The 424 area code is a hotspot for fake Apple Support calls and tax scams. Fraudsters pretend to be tech support to get remote access to your computer or bank account.
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 424 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof California (Los Angeles, Torrance, Compton) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 424 scams based on user comments:
This is easily the most high-volume attack in the 424 area code right now. Scammers are flooding local lines—sometimes calling 15 to 20 times a day—claiming there is a "security breach" in your iCloud account. Callers often identify themselves as "Mollie" or claiming to be "Apple Inc." support. In other variations, they leave voicemails about a fraudulent purchase, specifically citing a $999 charge for an "iPhone 16 Pro" that you supposedly ordered.
Apple support will never unsolicitedly call you to report a "breach" or a hack. Security notifications are sent to your trusted devices or email, not delivered via aggressive robo-calls.
"Caller identifies herself as Mollie from Apple Support reporting fraudulent activity on Apple Cloud account. Pressed 1 and man with accent said apple support how can i help you... i replied you can help me you sob and the next time you call this number you will be speaking with the FBI."
Residents in El Segundo and surrounding areas are being targeted by a specific script involving a man identifying himself as "Nick Johnson." He claims to be a "tax resolution officer" representing the "Tax Resolution Group" or "US Tax Consulting." The pitch is always identical: you allegedly qualify for the IRS "Fresh Start" program to eliminate or reduce back tax debt, even if you filed your taxes on time and owe nothing.
The IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by phone, text, or social media to request personal or financial information. They initiate contact via physical mail (USPS).
"Hi, this is Nick Johnson. I'm a tax resolution officer. I'm contacting you because you're qualified for the fresh start program through the IRS get a limited reduced with you on your back taxes, possibly even get your money back in your pocket."
Scammers are terrorizing residents by claiming their Social Security number (SSN) has been "suspended" due to suspicious activity, often mentioning crimes involving a "raided house" or activity at the "south border of Texas." The callers often use fake badge numbers to sound official, with one user reporting a caller named "John Bennett" using badge #7426093.
A Social Security number cannot be "suspended" or "terminated." The SSA will never call to threaten you with arrest or demand immediate payment or verification.
"My mother got a phone call from a man named John Bennett with the badge # 7426093... Saying that her social security was being used to open loans with a few banks in Texas... The caller knew her full social security beforehand but asked her for her last four digits."
Robocalls featuring personas named "Kate Morgan," "Emma Brown," or "Ron Monroe" are hitting the 424 area code hard. These scripts claim that your "prequalified status is changing" or that they are from the "Student Counseling Center." They promise to reduce payments or eliminate federal student loan debt, often targeting people who have never even taken out a student loan.
Private companies cannot speed up loan forgiveness. Legitimate changes to your loan status will come via official correspondence from your loan servicer, not a cold call from "Kate Morgan."
"Got a call from Kate Morgan about a loan forgiveness program. I called to get more information and was hung up on. This is a SCAM... Strange since they are calling someone that DOES NOT HAVE ANY."
This B2B scam targets local businesses in places like Harbor City and Inglewood. The caller, sometimes identifying as "Tony" or claiming to be from UPS or "Universal Printing," claims they want to send you a gift card or free toner. If you accept, they ship overpriced toner and aggressively invoice you for it, claiming you authorized the purchase.
Legitimate suppliers do not use "gift card bribes" to verify shipping addresses. UPS is a shipping carrier, not an office supply retailer; they will never call you to sell ink.
"Company says theyre sending you an amazon gift card for using thir printer and copier toner carts.. its a scam. if you accept the gift card your signing up for their program and they will send you tons of toner at a high price."
These callers claim to be from "litigation departments" or firms like "Thompson and Associates" or "United Legal Group." They use scare tactics, stating that you or a family member (often using specific names like "Leonel Adams") will be served with legal papers at your workplace or home unless you call back immediately. They often reference a "civil complaint" or "magistrate judge."
Real process servers do not call ahead to warn you they are coming; their job relies on the element of surprise. They definitely do not demand payment over the phone to "stop" the process.
"Brian called claiming he was a litigator from Thompson and Associates... so I called the other number that was given... and that’s when Calvin Carter answered and when I said this is not Raymon he went totally crazy... These are scammers!!"
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 424 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in California, United States. Area code 424 is a general purpose code that has been in service since August 26, 2006.
Most common 424 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 424 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: