The 609 area code is frequently linked to Social Security fraud calls and Apple iCloud breach warnings. These scammers try to convince you that your identity is involved in a crime to steal your 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 609 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof New Jersey (Trenton, Atlantic City, Pleasantville) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 609 scams based on user comments:
Residents in Central and South Jersey are receiving alarming robocalls claiming "legal enforcement actions" have been filed against their Social Security Number for "criminal activities." The automated message, often from a caller with a foreign accent, urges you to call back immediately to avoid legal proceedings. The caller ID is frequently spoofed to say "SSI" to appear legitimate.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) will never call you to threaten legal action or demand immediate payment. The SSA primarily communicates through postal mail, not unsolicited phone calls, for official matters.
"Call from our department is to inform you that there is a legal enforcement actions filed on your social security number for criminal activities. So when you get this message kindly revert as soon as possible on our number... Before we begin with the legal proceedings."
This is an aggressive robocall campaign targeting New Jersey residents, with scammers spoofing their caller ID to read "Apple Inc." An automated voice warns that your iCloud account has been breached and you must not use your Apple devices. The goal is to create panic, getting you to press 1 and connect with a scammer who will then attempt to steal your account credentials and financial information.
Apple does not make unsolicited calls to alert you of a security breach. They communicate security issues via official notifications directly on your device or through email, and will never ask for your password or financial details over the phone.
"5 calls this morning with automated message of Apple Support calling about security breach on my iCloud account."
Scammers are calling 609 residents with terrifying threats of imminent legal action or wage garnishment. To sound credible, they often claim the issue is with a specific New Jersey county, such as "Burlington County," "Middlesex County," or "Hudson County." They talk very fast, refuse to provide documentation, and demand immediate payment to resolve a non-existent debt or case.
Legitimate debt collectors must provide written validation of a debt upon request. Furthermore, process servers, who deliver court documents, do not call ahead to warn you; they simply show up. Threats of immediate wage garnishment without a court order are illegal.
"Called me with the same thing a matter in Burlington County needs to be resolved today and they will contact my HR department for attach wages and then said GOOD LUCK. Sounds like a scam to me."
This is a particularly cruel scam targeting elderly residents. A scammer first calls posing as a grandchild, often crying and sounding distressed, claiming they've been in a car accident or arrested for a DUI. Shortly after, a second scammer calls, identifying himself as a "Public Defender" like "Michael Berg," and demands thousands of dollars in immediate bail money to get the grandchild out of jail. They create immense emotional distress to rush the victim into sending money before they can think clearly.
Law enforcement and court officials will never call you to arrange for bail money over the phone. Bail is processed through official channels at a courthouse or jail, not via a phone call from a supposed public defender demanding you send funds.
"Was called by a Michael Berg (sp?) who represented himself as a Public Defender for my grandson who supposedly was in jail for Reckless Driving and DUI. I am out $12,640. My grandson's voice was imitated so well - I still can't believe it was not him."
You receive an automated call claiming a suspicious, expensive purchase has been made on your Amazon account, often for an amount like "$299.99," "$379.99," or even "$1499." The message says that if you did not authorize this purchase, you must call their agent back immediately at the number provided. This is a phishing attempt to get you on the line with a live scammer who will try to extract your Amazon login, credit card, or bank account information under the guise of "canceling the order."
Amazon will never call you about an unauthorized purchase and ask for payment or personal information. Official notifications about your account are sent via email or through the secure message center in your Amazon account.
"Message pretending to be from Amazon.com saying that my visa had be charged for a purchase of #379.99. If I do not make such a purchase, call their agent at 609-759-8646."
Scammers are spoofing their caller ID to read "NJ Dept Health" or "NJDepOfHlth" and calling residents to "set up" a COVID-19 vaccine or booster appointment. The caller, often with a foreign accent, will then ask for personal details like your name, date of birth, and potentially Medicare information. This is a phishing scam designed to steal your personal information for identity theft.
While the NJ Department of Health does conduct outreach, they will not ask for sensitive personal data like your Social Security or Medicare number over the phone to schedule a vaccine. Always use official government websites or call your doctor's office to arrange medical appointments.
"Got a call from 609-913-2095 claiming to help setup vaccine appt and was asking personal information."
This scam specifically targets local New Jersey businesses. A caller, often identifying himself as "Carl from Nationwide," will claim a "UCC-1" has been filed against your company. They use this official-sounding financial term to create confusion and urgency, hoping to trick you into revealing sensitive financial information about your business under the guise of "helping you find better programs."
A UCC-1 filing is a common legal notice that lenders use to secure interest in a property; it is not inherently a problem or a sign of trouble. Unsolicited callers using this as a pretext are trying to sell you high-interest loans or steal your company's financial data.
"As stated in previous posts, Carl said a UCC-1 was filed against our business and that he needed to confirm information... I told him to take us off of his calling list and he just laughed and said there is no calling list."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 609 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in New Jersey, United States. Area code 609 is a general purpose code that has been in service since January 1, 1957.
Most common 609 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 Jersey, or have a 609 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 Jersey area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: