The 401 area code is seeing a lot of fake process server calls and Social Security imposters. Scammers claim you are in legal trouble or that your benefits are suspended to scare you into paying non-existent 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 401 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Rhode Island (Providence, Warwick, Cranston) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 401 scams based on user comments:
Rhode Islanders are receiving alarming robocalls and messages claiming a lawsuit or formal complaint has been filed against them. Scammers threaten to show up at your home or workplace, sometimes identifying themselves as "Global Processing," and create panic by mentioning a "case number" or warning you might "forfeit your life" by not responding.
Official process servers do not call ahead to warn you; their job is to deliver documents in person without prior notice. Legitimate legal notifications are delivered by certified mail or a uniformed officer, not through a robocall.
"I received a robot call saying I am being served for two matters and they will contact me by coming to my home or work."
Scammers are calling 401 residents pretending to be from the Social Security Administration. They falsely claim your Social Security Number has been used for "fraudulent activities" and threaten legal action or arrest if you don't call them back. Others will offer unsolicited help with disability claims to trick you into sharing personal data.
The Social Security Administration's primary method of contact is through U.S. Mail. They will never call to demand payment, ask for personal information to "un-suspend" your number, or threaten you with arrest.
"Bogus call claiming to be Social Security Administration. Warned that there was a pending legal action against me and advised that I call 401-214-3715."
You've likely received these calls many times. A recorded message urgently warns that your vehicle's warranty is expired or about to expire. These calls are designed to pressure you into buying an expensive and often worthless extended service plan from a third-party company, not your car's manufacturer.
These calls are almost never from your dealership or car manufacturer. They are from aggressive third-party sellers who get your number from public records. To check your actual warranty status, contact your dealer directly.
"Another message from a car warranty company giving me one more chance before I’m removed from their roles. I’m tired of these calls and will be filing another claim against them."
Callers are persistently targeting Rhode Islanders with schemes related to medical services and insurance. They often use Caller IDs like "Pharmacy Services" or "Medical Services Group" and offer diabetic supplies you didn't ask for. Others will impersonate Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island or CVS to try and phish for your insurance details or date of birth.
Your real insurance company or pharmacy already has your information and will not call you to "verify" it. These scammers are trying to commit insurance fraud by billing for services or supplies you never receive.
"Caller claimed to be CVS pharmacy verifying my information so there would be no delay in my getting my prescriptions. I did not give out any information.."
A very specific scam is targeting 401 homeowners with a robocall from a man named "Ray." The recording, which sounds like a real person, states he's a "local real estate investor" who is interested in buying a property you own. The call is a generic phishing attempt and does not specify your name or property address.
Legitimate real estate professionals will contact you with a specific, direct inquiry about a known property. These generic robocalls are mass-dialed attempts to find distressed sellers or gather data on property owners.
"Left a message saying his name is Ray, a local real estate investor interested in buying property I own and call him back at 401-466-4406."
Scammers are sending texts and making automated calls claiming there has been a fraudulent charge on your Amazon or Apple account. They may mention a specific high-dollar item like an iPhone or software from "GeekSquad." The goal is to make you panic and call them back to "cancel" the order, at which point they will steal your credit card or account login information.
Amazon and Apple will never call you about a purchase or ask for your account password or credit card number over the phone. All official communication is handled securely within your account on their website or app.
"I received a text message stating: the iphone I purchased for almost $1000 is on it way, and if I didn't order it call. I didnt order a phone so I expect it is a phishing scam."
Callers are leaving voicemails offering "good news" about your student loans due to new "federal regulations." They often use fake names like "Jessica Banner" and provide a reference number to seem legitimate. These scams target everyone, regardless of whether you actually have student loan debt, in an attempt to collect personal information or charge illegal upfront fees.
The Department of Education and its official loan servicers will never charge fees to help you apply for loan forgiveness or consolidation programs. Anyone demanding money upfront for these services is a scammer.
"Newport, RI 401-367-4453. Left voice message about student loan debt and that they could help. Good one. I don't have a student loan debt and I'm in the Do Not Call Registry."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 401 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Rhode Island, United States. Area code 401 is a general purpose code that has been in service since January 1, 1947.
Most common 401 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 Rhode Island, or have a 401 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.