Residents are reporting Social Security arrest warrant threats and auto warranty robocalls from the 570 area code. Scammers use fear of jail time or expensive car repairs to trick you into paying them.
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 570 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Pennsylvania (Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Williamsport) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 570 scams based on user comments:
Residents in Northeastern Pennsylvania are receiving alarming calls from scammers pretending to be from the Social Security Administration. Using fake names like "Officer Smith," they falsely claim "legal enforcement actions" have been filed against you and threaten to suspend your Social Security Number and issue an arrest warrant if you don't comply.
The Social Security Administration will never call to threaten you with arrest or demand immediate payment. They primarily communicate through U.S. Mail and will never suspend your number over the phone.
"Hi, this an Officer Smith from Social Security Administration we would like to inform you regarding some legal enforcement actions filed on your social security number... We will have to suspend your Social Security Number and issue and arrest warrant against you and arrest you."
These are extremely persistent robocalls claiming your car's factory warranty is expiring. Callers, sometimes identifying as "Stacey at Dealer Processing," will call dozens of times, even on the same day, to pressure you into buying an overpriced and often useless extended service contract.
These calls are not from your car's manufacturer or dealer. They are from third-party telemarketers using public records to target car owners with high-pressure sales pitches for questionable service plans.
"I’ve gotten SEVEN phone calls from this number TODAY alone and the caller said they were from the 'warranty dept. and wanted to check the make and model of my car' but NEVER identified what company they were with!"
This tricky scam starts with a simple question to get a recording of your voice. A caller, sometimes named "Mark" or "Grace," will state they are on a "recorded line" and immediately ask, "Can you hear me ok?" Their goal is to capture you saying "Yes," which they can then edit to fraudulently claim you agreed to a charge or service.
No legitimate business needs to trick you into saying "yes." This tactic is used by scammers to create fake verbal contracts to authorize bogus charges on your credit card or phone bill.
"They are trying to record you saying the word 'yes.' The first thing they say is: 'I'm so and so calling on a recorded line.' They immediately ask 'Can you hear me ok?' Of course you can and you answer 'YES.' They now have your voice recorded saying 'YES' to whatever they screw you with!"
Scammers are calling local residents pretending to be from utility companies like PPL or Penelec. They will urgently tell you there's a "problem with our electric bill" or offer a special discount, then pressure you to "verify" your account by reading them your account number from a recent bill.
Your utility company already has your account number and all your information. They will never call you and ask you to read it back to them for verification purposes.
"Claims to be from penelec. Asking for me to get my bill so they can verify my account number. Something about you qualify for a special discount on your bill"
Be cautious of calls asking for donations for police or firefighters, often using emotional pleas about "fallen officers." These scammers may use spoofed local 570 numbers to seem legitimate and can become hostile or curse at you if you question them or refuse to donate.
Legitimate police and fire departments do not solicit donations from the public by phone. These calls are almost always scams preying on your goodwill and respect for first responders.
"Says that they are a police officer I need money to continue protecting the community asked to be put on the do not call list and was told to go $&!? myself"
If you're selling something on a site like Craigslist, watch out for texts from 570 area code numbers. Scammers from our area are texting sellers in other states, like Oregon and Washington, to "buy" items like motorcycles or cars. This is the setup for a fake check scam where they send a bad check for more than the asking price and ask you to wire them the difference.
No legitimate buyer will ever send you more money than you asked for and request you send some back. The check they send is fraudulent, and when your bank discovers the fraud days later, you will be responsible for the full amount you wired to the scammer.
"I also got a text from them (PA), trying to buy my motorcycle in OR."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 570 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Pennsylvania, United States. Area code 570 is a general purpose code that has been in service since December 5, 1998.
Most common 570 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 Pennsylvania, or have a 570 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 Pennsylvania area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: