Area code 414 is being used for fake warrant threats and Social Security scams. Scammers try to panic you by claiming police are on the way to arrest you unless you pay a fine.
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 414 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Wisconsin (Milwaukee, West Allis, Wauwatosa) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 414 scams based on user comments:
Residents in the Milwaukee area are receiving automated calls claiming a "case file" is being prepared for submission against them. The message threatens to verify your address and employment in order to "locate" you, and warns that if you don't call back, they will be "forced to take legal action" or that a warrant is out for your arrest from Milwaukee.
Real process servers and law enforcement do not call ahead to warn you about legal action or a warrant; they show up in person. Legitimate legal correspondence is sent via certified mail, not through intimidating robocalls.
"This message is regarding a case file... is being prepared for submission against you the next phase will be addressed in employment verification for the purposes of locating you you will need to immediately contact the filing office..."
This widespread scam involves a call or voicemail claiming to be from the Social Security Administration (SSA). The caller alleges there is "suspicious activity" on your account or that your Social Security Number has been "tampered with" and threatens that police will be at your door to arrest you if you don't comply.
The Social Security Administration will never call you to threaten you with arrest or demand payment. They primarily communicate through the U.S. Mail and will not ask for sensitive personal information in an unsolicited phone call.
"keeps leaving messages about how the social security has been tamper with and if I don't call and correct it the the police will be at my door to arrest me."
Scammers are calling 414 numbers posing as debt collectors, sometimes using names like "State Collection Agency." They aggressively demand personal information like your date of birth or address to "verify" a supposed debt, but will refuse to provide any details about their own company and often become rude or hang up when questioned.
Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), legitimate debt collectors must tell you their name, the creditor they represent, and how you can dispute the debt. They cannot refuse to identify themselves or use harassing tactics.
"They REFUSED to identify what company they represent while trying to obtain personal information. I requested they remove my name & number from their list and she said she would mail something to address. SCAM CITY!!!!"
You've likely gotten this call dozens of times. A recorded message or live operator urgently warns you that your vehicle's warranty is expiring. These callers often don't know what car you drive and become evasive or even rude if you ask questions or tell them to stop calling.
These calls are not from your car's manufacturer. They are from third-party companies trying to sell expensive and often useless service contracts. A real warranty provider will contact you via mail with specific information about your vehicle.
"This guy called about my warranty being expired. Told him i have an extended warranty and asked him to take me off his list... He asked me 2 more times and i told him its none of his business... He said he would call me again when i wasnt so rude!"
Scammers are calling Milwaukee residents pretending to be a "Medicare advisor" or calling from a "Medical Supply" company. They claim you are eligible for "added benefits" and can receive free pain-relieving items like back braces, knee braces, or topical creams, all paid for by Medicare.
While Medicare does cover necessary medical equipment, it must be prescribed by your doctor. Government representatives will not cold-call you to offer free products. This is a common scheme to get your personal information and fraudulently bill Medicare.
"This caller says his company represents my Medicare insurance company, and wants me to be aware of the 'added benefits' my insurance now offers. He then said if I had back or knee pain, my Medicare insurance would pay for pain relieving braces, TENS devices, and creams."
A very specific scam is targeting locals where a man, often identifying himself as "Jerry," calls about a "recent car accident." He claims to work with several local chiropractors and doctors and wants to conduct a "patient interview" to schedule appointments for you, becoming evasive when you ask which company he represents.
Your doctor's office, insurance company, or lawyer will not use third-party cold-callers to find you. This is an attempt to get your personal information or to steer you toward specific clinics for potentially fraudulent billing.
"Called about my recent car accident and claimed to work with local chiropractors and massage therapists and wanted to do a patient interview to get me started. I was suspicious immediately and asked him numerous questions... His answers were very evasive and sales heavy."
A robocall claims to be from WE Energies, our local utility, alerting you to a power outage affecting thousands of customers. To make the call seem credible, the message may even state your correct home address. However, the caller ID often shows "unavailable" and doesn't identify the utility properly.
While WE Energies does use an automated system, they always identify themselves clearly. Scammers impersonate utilities to create panic, which is often a setup to demand immediate payment via gift card or wire transfer to "avoid disconnection."
"Left a message that power had been restored in my area. Actually gave my address in the message. Not from WE Energies. No id for phone number."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 414 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Wisconsin, United States. Area code 414 is a general purpose code that has been in service since January 1, 1947.
Most common 414 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 Wisconsin, or have a 414 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 Wisconsin area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: