Area code 408 is a hotspot for Apple iCloud security scams and legal threats. Fraudsters claim your account was hacked so they can steal your login credentials and personal data.
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 408 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof California (San Jose, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 408 scams based on user comments:
Residents are being bombarded with relentless robocalls claiming their Apple or iCloud account has been compromised. These calls, often spoofing "Apple Inc" on caller ID, can come every 15-20 minutes for hours, instructing you to press 1 to speak with a "support adviser" and not to use your Apple devices until you do.
Apple does not make unsolicited phone calls to warn you about a security breach. They will communicate through official notifications on your device or via email, never through a high-pressure robocall campaign.
"In a matter of 3 hours we received 12 calls from Molly at Apple telling us that there is a problem with our Apple account. In the middle of all these calls they were coming every 12 minutes."
Scammers are calling 408 residents posing as lawyers, debt collectors, or process servers, claiming you have a civil suit or breach of contract against you. They often use aggressive language, provide fake case numbers, and threaten to serve papers at your home or contact your HR department at work to intimidate you into paying a non-existent debt. One caller frequently identifies himself as "Travis Bailey".
Official process servers do not call ahead to warn you; they simply deliver the documents in person. Legitimate law firms and debt collectors must provide official validation of a debt in writing and will not resort to illegal threats over the phone.
"I have been called by this number saying that I never paid a bill from 12 years ago and a warrant was being issued within the next 48 hours. Even though I know I do not have this bill it upset me terribly."
This scam uses a robocall to inform you that "legal enforcement actions" have been filed against your Social Security Number for fraudulent activities, often mentioning Texas. The message threatens that legal proceedings will begin unless you call them back immediately. Callers may use fake names like "officer Catherine Richardson" to sound official.
The Social Security Administration does not call people to threaten them or suspend their SSN. They communicate through official U.S. Mail, not with intimidating robocalls.
"Call from our department is to inform you that there's a legal enforcement actions filed on your social security number for fraudulent activities. So when you get this message currently callback at earliest possible on our number before we begin with the legal proceedings."
This is a very common robocall in our area, with a recorded message warning you that your vehicle's warranty is about to expire. These calls are a high-pressure tactic from third-party companies, often identified as "Auto Warranty Services," trying to sell you an expensive and often worthless service contract.
These callers are not affiliated with your car's manufacturer or dealership. They are using public records to target you but have no specific information about your car or its actual warranty status.
"Recording about vehicle extended warranty, caller ID actually said Account Services. No company name mentioned, just shady af."
Scammers are targeting local businesses and residents by impersonating PG&E, our local utility. They claim your account is past due and has been "slotted for closure today," creating a panic so you will pay them immediately over the phone with a credit card or gift card.
PG&E will always send multiple written notices through the mail before disconnecting service for non-payment. They will never demand immediate payment over the phone to prevent a shutoff.
"got a call from this number saying they were PG&E and our company's account was slotted for closure today. They gave me a billing dept # to call back... its a scam i instead immediately call PG&E to verify"
You may receive a text or automated call about a large, fake purchase on your Amazon account for an expensive item like a "Samsung Galaxy Z5" for "$1899.99". The goal is to get you to panic and call the number they provide, where a scammer will try to steal your account login or financial information.
Amazon will never ask you to call a phone number in an unsolicited message to resolve an issue. All legitimate order information and customer service contact is handled securely within your account on their official website or app.
"Amazon Order Placed #AMA86794345 for Samsung Galaxy Z5 Amount of $1899.99 will be deducted from your card. Not you? call us at +14086167203. Amazon"
Local real estate agents and investors are making unsolicited calls asking if you want to sell your home. While some may be legitimate, many are extremely persistent, ignore Do Not Call list requests, and use sketchy tactics. Callers sometimes identify themselves as "Jess" from Intero Real Estate or use robocallers to reach you.
While cold calling can be a part of real estate, licensed professionals are required to honor the National Do Not Call Registry. Aggressive and repeated calls are a sign of unprofessional and potentially illegal marketing tactics.
"Dozens of calls claiming to be interested in buying in our area."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 408 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in California, United States. Area code 408 is a general purpose code that has been in service since January 1, 1959.
Most common 408 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 California, or have a 408 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 California area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: