Apple iCloud support scams and fake legal threats are flooding the 574 area code. Callers claim your account has been breached or that you owe a legal debt to steal your login credentials and 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 574 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Indiana (South Bend, Elkhart, Mishawaka) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 574 scams based on user comments:
Scammers spoofing "Appel Inc." on caller ID will call relentlessly, claiming your Apple iCloud account has been compromised. These robocalls, sometimes coming 6 times in 20 minutes, pressure you into speaking with a fake agent to steal your account credentials.
Apple will not call you unexpectedly about a compromised account. Security alerts are sent via email or through official notifications directly on your Apple devices, not through unsolicited, high-pressure phone calls.
"robocall said my Apple icloud was compromised and so I selected 1 when prompted and spoke with a woman about my icloud account. I asked what ID was she calling for and she named my mother who is 80 yrs old and doesn't own an Apple product. Once I told her that was funny because she obviously was trying to scam me, she then hung up on me."
Aggressive callers impersonate law firms or student loan companies like Navient, threatening you with legal action or claiming they will "track you down at your home or place of business" over a non-existent debt. They often use old, fake payday or student loans from years ago (e.g., 2013) to create a sense of panic and urgency.
Real debt collectors cannot threaten you with arrest or use abusive language. Furthermore, legitimate process servers do not call ahead to warn you that you are about to be served legal documents; they simply show up unannounced.
"I`M in big trouble, 'going to track me down at my home and or place of business'............SCAM"
Scammers will call claiming your Social Security Number (SSN) has been "cancelled by a court" or that a court order is being filed against you. Others may try to phish for information by falsely claiming you are eligible for new Social Security Disability benefits.
The Social Security Administration does not suspend or cancel SSNs. The agency primarily communicates via postal mail and will not call you to demand payment or threaten legal action.
"Also received message stating a court order was being filed against me related to my social security number. No introduction, name, or company referenced."
A man calls claiming to be from the Indiana State Police and solicits donations for a supposed charity. The scammer starts by asking for a high amount, like $95, and will aggressively push for lower amounts if you decline, refusing to send information by mail for verification.
According to reports, the Fraternal Order of Police is the only agency permitted to solicit funds on behalf of the Indiana State Police. Legitimate charities will gladly send you information and will not pressure you for an immediate donation over the phone.
"Middle-aged man with american accent claimed to be an Indiana police officer, soliciting for a charity...He started at $95 and did not skip a beat in his spiel when I said his ph # came up as a scammer. He kept pushing lower and lower, especially when I told him to send me a package and I'd do a background check..."
Residents in the 574 area are receiving unsolicited text messages from individuals, often named "Daniel," who know their name and address. The scripted message asks if you are the owner and are interested in selling your home, which is a common tactic used by data miners and real estate wholesalers.
While some inquiries may be legitimate, responding to unsolicited texts can lead to more spam calls and messages. Never provide personal or financial information to someone who contacts you out of the blue about a major transaction like selling your home.
"Hi [Name], apologies for the unexpected text, but my name is Daniel, and I'm interested in purchasing [address]. Are you the owner?"
You may get a call from someone named "Shawn" or "Sean" claiming "they" are trying to deliver a package to you. The caller provides no details about the package or courier and instead instructs you to call a different, toll-free number (like 877-969-1945), even if you aren't expecting a delivery.
Major delivery services will leave a notice on your door or update an official tracking number online if they miss you. They will not make vague phone calls instructing you to call an unrelated toll-free number to arrange delivery.
"Received a call from Shawn/Sean, telling me 'they' are trying to deliver a package. I was instructed to call 877-969-1945. Don't know who the company is that he represents."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 574 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Indiana, United States. Area code 574 is a general purpose code that has been in service since January 15, 2002.
Most common 574 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 Indiana, or have a 574 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 Indiana area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: