Residents are reporting a flood of political survey robocalls and silent hang ups from the 531 area code. These automated calls gather information about your preferences or verify your number is active for future spam.
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 531 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Nebraska (Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 531 scams based on user comments:
People across eastern Nebraska are receiving a high volume of calls from various 531 numbers using an identical script. The caller, often a recorded voice, claims to be from a "Research Company" conducting political surveys and insists they are not selling anything, likely as a way to circumvent Do Not Call list rules.
While some political surveys are legitimate, the massive, coordinated wave of calls using this identical script is a major red flag for a data mining or phishing operation. Legitimate pollsters typically identify their specific company name.
"We are a Research Company that conducts in Political Surveys. We are not selling anything; We are only trying to get people's opinions which are very important to us."
Many Nebraskans report receiving calls that disconnect after one or two rings or are completely silent when answered. This tactic is used by robocalling systems to verify that your phone number is active, marking it for future spam and scam campaigns.
These calls are almost always from automated dialers. Their goal is not to speak with you, but simply to confirm your number is active. Answering the call or calling back confirms this, which can lead to even more unwanted calls.
"This number called me the last 4-5 days. No one is there when you pick up, then the call disconnects as soon as you say something."
Scammers are calling 531 numbers with false threats of legal action or attempts to collect on phantom debts. They may use old personal information, such as a married name from a decade ago, to sound legitimate or claim they need to "serve documents" for a complaint filed against you.
Real process servers do not call ahead to get your address or warn you they are coming; their job is to find and serve you in person. Legitimate debt collectors must provide proof of the debt in writing upon request.
"I got a call from this number saying they were with NLI and asking to serve documents saying someone filed a complaint against him. I didn't provide any info seeing as if there was a complaint, they would already have the address so why ask me for it."
This persistent scam involves repeated calls about an "auto warranty protection" or "warranty extension." Callers often use high-pressure tactics and will continue to call from different numbers even after being blocked, sometimes regarding a car you have never owned.
These calls are not from your car's manufacturer. They are from third-party sellers pushing expensive and often worthless "vehicle service contracts" that are not true warranties and frequently have loopholes that prevent you from ever using them.
"auto warranty protection. have blocked number only to call back and go through. Scam Needs to be shut down completely have been dealing with this for over a year. Keeps calling and spoofing at it's best."
This robocall scam preys on fear by claiming your identity or Social Security number has been "compromised." The automated message then instructs you to stay on the line to speak with an agent, who will attempt to steal your personal information.
The Social Security Administration will never call you to threaten you or claim your number has been suspended or compromised. They will almost always contact you via U.S. mail for official business.
"keeps calling saying my identity has been compromised and to stay on the line for an agent.."
Scammers are falsely claiming to be from Publishers Clearinghouse (PCH) and asking if you remember entering their sweepstakes. If you question their legitimacy, they may become aggressive, curse at you, and hang up.
Publishers Clearinghouse does not call winners in advance. Major prizes are famously awarded in person by their "Prize Patrol" without any prior phone notification or request for money.
"When I asked what name do they had, it took a long time for him to pull up my file. Meanwhile I checked the number... When I mentioned it the called said 4 letter curse you and disconnected the call."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 531 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Nebraska, United States. Area code 531 is a general purpose code that has been in service since March 26, 2011.
Most common 531 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 Nebraska, or have a 531 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 Nebraska area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: