Area Code 445 Scams and Spam Calls

Scammers use 445 numbers for silent calls and fake Border Patrol threats. They claim illegal packages were found in your name to scare you into paying fines or revealing info.

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.

Pennsylvania Phone Number Lookups

Most Common Area Code 445 Scams

Getting calls from 445 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, Levittown, Lansdale) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 445 scams based on user comments:

Silent or "Dead Air" Calls

Many neighbors in the 445 area are getting calls that are completely silent when answered. The caller says nothing, sometimes for 15-20 seconds, and then hangs up. This is often an automated system checking if your phone number is active for future scam calls.

Warning Signs

  • Caller ID shows a local Pennsylvania town like "HATBORO PA" or "MORRISVILLE PA" but the number is unfamiliar.
  • There is total silence or a quick hang-up after you say "hello."
  • You receive multiple calls from the same or similar numbers with no voicemail left.

Protect Yourself

  • If you don't recognize the number, let it go to voicemail.
  • Do not say "yes" or give any personal information.
  • Look up the suspicious number on a service like ThisNumber.com.

These calls are typically made by robodialers to verify active phone numbers. When you answer, it flags your number as "live," which leads to more spam calls. They are not usually recording your voice for AI, but simply confirming you are a real person.

Real Victim Quote

"Received several calls from 445-249-0616. No one speaks. I’m fearful of saying more than hello due to AI."

Fake U.S. Customs and Border Patrol Scam

Scammers are calling from 445 numbers and falsely identifying themselves as agents from "U.S. Customs and Border Control." This is a tactic designed to frighten you into believing you are in serious legal trouble to extort money or personal information.

Warning Signs

  • An unexpected call claiming to be from a federal law enforcement agency like U.S. Customs.
  • The caller creates a sense of immediate crisis or threatens legal action.

Protect Yourself

  • Hang up immediately. Do not engage with the caller.
  • Never provide personal information or send money to someone who calls you unexpectedly claiming to be from the government.
  • Report the fraudulent call to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Federal agencies like U.S. Customs and Border Protection will not call you to demand money or make threats over the phone. Official contact regarding a legal matter is typically made through certified U.S. Mail.

Real Victim Quote

"Just received a number of calls from this number claiming to be the U.S. Customs and Border Control."

Student Loan Provider Scams

Callers are targeting residents with vague offers related to student loans. They claim to be your official loan provider but are unable to verify basic information, like your name, which proves it is a phishing attempt to steal your data.

Warning Signs

  • They claim to be your student loan provider but cannot tell you your own name.
  • They call you on a number you never provided for official business, like an old landline.
  • They pressure you for personal information to "verify" your account.

Protect Yourself

  • Never give out personal or financial information over the phone to an unverified caller.
  • Log in to your official student loan portal directly through the government website (StudentAid.gov) to check your account status.

Your real student loan servicer already has all of your personal information. They will never need to call you and ask for your Social Security Number, password, or other sensitive data, and they can always verify your identity with specific details from your account that a scammer wouldn't know.

Real Victim Quote

"Said they were my student loan provider but couldn't tell me my name. Called on landline which I never use."

Vehicle Warranty & Fake Rebate Robocalls

Automated messages are being sent about "GMC car warranty" issues. The same numbers are also pushing scams that thank you for your business and claim you are eligible for an "instant $1000 rebate" to trick you into calling back.

Warning Signs

  • A recorded message about a specific car's warranty, like for a "GMC," especially if you don't own one.
  • An offer of a large, unexpected rebate like "$1000".
  • The message gives you a different number to call back, often a toll-free number starting with 844.

Protect Yourself

  • Do not press any numbers on your keypad, as this confirms your line is active.
  • Hang up and block the number.
  • Report unwanted robocalls to the FTC's Do Not Call Registry.

These "extended warranty" calls are from aggressive third-party sellers, not your car's manufacturer. The rebate offers are fake and designed to get your personal or financial information for fraudulent purposes.

Real Victim Quote

"I received the voice recorded message regarding GMC car warranty. They called from 445-800-4234 but left another number for me to call the back was 844-469-7428 this is so out of control."

Advance-Fee Escort Scam

This dangerous scam involves someone posing as an escort who will demand a "booking fee" before they will meet. After you send the money, they will not show up and will disappear with your cash.

Warning Signs

  • A demand for a "booking fee" or any payment upfront before meeting in person.
  • Pressure to send money quickly through a non-refundable method like a gift card or cash app.

Protect Yourself

  • Never send money to someone you have not met in person.
  • Be extremely cautious of any online arrangement that requires an upfront, non-refundable fee.

This is a classic advance-fee fraud. The entire setup is designed to steal the "booking fee" with no intention of ever providing a service or meeting you.

Real Victim Quote

"Scam....escort...will rip off your money...will not show up....so for booking fee before you meet for dinner and dance"

Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls

Is area code 445 a scam?

No, area code 445 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Pennsylvania, United States. Area code 445 is a general purpose code that has been in service since March 3, 2018.

What are the most common area code 445 scams?

Most common 445 scam types are:

Why do I get spam calls from area code 445?

You're likely experiencing "Neighbor Spoofing." Scammers fake their caller ID to display local or familiar numbers. If you live in or near Pennsylvania, or have a 445 phone number yourself, scammers know you're more likely to answer what appears to be a local call.

What happens if I call back a spam number?

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.

How to stop spam calls from the same area code?

There are three main ways to reduce spam calls:

  1. The Do Not Call Registry: Register your number at donotcall.gov
  2. Carrier Tools: Contact your phone carrier about their spam blocking solutions
  3. Third-Party Apps: Install spam call blocking apps that identify and filter scam numbers

Can I block all calls from a specific area code?

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.

Scams and Spam in Other Pennsylvania Area Codes

Other Pennsylvania area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: