Pasadena's 626 area code is notorious for Social Security arrest threats and unwanted IT sales calls. Fraudsters claim you face jail time for identity crimes to panic you into paying them.
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 626 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof California (Pasadena, El Monte, West Covina) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 626 scams based on user comments:
Residents in the 626 area are receiving alarming robocalls claiming that "legal enforcement action" has been filed against their Social Security Number for fraudulent activity, sometimes specifically mentioning misuse in Texas. The recording threatens you'll be taken to the "state courthouse" or that an arrest warrant will be issued if you don't call them back immediately.
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 demand personal information or payment over the phone.
"The number for you to call the SSA back is 626-313-3667 the reason you have received this phone call from our department is to inform you that there's a legal enforcement action filed on your number for fraudulent activity so before this matter goes to the state courthouse and before you get arrested if you need any information or have any question kindly call us back..."
Local businesses are being relentlessly targeted by callers with heavy accents, often claiming to be from "IT Worlds" or "Comparative Business Solutions." They ask for employees by name, try to get you to verify email addresses to send a "white paper," and can become incredibly hostile, rude, or even threatening if you decline or ask to be removed from their list.
Legitimate business-to-business vendors do not use harassment, insults, or threats as sales tactics. Professional companies will always respect a request to be removed from their contact lists.
"you better watch who you are speaking to, I'll come to your house and beat you up."
This automated call claims a fraudulent, high-dollar purchase has been made on your Amazon account. Many 626 residents report the message specifically mentions a "$999 for an Iphone11." The recording then instructs you to press 1 to approve the charge or another number to cancel it, which connects you directly to a scammer.
Amazon will never call you to confirm an order or ask for payment information. Official communications about your account will appear within your secure account on their app or website.
"Multiple call scam of spoofed numbers. Message left '$999 for an Iphone11 has been charged to your Amazon account. Press 1 to verify, press 2 to deny.'"
Scammers are leaving voicemails that vaguely threaten a "pending civil lawsuit" or "legal consequences" for an unspecified debt. They create a false sense of urgency, sometimes using a fake name like "Ms Easter," and demand you or your lawyer call back within 24 hours to avoid having an action filed against you.
Legitimate process servers do not call to warn you that they are coming; they just show up. Furthermore, debt collectors are required by federal law to provide a written validation notice by mail after first contact.
"Ms Easter calling about an urgent matter. Will be forced to file action if she doesn’t here back from me within 24hrz"
This is a very common robocall hitting 626 phone numbers, stating that your vehicle's extended warranty is about to expire. The recording, often from a so-called "specialist" or someone named "Rachel," instructs you to press a number to avoid a lapse in coverage, regardless of whether you own a car or how old it is.
These calls are almost never from your car's manufacturer or dealer. They are phishing attempts from third-party companies trying to sell you expensive and often worthless service contracts.
"fraud recorded message about 'Your vehicle warrantee expires or will expire, this is the final ....., press 1 to speck to a specialist'."
This tricky scam starts with a simple question like "Can you hear me okay?". The caller's only goal is to get you to say the word "Yes." They record your voice saying "Yes" and can attempt to use that recording as a voice signature to authorize fraudulent charges to your phone bill or credit card.
No legitimate company initiates a call this way. This opening question is a well-known tactic used by scammers to capture a recording of your voice saying "yes" for fraudulent purposes.
"A woman asks, can you hear me ok. They are trying to get you to say yes!! Don't fall for this! If you say yes, or I can, they immediately hang up. They got what they wanted! Please be aware!"
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 626 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in California, United States. Area code 626 is a general purpose code that has been in service since June 14, 1997.
Most common 626 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 California, or have a 626 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 California area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: