The 415 area code is known for arrest warrant threats and fake health insurance calls. Callers claim your identity was used in a crime to get you to verify your personal details.
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 415 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof California (San Francisco, San Rafael, Novato) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 415 scams based on user comments:
Residents in the San Francisco area are receiving robocalls claiming to be from the Social Security Administration. These recordings threaten you with "legal enforcement action" and arrest due to "fraudulent activities" on your Social Security Number, warning that "deliberate ignorance of this message will be considered an intentional attempt of none appearance" to scare you into calling back immediately.
The Social Security Administration will never call to threaten you with arrest or legal action. Federal agencies initiate contact for such serious matters through official, registered mail, not through intimidating robocalls.
"This message is to inform you that there is a legal enforcement action has been filed on your social security number for fraudulent activities so when you get this message, speak to our office phone or timely call us back on our hotline number...don't disregard this notice and return the call before we begin with the legal proceedings against you..."
This is a particularly concerning scam targeting families in the Bay Area. Callers using automated recordings claim to be from Blue Shield with an "important message" about your child. Alarmingly, they often already know your child's full name and ask you to call back a separate 833 number, where they will try to trick you into verifying your child's birth year or other personal data.
While your health insurer may contact you, they will not use a vague, urgent robocall that directs you to an unknown 833 number to verify sensitive information about your children. Always initiate contact yourself using the official number on your insurance card.
"I received the same type of call today and they knew my childs name. I am a Blue Shield subscriber so i called customer service and they directed me to their PRIVACY DEPT. Whether you are a BS subscriber or not, the fact they have our children's name means there was a significant data breach and these calls should be reported to Blue Shield and the FTC."
Scammers are sending urgent text messages pretending to be from "Chase-Bank" or "WELLS-FARGO." These messages create panic by falsely claiming an "unusual sign-in" to your account from another state like Idaho. The goal is to get you to click a malicious link to "verify your info," which leads to a fake website designed to steal your username and password.
Banks will never send you a text message with a link asking you to enter your login credentials to resolve a security issue. This method is a classic phishing tactic used to gain direct access to your account.
"CHASE: We have detected an unusual sign-in to your account from Idaho (160.2.125.29). Report and verify your info at https://s.id/DTtdm if this is not done by you."
A widespread robocall scam is telling people their Cash App account has been compromised due to "suspicious activities." The automated message often misuses the term "data bridge" instead of "data breach" and warns you not to use your account until you call their fake support number to have it unblocked. This is a trick to get you on the phone with a scammer who will try to steal your account details.
Cash App's official communication is primarily handled through the app or via verified emails. They do not use generic robocalls to alert you to account issues and will never direct you to an unlisted phone number for support.
"Our server has detected some suspicious activities on your cash app account as a result we have blocked all access to your account to prevent data bridge. Please do not use cash app account until you speak with cash app support representative. Please refrain using any financial activity on your account. In order to speak with in cash app at representative right now press one or please call on 415-688-6201."
This is a high-volume robocall campaign that leaves automated voicemails entirely in Chinese (typically Mandarin). The scammers often impersonate the Chinese Consulate in San Francisco, fabricating a story that you have an urgent document to pick up or are implicated in a crime. Their goal is to create fear and confusion, hoping you'll call back and give them personal information or money.
Government consulates do not use unsolicited robocalls to notify individuals of important documents or legal proceedings. This is a well-known international scam tactic.
"Saying in Chinese that it's the consulate and there is an important document for me to pick up... Typically tel scam, shame on those $T%&."
You may receive a persistent robocall about your car's extended warranty. The recording often uses phrases like "final notice" to create a false sense of urgency, claiming your vehicle's warranty is expiring. These calls are sent out indiscriminately, even to people who don't own a car, as part of a widespread effort to sell overpriced service plans or steal financial information.
Legitimate companies do not use illegal robocalls to solicit new business. These "final notice" warnings are almost always a scam intended to pressure you into a bad deal or compromise your personal information.
"Got call from 415-687-1201 and they left a message about extending some car warranty and I don't have a car so the call is spam."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 415 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in California, United States. Area code 415 is a general purpose code that has been in service since January 1, 1947.
Most common 415 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 415 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: