The 434 area code is seeing a mix of Social Security scams and car warranty robocalls. Fraudsters claim your car coverage is expiring to sell you junk insurance plans or steal your data.
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 434 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Virginia (Lynchburg, Charlottesville, Danville) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 434 scams based on user comments:
Residents in Central Virginia are receiving robocalls claiming their Social Security Number (SSN) has been suspended due to "suspicious activity." These callers, sometimes identifying as being from the "social security advisory board," will threaten legal action or criminal charges unless you press 1 to speak with an "officer" and provide personal information.
The Social Security Administration will never call you to threaten you, demand immediate payment, or tell you that your number has been suspended. They conduct official business primarily through the U.S. Mail.
"Got a call saying they were Social Security, and my number was being flagged for suspicious activity. I told the fellow that SS doesn't call you, that I would contact my local SS office for verification. He hung up in a hurry."
This is one of the most common robocalls in the 434 area code. An automated message announces it is the "last courtesy call" regarding your vehicle's expired warranty. The scammers often don't know what kind of car you own and are aggressively trying to sell you an overpriced and frequently useless extended service contract.
These calls are not from your car's manufacturer or dealership. They are from third-party sellers using scare tactics. A legitimate company associated with your vehicle will already know its make and model and typically communicates via mail.
"It is a recording saying your car warranty is about to run out and this is there last courtesy call? And to hold on for a live person...I just hang up. Everyday they call!!!"
Scammers are calling Virginia residents claiming a court case has been filed against them for things like bad checks or an unpaid "advance cash" loan. They use high-pressure tactics, threatening to issue an arrest warrant by a specific time, garnish your wages, or have you served at work to scare you into paying a non-existent debt.
You cannot be arrested for a civil debt in the United States. Furthermore, real process servers and law enforcement officials do not call you ahead of time to threaten you or demand payment to avoid an arrest.
"Got a call from 434-533-0000 complete scam told me if I did not agree to pay a certain amount by 1130 am a arrest warrant would be executed based on advance cash company you can not be arrested from not paying a advance cash company only in civil court"
This is a highly localized scam targeting businesses in the Charlottesville area. Callers, sometimes using names like "Matt Kelly" or "Tony Scherer," falsely claim to be from the University of Virginia. They aggressively try to sell expensive ads in UVA sports programs, often targeting contractors who have previously worked for the university.
While UVA does sell advertising, these specific callers are often third-party resellers who buy ad space and then sell it to local businesses at a significant markup. You can secure legitimate advertising at a fair price by working directly with the university.
"They try to sell ads in UVA sports programs targeted to contractors who have worked for UVA... They buy pages from UVA and charge contractors 5 times their cost. It's best to go to UVA sports directly. This is a scam."
Scammers are using robocalls to target Virginians with fake offers for health insurance or Medicare plans. They may claim to be from the "Health Enrollment Center" or even impersonate legitimate companies like Humana. A common tactic is to ask "Can you hear me?" to record your "yes" for fraudulent authorizations.
Government agencies like Medicare and private insurers will not call you unexpectedly to sell you products or ask for your personal information. Scammers want your Medicare ID to commit fraud by billing for services you never received.
"Calls and states they are calling for Medicare. Asks if you can hear her. Tries to get you to say yes. Don’t!! Hang up! Fraud call for information!!"
This scam involves a call claiming to be from Amazon or Best Buy, warning you about a large, suspicious purchase on your account, such as a "MacBook" for "$399.99." The goal is to create panic, causing you to press 1 and give the scammer your account details or even remote access to your computer to "cancel" the non-existent order.
Major retailers like Amazon and Best Buy will not call you about suspicious activity. They handle security alerts via email or notifications within their official apps. They will never ask for your password over the phone or demand remote access to your computer.
"Claimed to be Amazon and that someone was attempting to purchase a MacBook on my account."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 434 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Virginia, United States. Area code 434 is a general purpose code that has been in service since June 1, 2001.
Most common 434 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 Virginia, or have a 434 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 Virginia area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: