-pressure phone call.
"someone called pretending to be from a tech support company called ProCare, saying that the company was going out of business and they wanted to refund my $299.00 tech support payment. They said to call back at 361-288-1818."
Scammers are targeting South Texas residents with unsolicited calls and texts about medical benefits and prescriptions. Callers may claim to be from well-known insurers like Humana or Blue Cross Blue Shield, offering new PPO plan benefits. Another common tactic is a text message with an attached image of a "USRX Prescription card," which could contain a virus or be a phishing attempt to steal your information if you use it.
Your health insurance provider already has your information and will communicate about benefits through official channels like their secure web portal or U.S. mail. They will not send you unsolicited text messages with images of new prescription cards.
"I received a text from this number with a RX discount card attached instructing me to use it at my pharmacy. DO NOT USE IT!!! I suspect it will somehow expose your personal information to an identity thief."
This clever scam targets local dental and medical offices in the 361 area. A caller, often identifying herself as "Shawna," "Deb," or "Nicole," will ask to speak directly with the doctor. She will be evasive about the reason for the call, claiming it's a "proprietary matter" or that the doctor will "know what it's about," and will reference another doctor's name, like "Dr. Ingber" or "Dr. Dens," to create a false sense of legitimacy and urgency.
Legitimate professional correspondence between doctors is typically handled through established, secure channels or by staff who can clearly state the nature of the business. This tactic relies on pressuring receptionists into breaking protocol by implying the call is important and personal.
"We got a call from Shawna at 361-221-1006 asking to speak with our doctor...she would not leave any details, but said 'he'd know what it was about' and to reference Dr. Ingbre."
A high volume of robocalls are being made regarding your car's "factory warranty." These calls often create a false sense of urgency, stating you need to call back immediately to "keep your file open." The callers are aggressive telemarketers trying to sell you an expensive and often unnecessary extended service plan.
Your vehicle's manufacturer will not contact you via unsolicited robocall to sell you an extended warranty. These calls are from third-party companies with no affiliation to the dealer or manufacturer you bought your car from.
"The woman called offering to sell me a warranty on my car. I told her this was a scam and she asked why she wasn't in handcuffs then. I hung up and called the number back and there were just chimes ringing and then it disconnected."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 361 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Texas, United States. Area code 361 is a general purpose code that has been in service since February 13, 1999.
Most common 361 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 361 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: