The 616 area code is being used for DTE energy impersonation scams and arrest warrant threats. Callers pretend to be from the gas company to demand payment or claim the police are on their way.
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 616 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Michigan (Grand Rapids, Wyoming, Kentwood) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 616 scams based on user comments:
Residents in West Michigan are receiving aggressive and deceptive calls from individuals claiming to be with DTE, Michigan Gas, or a third-party supplier called nTherm. Callers, often using names like "Audrey," "Barry," or "Amber," will demand to speak with the person in charge of the utility bill, sometimes claiming there is a rebate program or a note on your last bill. They will pressure you for your DTE account information and become extremely rude or call back repeatedly if you refuse or hang up.
DTE already has your account information and will not call you to ask for it. While Michigan has third-party energy suppliers, they will not use deceptive tactics, impersonate DTE, or harass you to get your business. These callers are trying to switch your provider without proper consent or steal your personal information.
"Mario called from nTherm. Asked for me personally. I am the receptionist. When told I was not in the office he became very rude with my co-worker. Said he has tried at least 4 times to reach me about my gas meter. Demanded my co-worker give him my personal contact info and wanted it by the end of the day. I mean seriously?"
This alarming robocall scam uses a recorded voice to inform you that your Social Security Number (SSN) has been involved in fraudulent activity or that the IRS is issuing a warrant for your arrest for tax fraud. The message threatens immediate legal action, sometimes saying federal officers will arrest you within hours if you don't call them back. When people call back, they are met by a foreigner pretending to be from the SSA or an IRS agent named "Robert Morris."
The Social Security Administration and the IRS will never call you to threaten you with arrest or demand immediate payment. These agencies initiate contact through official mail, not with aggressive, threatening robocalls. They do not suspend or cancel SSNs over the phone.
"Recorded call stated that I was being sued for a tax fraud claim and I should immediately call this number and ask for Robert Morris with the Internal Revenue Service."
Scammers are sending text messages pretending to be from legitimate companies like "UnitedHealth Group," "Alaxia Pharma," or "Molina Healthcare." The text, often from a person named "Mrs. Cynthia Reyes" or "Mrs. Traci Aronson," claims your resume has been reviewed and offers a high-paying, work-from-home position for roles like Data Entry or Administrative Assistant. Their goal is to lure you into a fake online interview via Skype or Google Hangout to steal your personal and financial information.
Legitimate companies do not typically offer jobs or conduct formal interviews exclusively through text message or Google Hangout. The hiring process almost always involves a formal application, phone screens, and video or in-person interviews initiated through official company email, not a random text.
"Got a TEXT from this number 616-228-7113, Molina Healthcare, Mrs Vanisa McDowell, offering me a 'work at home job' @ $25.55/hr. I replied SCAM & that was the end of that text. About an hour later, I’m receiving text from 402-257-0630. Same scam just a different number."
This scam targets seniors by calling about "Medicare approved braces that you inquired about" or "pharmacy benefits" related to your insurance. Callers will claim you can get free back or knee braces paid for by Medicare. They will often call relentlessly, sometimes dozens of times over a few days, trying to get your Medicare number and other personal information to commit insurance fraud.
Medical equipment suppliers cannot call you to solicit business unless you are already a customer. If you need a brace, your doctor must prescribe it. Medicare does not call beneficiaries to offer free equipment.
"My parents have been receiving calls from this number multiple times a day for the past three days. They are trying to sell braces to charge to my father's Medicare, asking for personal information. Their phone number has been on the National Do Not Call Registry since 2014 and they are constantly receiving calls like this."
A common tactic from questionable debt collectors or information phishers is to call and vaguely state they are calling about a "personal business matter." The caller, sometimes from a company like "JP Recovery," will refuse to identify their company or the reason for the call until you "verify" your full name, date of birth, or even your Social Security Number. These calls happen daily, and they often hang up if you don't answer or refuse to provide information.
Legitimate debt collectors are required by law (the FDCPA) to tell you the name of their company and that they are attempting to collect a debt. They must also provide validation of the debt in writing upon request. Refusing to identify themselves is a major red flag that you are dealing with a scammer.
"I get so many calls from this number. They constantly call me to ask to confirm my birthday. Do not confirm your birthday. This sounds like a scam. The same lady always calls me and tell me this is regarding a 'person business matter' I am not involved in ANY personal business matters."
This is a persistent robocall scam where a recorded message gives you a "final courtesy call" about your vehicle's extended warranty. The callers may know the make and year of a car you once owned, making the call seem legitimate. If you press 1 to speak with someone, they will try to sell you an overpriced and often useless service contract. Some callers have become verbally abusive when told to stop calling.
These calls are rarely from your vehicle's manufacturer or dealer. They are from third-party companies using scare tactics to sell service contracts. The urgency is fake; there is no "final notice."
"Lady called today at 11:49am and said she wanted to extend our car warranty. When I asked her a couple questions then told her I didn't want her to call here anymore and take us of their calling list she said 'Oooh I will be calling you tomorrow because you're a b#tch' and hung up on me!!"
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 616 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Michigan, United States. Area code 616 is a general purpose code that has been in service since January 1, 1947.
Most common 616 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 Michigan, or have a 616 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 Michigan area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: