Area Code 628 Scams and Spam Calls

The 628 area code is being used for fake Amazon purchase alerts and legal arrest threats. Scammers send messages about expensive orders you never made to steal your account passwords.

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.

California Phone Number Lookups

Most Common Area Code 628 Scams

Getting calls from 628 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof California (San Francisco, San Rafael, Novato) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 628 scams based on user comments:

Fake Amazon Purchase Verification Scam

This is a widespread robocall scam targeting San Francisco residents. An automated voice claims a fraudulent purchase has been made on your Amazon account, often for an "Apple I Pad" for $1499 or an "iPhone 11." The message pressures you to press 1 or call them back to cancel the order, which is a trick to get your personal or financial information.

Warning Signs

  • An automated voice call about a high-value purchase you don't recognize.
  • Specific mention of items like an "Apple I Pad" or "iPhone 11."
  • You are instructed to press 1 to connect to a support agent.
  • They may claim the charge was made to your VISA card.

Protect Yourself

  • Do not press 1 or call the number back.
  • Log into your Amazon account directly through the official website or app to check your order history.
  • Never provide account or credit card details to someone who called you unexpectedly.
  • Report the number and the scam details on a reverse lookup site like ThisNumber.com.

Amazon will never call you about an order and ask for personal information or to connect you to a live agent. All official notifications about your account or orders are sent via email or through the secure Amazon app and website.

Real Victim Quote

"It was an electronic voice that came on after some music played telling me I need to verify a purchase for $1499 on my Amazon account for an Apple I Pad. I did not answer they left a message. I looked at my Amazon account, no pending purchases."

Scammers are calling from 628 numbers and leaving terrifying automated voicemails. They claim there are "legal actions required" or "fraudulent activity" linked to your Social Security number and that you will be arrested if you don't call them back immediately. This is a high-pressure tactic designed to scare you into acting without thinking.

Warning Signs

  • An automated message threatening you with an "arrest warrant."
  • Claims of "illegal matters" or "fraudulent activity" with your Social Security number.
  • Extreme urgency, demanding you call back immediately to avoid arrest.
  • The call comes from a local 628 number, not an official government line.

Protect Yourself

  • Hang up immediately. Do not engage with the caller.
  • Never confirm your Social Security number or any other personal data.
  • Report the scam call to the Social Security Administration's Office of the Inspector General.
  • Block the phone number.

Government agencies like the Social Security Administration or the IRS will never call you to threaten you with arrest. They initiate contact through official U.S. mail, not with aggressive, threatening robocalls from a San Francisco area code.

Real Victim Quote

"Got a call from this number and 'they' left me a automated voicemail. It stated that there was some legal actions required, and that i would be arrested if i dont call back. This made me laugh, if you get called by this number, its a scam!"

Fake Medical Billing & Patient Alerts

This scam involves text messages pretending to be from legitimate healthcare providers like "Zoomcare," "Minute Clinic," or even "your podiatrist." These texts often claim you have a balance ready to view and pay, or ask you to confirm patient alerts, and include a suspicious link. The goal is to steal your payment information or personal health data.

Warning Signs

  • A text message about a bill from a clinic you haven't visited.
  • The message contains a strange, shortened link (e.g., "ahmsg.us/...").
  • You receive a text saying "you will now receive patient alerts from your podiatrist" when you don't have one.
  • The message creates a sense of obligation to view or pay a bill.

Protect Yourself

  • Do not click the link in the text message.
  • If you think the bill might be real, contact your provider using a phone number from their official website or an old bill.
  • Delete the text message and block the number.
  • Never reply "STOP," as this confirms your number is active.

While some providers use text alerts, they will not send billing links in this format without prior consent. Scammers use the names of real companies to appear legitimate, but the links they provide lead to phishing websites, not a real patient portal.

Real Victim Quote

"received a text message saying, 'The balance for your recent appt with Zoomcare is ready to view and pay: https://ahmsg.us/4nF59NO Reply STOP to opt out'."

AT&T and DMV Phishing Scams

Scammers are sending text messages pretending to be from major organizations like AT&T or the DMV. The AT&T messages often thank you for paying a bill and provide a dangerous link. The DMV scam claims you have a refund waiting. These are all attempts to get you to click a link that can install malware on your phone or steal your login credentials.

Warning Signs

  • A text message from AT&T about a bill payment with a link to click.
  • A message claiming you've been charged for "increasing spam messages."
  • A text from the "DMV" saying you have a refund.
  • The link included in the text does not go to the official att.com or dmv.ca.gov website.

Protect Yourself

  • Delete the message immediately. Do not click any links.
  • To check your bill, log into your official AT&T account through their secure app or website.
  • Block the sender's number to prevent future messages.
  • Check ThisNumber.com to see if others have reported the same scam text.

AT&T and the DMV do not send account alerts or refund notices with strange links like these. These are phishing attempts designed to panic you into clicking before you think, giving scammers access to your sensitive information.

Real Victim Quote

"Text message from 628-286-4319 on 12/13/21 after 5 p.m. ... 'AT&T: Thank you for paying your latest bill of $xx.xx. Click the link ...'"

Fake Job & Employment Scams

These scams target Bay Area job seekers with enticing offers for remote work. Scammers may text you claiming to be from "Illuminia LLC" after seeing your resume on Indeed, or offer part-time remote work for Amazon. Their ultimate goal is to get you to download an unsecure app like "whatsapp" to speak with a "trainer," where they will then try to steal your personal information.

Warning Signs

  • An unsolicited text message offering a job you didn't apply for.
  • They insist on moving the conversation to an app like "whatsapp" instead of official channels.
  • The "recruiter" uses a specific name, like "Kathryn Reeves."
  • The offer seems too good to be true, with little to no interview process.

Protect Yourself

  • Never download an app at the request of an unknown recruiter.
  • Verify the job opening by visiting the company's official careers page directly.
  • Keep all communication on professional platforms like Indeed or LinkedIn.
  • Do not provide your Social Security number or bank details for a "background check" until you've verified the company and the job offer are legitimate.

Legitimate companies like Amazon have a formal application and hiring process conducted through their official websites. They do not recruit via text message and will not ask you to install third-party messaging apps for training or interviews.

Real Victim Quote

"i received a text from 628-628-5491 offering me some part time remote work for Amazon. ... they wanted me to download something called whatsapp where i would then be able to speak with a trainer and i suspect this is where i would be asked for all my personal info."

Aggressive Debt Collector Impersonators

Callers from 628 numbers are posing as debt collectors, sometimes using real collection agency names like "Sequium Asset Solutions." They often call your workplace, demand your Social Security number, make vague threats about a "personal business matter," or tell you to call a "professional debt mediator." Many targets report having no outstanding debts, confirming this is a scam tactic.

Warning Signs

  • They call you at work and ask for your Social Security number.
  • The caller is threatening or refuses to identify themselves or their company.
  • They claim you owe a debt that you don't recognize.
  • You receive multiple calls a day without any voicemail left.

Protect Yourself

  • Never confirm any personal information, especially your SSN.
  • Ask the caller for their name, company, and mailing address to send them a debt validation letter.
  • Do not make any payments over the phone.
  • Check your credit report for free at AnnualCreditReport.com to verify any outstanding debts.

Legitimate debt collectors are required by federal law (the FDCPA) to provide you with information about the debt in writing. They cannot legally harass you, threaten you, or refuse to identify themselves. Calling your job to demand a SSN is an illegal and aggressive tactic.

Real Victim Quote

"Received a call from 628-226-2118 stating that we needed to call a professional debt mediator. I'm guessing it's a scam as we don't have any unpaid debts."

Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls

Is area code 628 a scam?

No, area code 628 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in California, United States. Area code 628 is a general purpose code that has been in service since March 21, 2015.

What are the most common area code 628 scams?

Most common 628 scam types are:

Why do I get spam calls from area code 628?

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 628 phone number yourself, scammers know you're more likely to answer what appears to be a local call.

What happens if I call back a spam number?

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.

How to stop spam calls from the same area code?

There are three main ways to reduce spam calls:

  1. The Do Not Call Registry: Register your number at donotcall.gov
  2. Carrier Tools: Contact your phone carrier about their spam blocking solutions
  3. Third-Party Apps: Install spam call blocking apps that identify and filter scam numbers

Can I block all calls from a specific area code?

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.

Scams and Spam in Other California Area Codes

Other California area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: