The 614 area code is currently dealing with aggressive utility bill scams and unsolicited real estate offers. Callers threaten to cut off your power or harass you to sell your home for cash.
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 614 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Ohio (Columbus, Dublin, Westerville) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 614 scams based on user comments:
Residents in the Columbus area are reporting aggressive calls from scammers pretending to be from AEP, Columbia Gas, or Dominion Energy. Callers, sometimes using names like "Brandy," "Shelly," or "Megan," falsely claim you qualify for a "rebate" or that your power will be shut off in 30 minutes due to non-payment. They demand you get a copy of your bill and often become hostile or call back repeatedly if you hang up.
Real utility companies like AEP will send multiple written notices through the mail long before they disconnect service. They do not call and threaten immediate shutoff or demand payment over the phone to avoid it.
"She said Dominion was going to give me a 'rebate', and 'I know you don't read the front of your gas bill'. I hung up, she called back THREE times. Finally my husband cursed at her and she yelled at HIM. Crazy!"
Many 614 residents are being bombarded with unsolicited calls and texts from people offering to buy their homes for cash. These calls often come from robocalls using a recorded voice of someone named "Morgan" or "Dave," who claims to be a local investor. They frequently know your address and make it sound urgent, promising a cash offer in "ten minutes or less."
Legitimate real estate investors do not typically rely on high-volume, unsolicited robocalls. These are often predatory wholesalers trying to get you to sell your home for significantly less than its market value.
"Hello. My name is Morgan. I am reaching out to you because I have recently purchased a property in your area and if you're interested in selling I would love make you a cash offer as soon as possible... I can make you an all-cash offer in about ten minutes or less."
Scammers are calling Ohioans and posing as compliance officers, law firms, or court officials, sometimes claiming to be from "Franklin County Municipal Court." They use intimidating tactics, threatening to serve papers at your home or work, file a lawsuit, or even have you arrested over a phantom debt. Common fake names include "Denise Kelly" and "Jerry Williams" from a fake firm called "Stone & Saunders."
Official process servers do not call ahead to warn you; they simply deliver the documents. Furthermore, you cannot be arrested for a civil debt, and any legitimate collector must provide written proof of the debt upon request.
"I received a call today from 614-362-8853. The woman today saying she was calling from some legal service and she knew my social security number... she was calling to see if I was home so they can serve me. I told her she was lying and hung up. She called right back..."
An enormous number of residents report receiving relentless, harassing calls from numbers claiming to be "Comenity Bank." These calls often begin just a few days after a payment is late and can occur up to 10-15 times a day from a variety of spoofed numbers. When answered, it's often a recording about your account or "Covid relief resources."
While a creditor may contact you about a late payment, calling with such extreme frequency is a form of harassment that can violate the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). Legitimate representatives should also not need you to provide your full SSN to find your account.
"Comenity bank. They also use a kansas number. I am getting up to 7 calls a day. I am 7 days late on a payment and the calls started at 3 days late. I am just waiting till payday... They harass the crap out of you."
This scam involves a robocall message claiming your subscription for a service like "PC Tech Support," antivirus software, or even an Amazon purchase is about to auto-renew. The message warns that your account will be debited for an amount like $299, $399, or $499 unless you call back immediately to cancel. This is a trick to get your financial information.
Companies like Microsoft and Amazon do not use threatening robocalls to notify you of renewals. This is a common refund scam designed to steal your credit card number or gain access to your computer to install ransomware.
"Hello this call is from PC Tech Support your antivirus and support subscription with our company will auto renew today. So your account will be charged for dollar 299. So if you want to continue or cancel the subscription call us..."
Scammers are calling and pretending to be from the Social Security Administration or a disability advocacy group. They use scare tactics, such as claiming your Social Security number has been "locked because of suspicious behavior" or that your benefits will be stopped. Others will claim you recently inquired about disability benefits, hoping you'll engage and provide personal information.
The Social Security Administration primarily communicates through official U.S. mail. They will never call to threaten you, demand payment, or ask for your personal information to "unlock" your account.
"Recorded voice with Indian accent claiming call from the Social Security Administration. Further claimed my account / Social security number locked because of suspicious behavior."
Impersonators are calling Ohio residents claiming to be from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) to "assist" with unemployment claims. These scammers often call on weekends, create a false sense of urgency by telling you to call back within 20 minutes, and suspiciously ask you to disable any caller ID blocking features on your phone.
ODJFS is a government agency that operates during standard business hours and does not typically make unsolicited calls on weekends. They communicate officially through their secure online portal or U.S. Mail, and will never ask you to turn off your phone's security features.
"Got a voice mail message from 614/728-7025. A man named Jacob said he is from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services calling to assist me with my unemployment compensation and that I should call them back within 20 minutes and that I should deisable any caller ID blocking features."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 614 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Ohio, United States. Area code 614 is a general purpose code that has been in service since January 1, 1947.
Most common 614 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 Ohio, or have a 614 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 Ohio area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: