Long Beach's 562 area code is seeing a high volume of fake process server calls and IRS impersonation schemes. Callers threaten you with court documents or tax audits to bully you into handing over money.
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 562 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof California (Long Beach, Downey, Norwalk) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 562 scams based on user comments:
Scammers from the 562 area code are making aggressive calls claiming to be from a bogus agency like "Legal Support Services." Using names like Jenna, Rachel, or Jesse, they provide a fake case number and threaten to serve you with legal documents at your home or work "tomorrow between 10 AM and 2 PM" if you don't call them back to resolve a phony civil complaint.
Real process servers do not call ahead to warn you. They are legally required to make a genuine effort to serve you in person, often by surprise, and have no incentive to give you a chance to avoid them.
"Hi good afternoon this is now a final notice intended for (name which was my maiden name) my name is Jenna I'm calling with the process servers office of legal support and this call is to notify you pertaining to a Civil complaint that has been filed in my office... the attorneys office will be moving forward now and finalizing your case if you are given a final opportunity to contact the filing firm..."
Residents are receiving robocalls claiming to be from the IRS or stating there is "a legal enforcement action filed on your social security number for fraudulent activities." These messages use threats of arrest warrants or having your SSN suspended to scare you into calling back and providing personal information.
The Social Security Administration and IRS will never call you to threaten you or demand immediate payment. They initiate contact through official mail, not with intimidating robocalls about suspending your SSN.
"...this call is from your legal attorneys general office the very second you receive this message you need to leave your work aside and dial this number 562-419-7867 I repeat!"
This is a high-volume robocall campaign targeting 562 residents about an expiring car warranty, even if you don't own a car. Callers from "Auto Insurance Warranty Services" or similar names use automated messages to pressure you into speaking with an agent to buy a worthless or overpriced service plan.
Legitimate companies you do business with will have your vehicle information and contact you via mail, not through generic, high-pressure robocalls. These calls are from unrelated third-party sellers, not your car's manufacturer.
"Continuously calling daily leaving a voicemail recorded message saying, my warranty is expiring then proceeds to leave a call back. (Newsflash I don’t have a warranty!!.. buzz off!!)"
Scammers send emails or leave voicemails claiming a subscription, often for McAfee Antivirus, has been auto-renewed and your account will be charged $299 or a similar amount. The goal is to get you to call the number in a panic, at which point they will try to gain remote access to your computer or steal your financial information to "process a refund."
Major tech companies like McAfee and Apple will not notify you of charges via robocall or poorly written emails. All billing and subscription information is managed through your official account portal on their secure website.
"I received an email and in the email it said call this number to cancel my McAfee billing. I don't even have McAfee."
Callers falsely claim to be from the "US Disability department" or a health insurer like "Molina Health care." They often know your name and will say you recently applied for or qualify for benefits, then try to trick you into providing your Social Security Number or other personal information to "confirm" your identity.
Government agencies like the State Disability office do not cold-call people to offer benefits. You must apply for them first, typically through official government websites or in person. Legitimate insurers will not ask for sensitive information in an unsolicited call.
"I received a call saying they’re from the state disability office and I recently applied for disability. I knew off the back it’s was fraud. I started drilling the person on the phone and she hung up on me."
Homeowners in Long Beach, Downey, and surrounding areas are receiving a high volume of robocalls from a person named "April." The recorded message claims she recently sold a house in your neighborhood and wants to buy your home "as is" for cash, promising a quick and easy sale. This is a tactic to gather information on homeowners and properties for high-pressure sales pitches.
While some investors do buy homes for cash, they rarely use widespread, anonymous robocall campaigns. These calls are often data-mining operations or attempts to lock homeowners into unfavorable, lowball contracts.
"Like many others have reported, this 'April' person called and left a voicemail about wanting to buy my home. The number originated as 310-881-8426 but 'April's' callback number is 562-362-4472. Beware and do not pick up this call or call them back."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 562 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in California, United States. Area code 562 is a general purpose code that has been in service since January 25, 1997.
Most common 562 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 California, or have a 562 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 California area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: