Residents are reporting National Grid impersonators and fake legal threats coming from the 508 area code. These scammers claim your power will be shut off or you owe a debt to get you to pay immediately.
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 508 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Massachusetts (Worcester, New Bedford, Brockton) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 508 scams based on user comments:
Scammers are spoofing National Grid's number on caller ID and aggressively pushing a fraudulent 30% discount on your electric bill. Callers, often with thick Indian accents using names like "Mike," "Susan," or "Debbie," will demand you provide your account number to apply the fake discount.
National Grid communicates official program changes or discounts via your monthly bill, mailers, or their official website—not through unsolicited calls demanding your account number.
"Just got a call from this number...comes up on caller id as National Grid....some loser named 'Mike' with a Indian accent so thick you could cut it with a knife! I laughed at the guy and told him to go F himself and his mother!"
You may receive a robocall leaving a vague but alarming message about a "complaint notice" or a "case file being prepared for submission against you." These scammers, sometimes calling from the "processing department," threaten to track you down at your home or place of employment to scare you into calling back.
Real process servers do not call ahead to warn you; they just show up. Legitimate legal notices and debt validation notices are sent via U.S. Mail, not communicated through threatening robocalls.
"Harrassing calls from this number, will call multiple times in a row and leave vague threatening messages. No company name or nature of the supposed issue they will pursue me for. Specifically threatened to contact me at my work and implied I was hiding from them."
Callers falsely claim to be from the Social Security Administration or "your Medicare provider." They use tactics like threatening to suspend your Social Security Number due to "fraudulent activity" or offering free medical equipment like back braces to trick you into giving them your personal information.
The Social Security Administration will never call to threaten you or suspend your number. Similarly, Medicare representatives will not call you to sell products. These are always scams to steal your identity or commit medical billing fraud.
"William Gonzales said he was from 'your Medicare Provider ' and wanted to send me a back support at no cost. He wanted me to verify and tell him my Medicare number! Don't do it!"
Scammers are calling residents claiming to be from DCU about a missed payment, even if your account is in good standing. They often know your full name and sometimes even correct payment details, making the call seem legitimate before asking for your Social Security number and date of birth to "verify your identity."
While DCU does make outbound calls, a legitimate representative will never demand your full SSN. The safest policy is to always hang up and call the institution back on a publicly listed, official number.
"This number called me they knew my first and last name said they were DCU, told me I was late on a payment which I check my accounts regularly and knew I wasn’t. They wanted me to make the payment and started asking questions I hung up."
A widespread issue is plaguing 508 phone lines where an automated system calls repeatedly, sometimes dozens of times a day, leaving only a loud fax machine screech or a series of beeps. This tactic is especially disruptive for local businesses, as the calls can tie up all incoming lines and fill voicemail boxes with useless noise.
This is a malfunctioning or malicious autodialer, also known as a "war dialer." There is no legitimate business purpose for sending a fax tone to a voice line dozens of times in a row; it is purely a form of harassment or a technical failure.
"Our place of business has received 20 of these calls within the first 30 minutes of opening for the day. As one call is coming in, another is calling on another line until all lines are full with this one call. So many calls at once that actual calls couldn't get through."
Residents are receiving unsolicited calls from people, sometimes using the name "Veronica," offering chimney cleaning services. These callers often know your name and town and can become very aggressive or "testy" when you decline their offer or ask to be removed from their list.
Reputable local service providers typically do not rely on aggressive, unsolicited telemarketing. They build business through referrals, local ads, and a professional online presence. High-pressure tactics are a major sign of a potential scam.
"Offering a 'Chimney Sweep'.. A Classic in the scam world. When I asked 'Veronica' to stop calling me, she got very testy and raised her voice to me."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 508 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Massachusetts, United States. Area code 508 is a general purpose code that has been in service since July 16, 1988.
Most common 508 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 Massachusetts, or have a 508 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 Massachusetts area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: