The 618 area code is frequently used for fake Amazon or Apple purchase alerts and aggressive Medicare sales. Scammers try to steal your login details by claiming a fraudulent charge was made on your account.
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 618 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Illinois (Belleville, Granite City, O'Fallon) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 618 scams based on user comments:
You'll get a robocall claiming a large, suspicious purchase has been charged to your account, often for an iPhone or for a specific amount like $579.99 or $1,243. The goal is to create panic and trick you into pressing "1" to speak with a "fraud specialist" who will then try to steal your personal information.
Amazon and Apple do not call you to confirm orders or report suspicious activity. These companies handle all communications through email and official notifications within your account portal.
"It was a spoofed number. I received a call from 618-559-5910 and a recorded message said that my Amazon account had an order for an Apple iPhone that costs $1,000+... Asked me if I recognized this purchase... I didn't say a word, I hung up and went to my Amazon account to check for myself. Nothing wrong with my account."
Callers from the East St. Louis or Alton area, often with heavy accents, will claim to be "senior medicare advisors" or from a company called "Health IQ." They aggressively push unwanted Medicare "add-ons," back braces, or other medical supplies, often becoming rude or combative if you refuse.
Official Medicare representatives will never cold-call you to sell products or services. These are third-party companies violating federal Do Not Call laws to pressure you into buying things you may not need.
"Claims to be my senior medicare advisor. I requested to be removed from their call list. He said, 'No I will not remove you from our list.' WHAT?!?!?!?!?!?"
A robocall urgently warns that your Social Security Number (SSN) has been suspended due to "fraudulent activity" or that a "legal enforcement action" has been filed against you. The message threatens arrest if you don't immediately call them back to resolve the fake issue.
The Social Security Administration does not suspend SSNs and will never call to threaten you. They communicate official business primarily through U.S. mail, not with intimidating phone calls.
"Stated 'there's a legal enforcement action filed on your Social Security number for fraudulent activity...before I am arrested I need to call this number.'"
Scammers leave alarming voicemails claiming a legal complaint has been filed against you and that they will serve documents to your home or business. They may use official-sounding names like "Rebecca Jarvis" or "Core Mediation Group" to create a sense of panic and urgency.
Official process servers do not call ahead to warn you; they just show up. These calls are empty threats designed to scare you into paying a non-existent debt.
"I have gotten 2 calls 2 days in a row telling me they have documents to serve me...they go on to say that they will bring the paperwork to my house or business. I’ve gotten these calls before and nothing ever happened."
A man, often identifying himself as "Shawn," calls local businesses regarding their 401k or employee investment plans. If questioned, challenged, or told you're not interested, he becomes extremely aggressive and uses profane, vulgar language before hanging up.
Legitimate financial consultants and business professionals do not use profanity, insults, and high-pressure, abusive tactics. This behavior is a clear sign of an unprofessional and likely fraudulent operation.
"Call from Shawn (618) 221-0413 attempting to set up an appointment to go over our 401K. When I asked to take a message he said 'F@$k you.'"
You'll receive frequent calls from someone, sometimes "Linda from Dealer Processing," about an expiring or outdated car warranty. They often have incorrect information about your vehicle and use pressure tactics to sell you an unnecessary and overpriced service contract.
These calls are not from your car's manufacturer or dealership. They are from third-party companies using public records to make high-pressure sales calls for service contracts that are often of little value.
"This number calls every day. Sometimes several times a day. This is Linda from Dealer Processing.... when I call the number back, it’s disconnected or no longer in service. EVERY DAY!"
If you've listed a property for rent, you may receive a text or email from someone claiming to be renting for their daughter, "Flocarelli Ginneane A." They will send a long, detailed story about being out of the country on "research work" and offer to pay upfront with a certified check, asking for your full name and address to send it.
This is a classic overpayment scam. The scammer sends a fraudulent check for more than the rent, asks you to deposit it, and then requests you wire back the "extra" money. After you send the money, the original check bounces, leaving you responsible for the full amount.
"Thanks so much for your quick reply I'm interested in renting the room. My name is Flocarelli Ginneane A... I'm currently in Guam (Sinajana) on a research work and will be coming soon... I will be paying via a Bank certified check, so please get back to me with the following details..."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 618 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Illinois, United States. Area code 618 is a general purpose code that has been in service since January 1, 1947.
Most common 618 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 Illinois, or have a 618 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 Illinois area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: