The 419 area code is frequently used for fake arrest warrants and Social Security threats. Callers threaten you with immediate jail time unless you pay a fine over the phone.
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 419 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Ohio (Toledo, Mansfield, Findlay) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 419 scams based on user comments:
Scammers are leaving urgent automated messages for Northwest Ohio residents, falsely claiming a lawsuit has been filed against you or that there is a warrant for your arrest. They often mention that documents are being sent to your home or work and will say things like "YOU have been officially NOTIFIED" to create panic and trick you into calling back.
Real process servers and law enforcement officers do not call ahead to warn you they are coming. They deliver legal documents or serve warrants in person without a preliminary phone call.
"Scammer.Left recorded message wanting me to press any key on my phone regarding documents they have to serve me with. Then mention'YOU have been officially NOTIFIED'."
This scam involves a robocall claiming that your Social Security Number (SSN) will be suspended due to "suspicious activity." Callers may also say they are returning your call about a disability application. The entire goal is to scare you into giving them personal information, like the last four digits of your SSN, to "resolve" the fake issue.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) will never call you to threaten your benefits or tell you that your number has been suspended. The SSA communicates through official U.S. mail, not through threatening phone calls.
"Message keeps telling me if I don't call my SSN number will be suspended"
You may receive frequent, unsolicited calls about an extended warranty for your vehicle. Scammers use high-pressure tactics, falsely claiming it is a "final notification" about your car's warranty. If you refuse, they may become aggressive, with one 419 resident reporting a supervisor got on the phone and repeatedly demanded "why not" before hanging up.
These callers are from unrelated third-party sellers, not your car's manufacturer. They have no real information about your vehicle's warranty status and are simply cold-calling to pressure you into buying an overpriced and often useless service contract.
"Has called me multiple times this week trying to force me to buy an extended warranty for my vehicle that i do not want. When i said i didn't want to purchase it a supervisor got on the phone and said 'why not' 5 times then hung up."
Scammers are calling residents in our area pretending to be from agencies like "Revenue Group" or a law firm. They attempt to collect on old, non-existent, or time-barred debts, sometimes for businesses that closed nearly 20 years ago. They use threats and intimidation, mentioning a "law suit" or "important business matter" to scare you into paying.
Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you have the right to receive written verification of a debt. Scammers rely on verbal threats and high-pressure tactics because they have no legitimate claim and cannot provide this proof.
"Calling to say there was an outstanding debt to be collected from a business that closed 18 years ago. Called BS on them and they hung up."
Local businesses are being targeted by robocalls claiming their Google listing is "inactive" or "needs to be verified." The recording urges you not to hang up and offers to fix the issue for a "small fee." This is a deceptive tactic to sell you services you do not need and can manage for free yourself.
Google does not call businesses to verify their listings or charge for the service. Your Google Business Profile is a free tool, and these callers are third-party marketers trying to sell you unnecessary services.
"I received a call from DLS telling me my business listing was inactive, not completed, etc. and they could fix any problems for a small fee. Of course My Google Business says to hang up and report it to them and the government."
Callers are pretending to be from local Ohio utility companies like Columbia Gas or Ohio Edison. They use tricks like mentioning "a message on the 2nd page" of your bill or claiming you've been "over-billed" to gain your trust. Their goal is to get your account information, either to switch your provider without permission or for other fraudulent purposes.
Your official utility provider will not use high-pressure sales calls to discuss your account. Any important notifications about your bill or service will be sent through the mail or listed on your official bill statement.
"They are blowing up our business phone number all lines. Keep asking about our columbia gas account something about a message on the 2nd page. Told them we are not interested and they continue to blow up the phone lines."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 419 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Ohio, United States. Area code 419 is a general purpose code that has been in service since January 1, 1947.
Most common 419 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 Ohio, or have a 419 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 Ohio area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: