Scammers are using the 402 area code for Social Security suspension threats and phantom debt calls. They call claiming your number was suspended or you owe money to trick you into handing over cash.
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 402 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Nebraska (Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 402 scams based on user comments:
Scammers aggressively call Nebraskans pretending to be from the Social Security Administration or "Social Security Enforcement." They falsely claim your Social Security number was used for fraudulent activity in Texas and threaten that your number has been suspended to create panic.
The Social Security Administration communicates through official U.S. mail. They will never call you to threaten suspension of your number or demand payment. Any call claiming this is a guaranteed scam.
"I have received 5-7 calls from 402-207-0568 stating they were from Social Security Administration about someone using my Social Security number for fraud in Texas so number has been suspended."
You receive an intimidating robocall stating a "complaint has been filed" or there are "pending matters" against you. Scammers threaten to contact your HR department or serve you documents at home or work to frighten you into calling back and paying a non-existent debt.
Legitimate process servers and law enforcement officials do not call ahead to warn you they are coming; they simply show up. Vague threats of "legal action" without any specific details are a classic scam tactic.
"got a call stating that i had 2 pending matters - but since they couldn't reach me they are going to try to contact me at work or home - and that i must contact the client to resolve the case file voluntarily... but if they locate me i forfeit that right"
Scammers call or text pretending to be from your bank or credit union's fraud department, such as Fiserv or Black Hills Federal Credit Union. They claim there is "suspicious activity" on your debit card and may even know its last four digits to gain your trust and steal more sensitive information.
While your bank may contact you about fraud, they will never ask for your PIN, online banking credentials, or full card number. They already have this information and will only ask you to verify specific transactions.
"Got a voice message about suspicious activity on my Card. Clamed to be from my bank. They were not."
You receive persistent, unsolicited calls and texts from people claiming to be a "local homebuyer" like "Clay," "Eddie," or "Jovi." They often say they recently purchased a property in your neighborhood and want to make an all-cash offer on your home, even if it is not for sale.
These calls are typically data-mining operations or attempts by national wholesaling companies to lock homeowners into lowball offers. Legitimate local real estate agents do not rely on aggressive, anonymous robocall campaigns.
"My name's Clay, and I realize this is kind of a random call, but the reason I'm calling is because I recently purchased a property in your neighborhood and wanted to ask if you'd be interested in a cash offer on your property."
Scammers call asking for donations to fake organizations like the "Policeman's Fund," "United States Police Fund," or "FirefightersCom." They often start by asking for someone named "Steve" and then pivot to asking you for a donation, usually suggesting a specific amount like $50.
Many of these "charities" are for-profit telemarketing companies that keep 80-90% of the money collected. Always donate directly to your local, trusted organizations, not to a cold caller.
"Called my cell and asked for Steve! Not here, ok then said that I could help him with a donation for help with the police fund, Ive asked how much money goes to them, and he cant anser that but wants to send me a envelope out for my donation of $50 !!"
A caller pretending to be from Spectrum, DirecTV, AT&T, or Cox Communications offers a major discount, like 50% off your bill, if you pay several months in advance. The trick is they demand immediate payment over the phone or ask you to mail a check to a suspicious out-of-state P.O. box.
Legitimate providers apply promotions directly to your bill. They do not cold call you and demand you send a check to a third-party address in another state to receive a discount.
"Calls daily. Pretends to be DirecTV. States the satellite in space had been replaced so our current devices wouldn't work. She has to send new devices but will give rebates... She left a long voicemail telling my grandpa that I was stupid...and that now there will be a $250 charge on our next bill."
You receive a robocall claiming to be from Amazon about a high-value purchase you didn't make. The recording will mention a specific item like a "$529 Apple iPhone" or a "$999.00 Apple iPhone" and instruct you to "Press 1 to decline authorization," which connects you to a scammer.
Amazon will never call you to verify a purchase and ask you to provide information over the phone to cancel it. All official communication about your orders happens via email and within your secure Amazon account.
"left message that there was a charge of $529 to our amazon account for an apple iphone from a different location to dispute or discuss this transaction call 402-337-8498. This was totally a scam caller trying to get a callback."
These are relentless robocalls claiming your vehicle's warranty is expired or about to expire. The calls are notoriously persistent, often coming multiple times a day from different numbers, and frequently reference cars you may not even own anymore.
These calls are not from your car's manufacturer or dealership. They are from third-party telemarketers using public vehicle records to target you with high-pressure sales pitches for expensive, and often useless, service contracts.
"They call me 5 times a day saying my waranty on my car is expired. I have never had a waranty on my car. Obviously a scam that won't give up"
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 402 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Nebraska, United States. Area code 402 is a general purpose code that has been in service since January 1, 1947.
Most common 402 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 Nebraska, or have a 402 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 Nebraska area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: