Area code 443 is frequently used for Social Security legal threats and fake process servers. Fraudsters claim you are being sued to pressure you into paying a settlement 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 443 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Maryland (Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 443 scams based on user comments:
Scammers are robocalling Maryland residents from 443 numbers claiming your Social Security Number has been compromised, suspended, or used in criminal activity in places like Texas. They threaten immediate legal action, arrest, or seizure of your property if you do not call them back and provide personal information.
The Social Security Administration does not call people to threaten them. They will never demand payment, ask for gift cards, or threaten to suspend your number over the phone. Official communication almost always comes through the U.S. Mail.
"We have to block your social security number for privacy and security reasons as there are criminal charges pressed your name and social Before we take legal action against you reach us back immediately once you receive this message on 443-203-8837."
Callers posing as an "independent process server" like "Elma Hartman" or "Lorin Davis" leave urgent voicemails. They claim they have "certified documents" and will show up at your home or work to get your signature, threatening that if you don't comply, you will miss your court date and a case will be filed against you in your county.
Real process servers do not call ahead to warn you; their job is to serve you in person without notice. They would never ask you to call another number to pay a fee to prevent them from coming. This is a scare tactic to collect on a non-existent debt.
"This message is intended for (my name) this is Elma Hartman independent process server out of (my county.) I was calling in regards to 'YOUR DOCUMENTS' this is your final notification. Today I'll be coning out to gain a signature on the certified notice of intent...If I don't get information to you today I'll be marking it down as a direct refusal and you will miss your court date."
Maryland residents are receiving unsolicited, high-pressure calls and texts from people wanting to buy their homes for cash. These callers often know your name and address, making the interaction feel invasive and creepy. One persistent caller identifies himself as "Julius" and admits to having been by your house.
While legitimate investors do buy property, these aggressive, unsolicited tactics are often used by scammers to get your information or pressure you into selling your home far below its market value. A professional agent will always identify their brokerage upfront.
"The person said they wanted to buy my house when it is not even on the market. I do not know how they obtained my information. When I called to inquire they told me they've been by my house and wanted to buy it. I am concerned they know where I live and have my phone number."
You may receive a robocall claiming a fraudulent, expensive purchase was made on your Amazon or PayPal account, often for an "iPhone 13 Pro costing 999." The recording instructs you to "press 1" to cancel the order, which connects you to a scammer who will attempt to steal your account login or financial information.
Amazon and PayPal do not use robocalls to alert you to suspicious activity. Legitimate fraud alerts are sent via email or appear as notifications directly within your secure account on their official website or app.
"Got a call from this number purporting to be from Amazon... they have called and left a message that an iPhone 13 Pro costing 999 would be authorized on my account."
Many Marylanders report receiving relentless, daily calls from agents claiming to represent United Healthcare, AARP, or a "House Calls Program." They aggressively push to schedule an "annual home health visit" and may offer a small gift card. Due to the high frequency and pressure tactics, many residents view these calls as a scam or harassment.
While some insurance plans offer optional in-home wellness visits, they are not mandatory. The aggressive, high-volume calling described by residents is not standard procedure for legitimate healthcare outreach and should be reported directly to your insurance provider.
"Hard to understand voice claims they want to set up a house call for United Health Care. I am a UHC member, and state that I do not want a house call. They continue to call back... One person in that AARP forum thread stated they used to work for UHC's house calls program. They said, 'We were forced to get 15 to 20 appointments per day. It was like telemarketing. We had to con members into getting it done, lie if needed.'"
A highly aggressive and verbally abusive individual named "Wimpy" is targeting real estate professionals in the 443 area code. He initially offers recruiting services or leads but becomes extremely confrontational, rude, and has sent threatening text messages and videos when his offers are declined.
This is not a legitimate business practice but a clear case of targeted harassment. No professional recruiter operates by using profanity, aggression, and threats. This individual's behavior is dangerous and should be immediately reported to law enforcement.
"Called identifying himself as Wimpy... offering leads for money upfront. When hung up on, proceeded to send threatening texts like 'I'm coming for you B***H' 'Dead' 'F**K off idiot' Guy is an unstable loser"
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 443 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Maryland, United States. Area code 443 is a general purpose code that has been in service since June 1, 1997.
Most common 443 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 Maryland, or have a 443 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 Maryland area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: