The 561 area code is frequently used for Social Security fraud alerts and fake legal action scams. Impostors claim your social security number was used in a crime to scare you into paying a fine.
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 561 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Florida (West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 561 scams based on user comments:
Scammers from the 561 area code are robo-calling residents claiming to be from the Social Security Administration. The automated message warns of "legal enforcement actions" or "fraudulent activities" tied to your Social Security Number and threatens you will be arrested if you don't call them back immediately.
The Social Security Administration will never call you to threaten arrest or demand immediate payment. They communicate primarily through U.S. mail and will not suspend your number. These calls are always a scam.
"Inform you that there is a legal enforcement actions filed on your Social Security number for fraudulent activities so when you get this message kindly call back at the earliest possible on our number before we begin with the legal proceedings..."
These callers pretend to be from a law office or processing department, like "Vaughn & Associates" or "Duval Processing Department." They claim you have a "pending matter" or civil complaint and that they will serve you with papers at your home or work unless you call back to resolve it. They often provide a fake file number to seem legitimate.
Real process servers do not call to give you a heads-up; their job is to serve you papers in person without warning. These calls are high-pressure tactics designed to scare you into paying a non-existent debt.
"You've got a new voicemail... if you would like to review the allegations you are at Liberty to contact the filing party... in the event that you're not available to sign for the documentation... I will be then escorted to your place of employment and which they do mandate your human resource department to be notified as well as a supervisor to sign off as a witness."
You'll receive frequent, often daily, robocalls about an expiring "vehicle extended warranty." These callers are notoriously aggressive, and if you ask to be removed from their list, they may become rude, curse at you, or threaten to keep calling from different numbers.
These calls are not from your car's manufacturer or dealership. They are from third-party companies using deceptive tactics to sell overpriced and often useless service contracts.
"When I said I had gotten SEVERAL calls from them... she stated that 'did you stop that think that maybe it was one of the OTHER 300 companies in the country?'. To which I replied, that since she was so rude, I DEFENITELY wasn't going with theirs. So she told me then she would just keep calling me. I said that I would block her, she said that she will just call from another #., EVIL!"
A woman identifying herself as "Jean Miller" calls law firms and other businesses, rudely demanding to speak with an attorney or the owner about a "complaint" filed against them. The goal is to create a sense of urgency to get past the receptionist for a sales pitch, often related to removing fake negative reviews.
Legitimate grievances or legal notices are sent via certified mail, not through a rude, unsolicited phone call. This is a high-pressure sales tactic disguised as a serious legal issue.
"Received a call from 'Jean Miller' who asked to speak to my employer (an attorney) and I informed her that he wasn't available due to being in court. She stated that she needed him to call her back regarding a complaint, left her number, then hung up. I called the number back... and she answered the first time stating 'This is Jean Miller and I need to speak with the attorney' and immediately hung up on me."
Scammers call local businesses claiming their "Google business listing is still incorrect" or needs to be paid for. They may use names like "Sara" or "Josh." If you engage, they try to charge you hundreds of dollars for a free service or become hostile if you question them.
Google does not charge for business listings, nor do they call to threaten removal or demand payment to "fix" your profile. These are predatory companies trying to trick business owners.
"They called me 5 times today, saying the business Google listing is incorrect... I told him I received different calls today and he replied with a 'why don’t you take care of the issue then?' And I told him I knew it was fraud because I’ve spoken with google before and he replied saying I was dumb because google doesn’t call and started mimicking everything I was saying."
Callers from the 561 area code will claim to be from Medicare, a Medicare "verification division," or your health insurance company. They might say you need a "new Medicare card" and ask for your current number, or they will push unnecessary medical supplies like braces and pain creams.
Medicare will never call you uninvited to ask for your personal information. Official Medicare representatives will only call you if you are already a member of their plan and have given them permission to contact you.
"Man said he was from Medicare and needed our Medicare card # so he could mail us a new card."
This is a localized scam for Florida residents. Callers impersonate Florida Power & Light (FPL) and claim your power will be shut off in the next 30-35 minutes due to an overdue bill. They create panic to trick you into making an immediate payment over the phone.
FPL does not call customers to threaten immediate disconnection. They provide multiple written notices over a period of time before any service interruption would occur.
"Received recorded call saying my power would be shutoff in the next 35 minutes. but my bill is paid automatically through my bank. Fraud call!!!!"
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 561 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Florida, United States. Area code 561 is a general purpose code that has been in service since May 13, 1996.
Most common 561 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 Florida, or have a 561 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 Florida area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: