Area code 479 is seeing a lot of Social Security imposters and Medicare screening scams. Callers try to get your health insurance details by offering free cancer screenings or medical devices.
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 479 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Arkansas (Fort Smith, Fayetteville, Springdale) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 479 scams based on user comments:
Scammers are using robocalls to claim your Social Security Number has been involved in "fraudulent activities" or has been "compromised." These automated messages threaten you with "legal enforcement actions" and "legal proceedings" if you do not call them back immediately. This is a high-pressure tactic designed to scare Arkansans into giving up personal information.
The real Social Security Administration will not call you to threaten legal action. They communicate primarily through U.S. Mail and will never threaten you or demand immediate payment over the phone.
"Voicemail recording of computerized voice informing me that legal enforcement actions filed on my social security number for fraudulent activities."
This aggressive robocall targets residents over 50, often using a caller named "Becky." The call falsely claims that you must get certain cancer screening tests immediately or Medicare will label you as "ineligible for coverage." This is a lie used to create panic and trick you into giving up your Medicare information for fraudulent billing.
Medicare will not call you to threaten the loss of your benefits. All legitimate medical tests are ordered by your personal doctor, not by an unsolicited telemarketer.
"'Becky' claims u need to have cancer screening done or u will loose ur Medicare benefits. There is complaint after complaint on this-WHY is nothing EVER done to these low life piece of craps??"
You may be receiving frequent, unsolicited calls about extending your vehicle's factory warranty. These calls often create a false sense of urgency, claiming it's your "second notice" or "last chance," even if your vehicle is 12 years old. In some cases, the Caller ID is spoofed to look like a local Arkansas agency, such as the "Arkansas Forestry Commission," to build trust.
These calls are not from your car's manufacturer. They are high-pressure sales calls from third-party companies selling often overpriced or unnecessary service contracts.
"Called ID said Arkansas Forestry Commission, was indeed about my extended car warranty"
A persistent robocall is leaving messages claiming to be from Xfinity or Comcast. The message states that your "50% discount for the year was being stopped" because you have not responded to them. This is a phishing attempt to get you to call back and provide personal or account information, even if you are not a customer.
Utility and cable companies do not use threatening robocalls to notify you of changes to your account. This "50% discount" is a fabrication designed to lure you into a scam.
"called and left a message saying it was Xfinity and the 50% discount for the year was being stopped because we have not responded to them. I do not have any services so there is nothing to cancell....."
Callers are contacting residents about "outstanding federal student loan balances" and offering debt elimination or forgiveness programs. They often send text messages claiming "I didn't receive your forms for student debt elimination" and warn that your application will expire. These scams target anyone, including people who have never had a student loan.
Legitimate federal student loan forgiveness programs are managed through official government websites, not through unsolicited phone calls or text messages demanding you call back.
"I received a text that said 'I didn't receive your forms for student debt elimination. Call today at 479-279-8190 for an extension or your application will expire.' I don't have any student debt."
A caller identifying himself as "Brent Bigs" may leave a message claiming to be from the "Walmart Corporate office in association with Amazon." He will inform you that you are a 2nd place winner and have a "certified Bank of America check" waiting for you. This is a classic advance-fee fraud designed to get you to pay a fee to collect your non-existent prize.
Real sweepstakes and lotteries do not require winners to pay taxes or fees upfront to collect a prize. This is always a sign of a scam.
"A man named something like 'Brent Bigs' left message. Said he was from Walmart Corporate office in association with Amazon. Had for me a certified Bank of America check as 2nd place winner randomly selected."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 479 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Arkansas, United States. Area code 479 is a general purpose code that has been in service since January 19, 2002.
Most common 479 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 Arkansas, or have a 479 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 Arkansas area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: