Rochester's 585 area code is rife with Social Security arrest warrant threats and aggressive debt collection calls. Callers pretend to be police or lawyers to scare you into paying money you do not owe.
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 585 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof New York (Rochester, Irondequoit, Brighton) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 585 scams based on user comments:
You may receive an automated call claiming your Social Security Number has been linked to fraudulent activity. The recording will threaten you with an immediate lawsuit and an arrest warrant if you don't call back to speak with an "agent" like "David Foster."
The Social Security Administration will never call to threaten you with arrest or legal action. They primarily communicate via U.S. Mail and will not ask for personal information over the phone in this manner.
"Automated call from SSA informing me that a lawsuit and arrest warrant had be released on my name. Did not answer call ... voicemail message left."
Scammers call claiming to be from "judicial services" or regarding an urgent "personal business matter." Callers like "Briana Paul" or a "Mr. Radcliffe" may already have your personal information, including your SSN, and will aggressively threaten to sue you, show up at your home, or contact all your family members if you don't comply.
Real process servers do not call ahead to warn or threaten you; they simply deliver legal documents in person. Legitimate debt collectors are required by law to provide a validation notice in writing and cannot threaten you with actions they cannot legally take.
"This number is currently being used by aggressive and threatening scammers claiming they will take you to court, sue you, show up on your door step, contact all of your family members if you don't pay what they claim you owe."
Residents in the Rochester area are being bombarded with robocalls about an expiring car warranty. These calls use urgent phrases like "final courtesy call" to pressure you into pressing a number to speak with a "warranty advisor," even if your car is new or has no warranty.
These calls are almost never from your actual car dealer or manufacturer. The "final notice" is a high-pressure sales tactic used by third-party sellers to create a false sense of urgency.
"We recently noticed your cars extended warranty was going to ..... wanted to give you one final courtesy call before your warranty expires in your coverage is forwarded this would make you financially responsible for all service repair press one now..."
Callers may pretend to be from "Network Pharmacies" or your insurance company's pharmacy department. They often have some of your personal information and will offer "free" prescription creams or over-the-counter medications to get you to provide more sensitive data.
Your legitimate health insurance provider or pharmacy already has your necessary information and will not call to offer free products in exchange for you "verifying" your personal data.
"SCAMMER called and said that they were from NETWORK PHARMACIES and wanted to send prescription creams to my address for free. BROKEN ENGLISH CALLED from HOLLEY, NY."
Scammers call claiming you've won millions of dollars and a new car, such as a 2021 BMW, from Publishers Clearing House. A caller named "Betty Morgan" might identify herself as the "delivery driver" and instruct you to call a "general manager" like "Benjamin Bush" to authorize the delivery.
Publishers Clearing House and other legitimate sweepstakes never require winners to pay money to claim a prize. Large prizes are famously awarded in person by the Prize Patrol with no prior phone calls or fees required.
"A lady by the name of Betty Morgan called and let me know we had won a large check and a 2021 BMW. ... She was the delivery driver and was in town and ready to come to my house. She stated that I needed to call 585-444-3780 and talk to the general manager named Benjamin Bush."
You may get a robocall stating a charge for an amount like "$77.99" or "$799.00" has been made to your Visa card on Amazon. The recording pressures you to immediately call a provided 585 number to cancel the order if you didn't make it.
Amazon will never use an automated call to have you cancel an order. All official communication about your purchases happens via email or within your secure account on their website or app.
"On 07/9/`9 I received telephone message from 585-357-9063 stating that ... 'If you did not make this purchase, call Amazon Support at 585-357-9063'."
Scammers from local 585 numbers are calling and claiming to be from Rochester Gas & Electric (RG&E). They may conduct a fake survey or claim you have a reference number for your "electric supply" to trick you into revealing account information or switching your energy provider without your knowledge.
RG&E does not call customers to pressure them into switching to a different energy supplier. While you can choose your supplier, this must be done by you directly, not through a high-pressure, unsolicited phone call.
"It's a scam call asking to switch 'electric' providers. Never heard of such company they talk about."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 585 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in New York, United States. Area code 585 is a general purpose code that has been in service since November 15, 2001.
Most common 585 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 New York, or have a 585 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 New York area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: