The 442 area code is known for fake utility shut-off threats and health insurance phishing. Callers pretend to be from the power company and demand payment to keep your lights on.
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 442 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof California (Oceanside, Escondido, Victorville) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 442 scams based on user comments:
Scammers claiming to be from "Edison" or "SCE" are calling Southern California residents. They falsely state you have an overdue bill, sometimes for over $900, and threaten to shut off your electricity within 30 to 40 minutes if you don't pay immediately.
Utility companies like SCE send multiple written notices through the mail long before a disconnection. They will never demand immediate payment over the phone via Zelle, gift cards, or other instant payment apps.
"Said His name was James Peters and that a technician was 40 minutes away to turn my power off- Had me Zelle him $200 and then said he made an error and said I needed to pay $600 to keep my services on. I found my bill and payment is not due until 6/9- I was scammed out of $200 - lesson learned..."
Callers are spoofing their Caller ID to appear as well-known insurance providers like Aetna, WellCare, Ambetter, and Anthem BCBS. They often know your name and claim they need "important information" or need to "verify" personal details about your health plan.
Your health insurance provider already has your personal information on file and will not call you unexpectedly to ask for it. Official communication is typically sent by mail or found within your secure online account portal.
"August 18 2020 received a call, did not answer. They left a message stating they were from WellCare and needed information from me and to call back the this same number. I contacted WellCare and they have NO RECORD of anyone calling me. Please be extremely careful."
This scam uses automated robocalls to leave threatening voicemails. The message claims to be from the Social Security Administration and warns of "legal proceedings" or "criminal charges" being filed against you to trick you into calling back and revealing your personal information.
The Social Security Administration will never call to threaten you. They primarily use U.S. Mail for official communications and will not demand your personal information over the phone.
"Robo scam / fraudulent / leaves voice mail threatening criminal charges if number provided is not called. DO NOT ANSWER!"
A live caller, sometimes with a strong accent, will ask for donations to a vague fund for injured firefighters or a "police officers ball." These scammers often become hostile or aggressive, or simply hang up, when you ask for verifiable details about the charity or event.
Legitimate charitable organizations will never use aggressive tactics or refuse to provide information. A sudden hang-up when you ask for details is a definitive sign of a scam.
"I answered. Man with strong NY accent asked if I'd donate to fund for helping injured firefighters... I replied that my spouse was a firefighter and that I make all such donations through our local firefighters union. Jeez, no thank you, no nothing. Just hung up."
You may receive a recorded call claiming to be from AOL, stating your account has been "compromised." The message instructs you to press "1" to speak with a technician, who will then attempt to gain your login credentials or remote access to your computer.
Tech companies like AOL do not make unsolicited phone calls about compromised accounts. These alerts are almost always sent via email or displayed within your account portal after you log in securely.
"Call was a recorded call with pressing '1' for technician. Call claimed to be from AOL. I asked 'how do I know that this is AOL?' Technician hung up!"
Scammers are calling residents offering to reduce or completely cancel student loan debt. These calls are sent out broadly, often contacting people who have no student loans or have already paid them off years ago, as a way to phish for personal information.
All legitimate federal student loan forgiveness programs are available for free through official government channels. No private company can offer you a better deal or special access.
"Just received a call from this number that states I'm eligible for student loans forgiveness, but I don't have any student loans as I paid these off years ago."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 442 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in California, United States. Area code 442 is a general purpose code that has been in service since November 21, 2009.
Most common 442 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 442 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: