Atlanta’s 404 area code is heavy on fake debt collector threats and unsolicited real estate calls. Fraudsters threaten legal action to pressure you into paying debts that do not actually exist.
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 404 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Georgia (Atlanta, Sandy Springs) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 404 scams based on user comments:
Scammers from the 404 area code are aggressively calling residents about old or entirely fabricated debts. They often use threatening language, claiming to be from a law firm like "Bryan Poe Associates" and will threaten you with a lawsuit, wage garnishment, or even a warrant for your arrest for "issuing bad checks" on a non-existent loan.
In Georgia, you cannot be arrested for a standard consumer debt. Furthermore, legitimate process servers do not call ahead to warn you they are coming; they are legally required to deliver official court documents in person without prior notice.
"Got a call Today said they where from Bryan Poe Associates Law firm about a debt I never had. Said they had info about me from a loan in 2015 from a bank I closed my account with in 2012. Told me id have a warrant for my arrest for issuing bad checks."
Atlanta residents are being bombarded with unsolicited calls and texts from individuals wanting to buy their property for cash. Callers often use common first names like "Alex," "Mary," or "Josh," know your name and address, and claim they "were in your neighborhood" or "came across your property" to sound local and legitimate.
These high-pressure tactics are often used to gather information about homeowners or pressure them into accepting a lowball offer far below market value. Legitimate real estate transactions involve licensed agents and official, written offers, not vague phone calls.
"Hey this is Mary, sorry I missed you. I was just trying to reach out because I was in your neighborhood earlier today and I came across your property. I don't know if you've thought about selling it, but if you have, I'd love to make you an offer same day."
This dangerous scam involves a robocall or live person claiming to be from the Social Security Administration. They will tell you that your Social Security Number has been compromised or used in a crime like "drug trafficking" and that a warrant has been issued for your arrest unless you act immediately.
The Social Security Administration will never call you to threaten you with arrest or legal action. Law enforcement does not call people to warn them about a warrant. These are always scare tactics used by scammers.
"It’s a threat from robo call claiming to be police blocking my ssn due to suspicious activity."
Scammers are calling Atlanta-area residents claiming to be from "Publishers cash sweepstakes" or Publishers Clearing House. A caller, sometimes named "Wayne Davis" or referencing a prize agent "Donald Farmer," will congratulate you on winning $5,000 and a $1,000 grocery certificate, then immediately ask for your bank routing number to "deposit the prize."
The real Publishers Clearing House does not call major prize winners in advance. Their famous Prize Patrol shows up in person, unannounced, with a giant check. They will never ask for your bank account information over the phone.
"Gentlemen stated I won a publishing clearing house award of $5,000.00 plus $1000.00 grocery store certificate. When he asked for my routing number and I refused he hung up!!!!"
Scammers are spoofing their Caller ID to look like they are calling from trusted companies like Bank of America, SunTrust (now Truist), Amazon, or Apple. They use urgent scripts, such as a fraudulent purchase of an "iPhone on your Amazon account" or a suspicious charge flagged by "Christian Clay from SunTrust Fraud Department," to panic you into giving up personal information.
Your bank and major tech companies will never call or text you to ask for your password, full debit card number, or other sensitive login credentials. They use secure messaging systems within their official apps or websites to communicate about potential fraud.
"Got a call claiming to be from suntrust for fraudulent activity on account"
Callers are targeting residents with offers for student loan forgiveness, even contacting seniors who clearly have no student loans. They often claim to be reviewing your "application" and will ask for personal details like your total loan amount, trying to gather your information for identity theft purposes.
Official government agencies like the Department of Education will not cold-call you with special forgiveness offers. All legitimate federal student loan relief programs require you to apply through official government websites, and they are free to apply for.
"Total Scam. I'm 68 and they called saying they were reviewing my Student Loan Application. Ummm...no."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 404 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Georgia, United States. Area code 404 is a general purpose code that has been in service since January 1, 1947.
Most common 404 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 Georgia, or have a 404 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 Georgia area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: