The 513 area code is seeing a wave of fake process server threats and Social Security suspension calls. Impostors claim you are facing a lawsuit or that your government benefits have stopped to steal your personal data.
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 513 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Ohio (Cincinnati, Hamilton, Middletown) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 513 scams based on user comments:
Scammers are calling 513 residents claiming a "civil complaint" or "pending matter" has been filed against you. They often use intimidating language, threatening to find you at your home or "place of employment" to serve legal papers and may even contact your family members. Callers have used names like "Jackie," "Sonia," and "Lisa Wilson" and will threaten to notify your HR or payroll department if you don't comply.
Real process servers do not call ahead to warn you; their job is to serve you with documents in person without prior notice. They will not threaten you over the phone or discuss a case with your employer or family.
"Two pending matters. Unfortunately, because I am unable to reach you by phone, I may be actively pursuing you at your place of employment and your residence... you have the right to contact the client to resolve your case file voluntarily, but do understand, when you are located, you forfeit that right."
You may receive a robocall leaving a message that "legal proceedings" have been started against your Social Security number due to "fraudulent activity." These scammers threaten to suspend your SSN immediately if you don't call back and provide personal information or payment. Another version involves a live caller named "Amber" or "Audrey" asking about disability benefits to trick you into saying "yes."
The Social Security Administration primarily communicates through U.S. mail. They will never call to threaten you, demand immediate payment, or suspend your number.
"left a message that there were legal proceedings against my social security which was involved in a crime. Threatening to suspend my Social Security number."
This scam involves threatening calls about very old or non-existent debts, sometimes falsely linked to local institutions like 5/3 Bank from over a decade ago. Callers like "Sarah" or "Amanda" are extremely aggressive, possessing an alarming amount of your personal data, including your SSN, old addresses, and family members' names. They often threaten immediate wage garnishment or claim the sheriff is on the way to serve you.
Under federal law (FDCPA), debt collectors must send you a written validation notice within five days of first contact. They cannot legally threaten you with arrest or wage garnishment without a court judgment.
"They said that I owed a debt from 2012 from 5/3 bank and I had supposedly been served the paperwork from the sheriff (which I never was). They had my social, former addresses, place of employment, ex-husband and current husband's names, just way to much info for comfort."
Residents are being bombarded with calls about their "car warranty expiring." These robocalls and live agents create a false sense of urgency, claiming it's your "last chance to renew." They are known to call multiple times a day from spoofed 513 numbers, even after being told to stop. They may have the make and model of a car you used to own to sound more legitimate.
These calls are from third-party sellers, not your car's manufacturer or dealership. Official dealerships will communicate with you via mail or from their official, verifiable phone number about your warranty.
"This company is annoying and horrible. They call me every day about my warranty expiring soon, and the car is brand new. I have told them many times to stop calling me."
Scammers are calling Ohioans pretending to be from Medicare, a "medical supply company," or a "pain management" clinic. They offer "free" items like back braces, knee braces, or DNA test kits. The goal is to get your Medicare number to commit fraud by billing for these items. They often start the call by asking "Can you hear me okay?" to record you saying "yes."
Medicare does not make outbound calls to sell products or services. If a company bills Medicare for equipment you didn't need or receive, it's fraud. Your doctor is the only one who should prescribe medical equipment for you.
"Constantly calling trying to sell braces for back and knee. Have requested that I be placed on the no-call list and all I get is a guy laughing and telling me he will continue to call."
This scam arrives as a text message or robocall claiming a fraudulent purchase has been made on your Amazon, Bank of America, or Apple account. The alerts often mention specific, alarming details, like a charge from "Best Buy in Texas" for "$82.59" or "Apple software for $499." The message provides a malicious link or prompts you to "press 1" to cancel, which leads to a scammer who will try to steal your account or financial information.
Banks and major retailers will not send you a text with a link to verify your identity or cancel a charge. These notifications are typically handled securely within their official app or by asking you to log into their website directly.
"Got a text saying suspicious activity on my Bank of America card in Texas. Link to click which I did not. Verified with Bank of America was scam."
Area residents are receiving a high volume of unwanted calls, voicemails, and texts from people offering to buy their property for cash. The callers, sometimes using names like "Georgia" or "Dave," often know your name and address. They may try to build rapport by claiming they "sent a letter a couple days ago," making the cold call feel more legitimate.
These calls are typically from real estate investors or wholesalers who use public records to find homeowner information. Their goal is to acquire your property for significantly less than its market value.
"Got a voicemail from a lady named Georgia saying she wanted to pay cash for my house. Said she had sent a letter a couple days ago."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 513 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Ohio, United States. Area code 513 is a general purpose code that has been in service since January 1, 1947.
Most common 513 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 Ohio, or have a 513 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 Ohio area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: