The 573 area code is prone to fake legal action threats and phony debt collection demands. Fraudsters claim you are being sued for an unpaid bill to pressure you into making an immediate credit card payment.
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 573 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Missouri (Columbia, Jefferson City, Cape Girardeau) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 573 scams based on user comments:
Residents in Missouri's 573 area code are receiving intimidating robocalls threatening legal action. Scammers claim a "pending service of summons" will be executed at your home or job for "multiple violations and infractions" on your Social Security number, often using fake firm names like "Wellstar & Associates" to sound official.
Official process servers do not call ahead to warn you; their job is to serve papers in person without prior notice. Legitimate legal matters are communicated through official mail, not threatening robocalls.
"Voicemail states this is Mike Wicowski with the legal office of Wellstar & Associates. We have been retained as there are multiple violations and infractions under your name and social security number. There's a pending service of summons involved. It is due to be executed to your residence as well as your employer."
Scammers are aggressively targeting 573 numbers with fake debt collection claims. They leave voicemails from groups like "global mediation group" or "Rossman Kline mediation firm," alleging a "returned item from your bank" and threatening to report your "noncompliance" to the "proper jurisdiction" unless you call back immediately.
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act gives you the right to request written validation of a debt. Legitimate collectors will provide this; scammers will refuse and rely on threats and intimidation over the phone.
"This is a final courtesy call for the global mediation group before reporting that you've been uncooperative and our findings against you we would need to hear from either yourself or your legal representation today otherwise we will be left with no recourse other than to report your noncompliance in this issue to our clients and proper jurisdiction office."
These callers trick residents by pretending to work with Medicare or Social Security. A caller named "Nancy your patient advocate" might offer "top of the line braces" for pain, creating urgency by claiming it's your "final notice" before Medicare labels you "unavailable for coverage." Others call about a Social Security Disability claim you never filed.
Medicare and the Social Security Administration do not call you to sell medical equipment or threaten your coverage. These are high-pressure sales tactics designed to steal your personal information for fraudulent billing.
"Hi this is Nancy your patient advocate working closely with Medicare, this is an urgent essage for all patients on Medicare. We have tried numerous times to contact you by mail and now by telephone regarding your eligibility for top of the line braces to alleviate your pain and increase mobility. this is your final notice. if you do not act soon Medicare will label unavailable for coverage."
Scammers are using robocalls that claim to be from "Amazon's fraud services" or tech support companies like "VTech." The recording will falsely state that a large purchase, such as for "$840," has been made on your account or that a "$399" subscription renewal is about to be charged. The goal is to panic you into pressing "1" to connect with a fake agent who will steal your financial information.
Companies like Amazon and VTech do not make automated calls about fraudulent charges and ask you to press a button to cancel. All official notifications will appear inside your secure account on their website.
"I answered as it is a local number however got a recorded message from 'Amazon's fraud services' letting me know my Amazon account had been logged into from out of state and a purchase of $840 made. If this wasn't me to please press 1."
Be cautious of calls asking for donations, as many are scams. Reports from the 573 area mention aggressive callers claiming to represent the "Women's Cancer Fund," "Firefighter & EMS Fund," or a "Police Officer Org." These callers are often extremely rude, pressuring you for an immediate credit card donation and becoming hostile if you hesitate.
Legitimate charities welcome donors who do their research and will not use high-pressure or abusive tactics. They will happily provide their official information and will not demand an immediate on-the-spot payment.
"Lady from this service called me and SHE WAS SO RUDE. Never ever had someone call me to do someone a favor and yell at me and not let me talk. Wanted to tell her I give money to causes... But I was at work. TICKED ME OFF."
You may receive a pre-recorded call from someone named "Joe" or "Connor" claiming to follow up on a job you recently inquired about. These calls are a complete lie, designed to trick you into engaging. The recording is vague and often hangs up right after you speak, likely to confirm your number is active for future scam attempts.
Legitimate recruiters will contact you personally, identify their company and the specific job opening, and usually follow up with a professional email. They do not use generic, impersonal robocalls for initial contact.
"Man named Joe starts talking saying he got an inquiry about a job. Clearly a pre-recorded call. Calls multiple times daily. Very annoying & never put an inquiry in at all!"
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 573 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Missouri, United States. Area code 573 is a general purpose code that has been in service since January 7, 1996.
Most common 573 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 Missouri, or have a 573 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 Missouri area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: