The 409 area code is frequently used for Social Security threats and fake process servers. These callers try to scare you with jail time to get your money or personal details immediately.
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 409 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Texas (Beaumont, Port Arthur, Galveston) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 409 scams based on user comments:
Scammers are using robocalls and live agents, sometimes with strong Indian accents, to claim fraudulent activity has been found with your Social Security Number. They threaten that your SSN will be suspended and that legal action or even arrest is imminent if you don't call them back immediately to resolve it.
The Social Security Administration will never call you to threaten arrest or other legal action. They primarily communicate with citizens via official U.S. mail and will not demand immediate payment or personal information over the phone.
"They said they are with Social Security Administration and said I have been doing fraudulent actions and if I do not want them to pursue legal action that I was to call that number. I can't believe people fall for this crap."
This scam involves calls claiming a formal complaint has been filed against you and that you will be "served papers" at your home or place of employment within a very short timeframe. To seem legitimate, they provide a fake case number and a different phone number to call back immediately to stop the "legal action."
Real process servers do not call ahead to warn you. The entire point of being "served" is to ensure you officially receive the legal documents, and calling ahead would allow you to evade them. They will never offer a way to "resolve" the issue over the phone.
"The caller asked if I would be available to be served papers within 2 hours. Said someone had filed a complaint against me. They gave me a different number to call back within 1 hour and a case number. When I asked what this was in regards to they declined to give any details."
Callers identifying as being from agencies like "Phoenix financial" or "SRS" are contacting Southeast Texas residents to collect on very old or non-existent debts. They are often evasive about who they are until you provide personal info and may resort to rude or threatening text messages.
Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), legitimate collectors must identify themselves, cannot use abusive language, and must provide you with a written validation notice if you request it. They cannot legally pursue debts past the statute of limitations.
"Bottom feeders purchasing our information for pennies on the dollar and then call to collect debts from 20 years ago."
Scammers are calling about a "Federal Student Loan Forgiveness Program," trying to trick you into thinking they can help you eliminate your debt. They are not your actual loan company and will eventually ask for your Social Security Number and an upfront fee to "get started."
The U.S. Department of Education and its official loan servicers never charge fees to help you apply for forgiveness programs or other repayment options. Legitimate assistance is always free through official channels.
"These assholes called about student loan forgiveness program, they were full of shit when I asked them if I had to pay them for their services before I get student loans forgiveness, and she couldn’t answer me and they hung up on me..."
Residents are receiving text messages pretending to be from Wells Fargo, AT&T, or the federal government. These texts create a false sense of urgency, claiming your "card is temporary locked," your "payment is on HOLD," or that you've been selected by "Biden to receive pandemic relief," all to trick you into clicking a malicious link.
Banks, cell phone providers, and government agencies will not send you text messages with links asking you to verify sensitive information like card numbers or passwords. This is a classic phishing tactic to steal your login credentials.
"WeIlsFargo-Notice2676:Your card is temporary locked.ln order to unIock, we need to verify some of your information.Call us now at 409-200-7845"
Area residents report getting constant robocalls about their car's extended warranty. A recorded voice, sometimes identifying as "Linda from Dealer Processing," creates false urgency to get you to speak with a sales agent and buy a worthless or overpriced service plan.
These calls are almost never from your car's actual manufacturer or dealership. They are from third-party companies using high-pressure tactics to sell service plans that often have hidden fees and very limited coverage.
"Same as above. Robo scammer calls constantly “Linda from Dealer Processing” which is an illegal robo call center attempting to get credit card numbers for non-existent warranties."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 409 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Texas, United States. Area code 409 is a general purpose code that has been in service since November 1, 1982.
Most common 409 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 Texas, or have a 409 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 Texas area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: