The 380 area code is seeing scams related to the American Rescue Plan and tax debts. Callers try to trick you into paying fees to receive fake government relief funds.
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 380 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Ohio (Columbus, Dublin, Westerville) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 380 scams based on user comments:
Scammers from numbers like 380-888-0984 are leaving voicemails claiming to be from a "Department of Tax Debt and Financial Settlement Services." Callers use names like "Mary Fletcher," "Alia Smith," or "Delia Smith" along with a fake state ID number "FF694." They falsely claim a "new tax debt compromise program" under the "American Rescue Plan" can eliminate your tax debt, but only if you enroll immediately.
The IRS's primary form of contact is through U.S. Mail. Government agencies will not use robocalls to enroll you in special tax forgiveness programs tied to relief acts like the American Rescue Plan.
"Hello my name is Aaliyah Smith State number FS694 this is a notification call from our department of tax debt and financial settlement services the purpose of this call is to inform all US citizens on our state list about the new tax debt compromise program this program is part of the American rescue plan..."
Many central Ohio residents are discovering outgoing calls and texts in their phone logs to 380-222-3333 that they never made. Some users report this number was even set as their phone's voicemail number, which could indicate a malicious app or that their phone account has been compromised to route unauthorized calls.
Your phone should never make calls or send texts on its own. This is a sign of a technical problem, a malicious app installed on your device, or a "phone hijacking" scam where criminals compromise your account.
"My call history shows that I placed a call to this number. I have never called 380-222-3333"
An automated message is circulating that threatens you with legal trouble to create panic. The robocall vaguely warns that a "motion is being filed bearing your name" or that if you disregard the message, "the situation will unfolds [sic] on you." The goal is to scare you into pressing 1 to speak with a fake "case manager" and give up your personal information or money.
Real court officials and law firms do not use anonymous robocalls to warn you about legal action. You would receive official documents delivered in person or via certified mail, not a generic voicemail.
"No identification, references a case that needs my urgent attention. Says if I '...disregard this message the situation will unfolds [sic] on you and you may face legal consequences...'"
Callers are targeting local business owners, claiming to be from Google and insisting your business listing is "inactive." They are often very rude and aggressive, refusing to listen when you say your page is fine. The scam culminates with them demanding an immediate payment, like $99.00, to "verify" your business and keep it listed.
Google does not charge for your Business Profile to appear on Google Search or Maps. Verification and management of your listing are free services that you can control yourself.
"Call from this number asking me to verify my business for Google. In the end, they asked for 99.00 payment right away, telling me they sent to me an email in March. I opened my business in May. When I asked the info to be sent to my email address, He rung out on me."
Scammers are posing as aggressive debt collectors, sometimes calling themselves the "MMR Group" or simply answering the phone as "Mediation." They use a rude tone, threaten to take you to court, and may even call your friends or family to try and get your personal information. This harassment is designed to scare you into paying a debt that may not even be real.
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) forbids collectors from harassing you, lying, or discussing your debt with most third parties. A legitimate collector must provide you with written proof of the debt upon request.
"They called a friend of mine trying to get personal information about me when I called they threaten me with taking me to court"
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 380 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Ohio, United States. Area code 380 is a general purpose code that has been in service since February 27, 2016.
Most common 380 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 Ohio, or have a 380 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 Ohio area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: