The 386 area code is frequently used for bogus legal threats and Social Security suspension scams. Callers pretend to be process servers or government officials to intimidate you into 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 386 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Florida (Palm Coast, Deltona, Daytona Beach) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 386 scams based on user comments:
Scammers are aggressively calling 386 residents with alarming recorded messages. They claim a "formal complaint" or "case matter" has been filed against your name and Social Security number and that you have been notified. Callers using names like "Rebecca" or "Ms Carter" threaten to have a sheriff serve papers at your home or work, sometimes mentioning a specific Florida county like Escambia, if you don't call back and "verify your address."
Real process servers do not call you to give a warning; they are legally required to deliver documents in person without prior notice. Furthermore, law enforcement agencies will never call to threaten you about a civil matter or pending lawsuit.
"I'm calling in regards to a formal complaint that's in the process of being filed this morning for several different matters. I'm calling to verify that we do have the correct address for this individual. Now the next step will be filing the necessary paper work for your county."
This widespread scam involves a robocall claiming "suspicious activity" has been found on your Social Security Number (SSN). The recording threatens that a court order is being filed to suspend all activity with your SSN and that your bank accounts are at risk. The goal is to panic you into calling back a different number to prevent these "legal proceedings."
The Social Security Administration will never call to threaten your benefits or tell you that your SSN has been suspended. They primarily communicate through official U.S. mail, not through threatening robocalls.
"Getting calls telling me my SS number is going to be suspended by a court order. Can’t the government do something about this ? It’s a disgrace."
These are relentless robocalls about your car's "expiring factory warranty." A live person, sometimes identifying as "Joseph from vehicle services," or a recording will give you a "final courtesy call" to extend your car's coverage. They may even have details about a car you used to own, like a specific Kia model, to sound more legitimate.
"They have called me repeatedly from several phone numbers concerning auto warranty I can't get them to stop"
These calls are almost never from your vehicle's manufacturer or dealer. They are from third-party companies selling extended service contracts which are often overpriced and have many coverage exclusions.
Scammers are calling 386 numbers about old, phantom debts, sometimes from over 15 years ago. They claim you owe money on a closed Bank of America account or a Verizon "calling card" you never had. These callers can be extremely rude and threatening, claiming a warrant will be issued for your arrest or that they will harass your family members until the fake debt is paid.
Legitimate debt collectors are bound by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), which prohibits them from using abusive, unfair, or deceptive practices, including threatening arrest or harassing your family.
"Caller is very threatening saying will put a warrant out for arrest for debt owed to G.e... never have dealt with g.e. at all. Threatens to call members of family and harass them until the so called debt is paid"
Be cautious of calls asking for donations for police, firefighters, or veterans. One persistent caller in our area, using the name "Roy or Leroy," calls from dozens of different 386 numbers claiming to represent fundraising groups. In other cases, the caller ID may falsely say "Support Officer" to trick you into donating over the phone with a credit card.
Many of these fundraising calls are from for-profit telemarketers who keep a large percentage of the money they collect. Very little, if any, of your donation may actually go to the cause you think you're supporting.
"Called as Florida National Police asking for money to help Police Officers and their Families"
Scammers are targeting seniors by posing as "Medicare advisors" or representatives from companies like "Medical Alert." Callers named "Meredith" or "Jessica" may offer "free" DNA cancer screening tests or back braces covered by Medicare. Their real goal is to get your Medicare number to commit fraud by billing for services or equipment you never receive.
Medicare will never call you uninvited to sell you products or services. A legitimate medical provider must have your doctor's approval before they can provide and bill for any equipment or tests.
"I mistakenly thought this was a Medicare office so I have some info. over the phone about a free cancer DNA screening that they said on an advertising on line, that Medicare will pay for... Stay AWAY & don't give out ANY info."
Scammers are pretending to be from major companies like Amazon, Comcast/Xfinity, or Google. You might get an automated call claiming an expensive purchase, like an iPhone, was made on your Amazon account, or a woman from "Comcast" may insist on confirming your account information. The Google scam threatens to delist your business unless you "confirm your info" by pressing 1.
Amazon and other large companies will not call you about suspicious activity and ask you to provide information over the phone. Official notifications will appear within your secure account online or in their official app.
"I received a call from this number on 10/19/21. When I answered the phone I received an automated voice stating it was Amazon trying to confirm an order for over $1,000. It asked me to press one if I did not authorize the purchase. When I did a lady came on the phone and I told her what the automated voice said. She immediately hung up."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 386 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Florida, United States. Area code 386 is a general purpose code that has been in service since February 15, 2001.
Most common 386 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 Florida, or have a 386 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 Florida area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: