Scammers with 410 numbers often use Social Security suspension threats and family emergency scams. They target seniors by pretending a grandchild is in trouble and needs cash for bail fast.
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 410 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Maryland (Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 410 scams based on user comments:
This is the most common scam targeting Maryland residents in the 410 area code. You'll receive a robocall claiming "fraudulent" or "suspicious activities" have been found on your Social Security Number (SSN). Scammers, sometimes using names like "Officer Leeza Williams," will threaten to suspend or cancel your number and arrest you if you don't immediately call them back and provide personal information.
The Social Security Administration will never call to threaten you. They primarily communicate via U.S. Mail. Furthermore, your Social Security number cannot be suspended, canceled, or frozen.
"A warrant has been released on your name due to legal enforcement actions filed on your social security number for fraudulent activities. To get more information about this case file and arrest warrant from federal database call immediately at our headquarters number 410-469-8084, I repeat 410-469-8084. Social security deputy officer is waiting for your call back."
This cruel scam preys on your love for family. A scammer will call pretending to be your grandchild or another relative, claiming they've been in a car accident and arrested for a DWI. They sound frantic and beg you to send thousands of dollars for bail, often giving you a separate number to call their fake "attorney" who might use a name like "Mark Stevens" and ask for "$8,900".
This is a pure emotional manipulation tactic. Scammers are trying to create panic so you don't have time to think. Always verify an emergency with another trusted family member before taking any action.
"My mother just received this scam call. It came from a local number, and she called her 'Mom' and said it was me, and knew my name. The woman was screaming and crying, saying she had been in a car accident and was blamed for it, and that she was at the court house and was detained."
This scam uses intimidation to scare you. You'll get a vague robocall about a "case file" or "civil dispute" filed against you. They threaten to "escalate" the matter and may warn they will show up at your home or contact "human resources at your job" if you don't call back immediately. Some callers claim to be from a collection agency like "CBE Group" regarding old or non-existent debt.
Legitimate process servers do not call ahead to warn you; they just show up. By law, real debt collectors must provide written proof of a debt if you request it.
"Calls about every 2 weeks with a recorded message saying that there is a complaint against me and they will come to my house or contact human resources at my job if I don't respond."
Scammers will call, text, or email you about a fake problem with one of your accounts. They may claim there has been a fraudulent Amazon purchase for an "iPhone purchase of $999" or that your Apple "iCloud account has been compromised." Their goal is to create panic and get you to call back, where they will try to steal your login credentials and credit card information.
Amazon and Apple will not call you to resolve security issues or confirm purchases. These alerts are handled securely within their official apps and websites, not through unsolicited phone calls.
"I received TEN calls from 11:47 am to 2:37 pm on answering machine stating there was a security problem with my APPLE Cloud account. I have NO Apple products."
This scam involves a robocall claiming you are in trouble with the U.S. Treasury or IRS for "tax evasion and tax fraud." The message, sometimes from a fake "Officer Brenda Matthews," threatens that you will be "taken into custody" or must appear before a "magistrate judge" unless you immediately return the call. These calls are designed to frighten you into paying a non-existent tax bill.
The IRS's first point of contact is always through official U.S. Mail, not a phone call. They will never threaten to bring in police for immediate arrest or demand payment over the phone.
"This is Officer Brenda Matthews and I am calling you from the legal department of United States Treasury the purpose of this call is regarding an enforcement action which has been executed by the U.S. Treasury Department for tax evasion and tax fraud..."
Scammers posing as representatives from local Maryland utilities like BGE or Delmarva Power will call offering a special discount to lower your bill. To get this "discount," they will ask you to "go ahead and grab your bill and read your account number to me." This is a trick to gain access to your account and personal information.
Your real utility provider already has your account number and will not call you to ask for it. Any legitimate program offerings would be detailed on your bill or their official website.
"I also got a call from some condescending woman from 'AT&T', that there was some special energy discount coming to me, so 'go ahead and grab your bill and read your account number to me.' I asked her what should come up as their company on my caller ID, and she said, 'AT&T'. I said, 'Funny, it's coming up as 'Choice One Urgent Care'.'"
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 410 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Maryland, United States. Area code 410 is a general purpose code that has been in service since October 6, 1991.
Most common 410 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 Maryland, or have a 410 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 Maryland area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: