Iowa's 641 area code is frequently used for car warranty expiration calls and Medicare schemes. Callers try to sell you worthless service contracts or steal your health insurance number.
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 641 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Iowa (Mason City, Marshalltown, Ottumwa) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 641 scams based on user comments:
Scammers are calling 641 area code numbers with urgent, often robotic, messages about your vehicle's warranty. They may specifically mention a car you don't own, like a Subaru, or simply say it's your "last chance" to extend your coverage before it's too late. This is a high-pressure tactic designed to get you to pay for a worthless or non-existent service.
Your car's manufacturer will not use aggressive, unsolicited robocalls to sell you an extended warranty. Legitimate warranty information is typically handled through official mail from the dealership where you purchased your vehicle.
"Subaru wanting me to extend my warranty that I don't have in the first place."
Residents in our Iowa communities are receiving persistent calls from individuals pretending to be from Medicare or a medical supply company. They may offer a "pain relief" back brace covered by Medicare, inquire about conditions like diabetes that you don't have, or claim to be a representative for Medicare needing more information.
Official Medicare representatives will not cold-call you to sell products or services. These scammers are trying to get your Medicare number to commit fraud by billing for equipment they never send or that you don't need.
"She called and said she was on a recorded line and a representative for Medicare and Medicaid and needed more information and I said they don't call us we have to call them, so get yourself an honest job and stop harrassing us."
This is a particularly alarming robocall scam hitting the 641 area code. A recorded message claims your Social Security number has been compromised or involved in illegal activity. It then instructs you to call back and speak with a "lead detective" to avoid legal consequences. This is a complete fabrication designed to scare you into revealing personal information.
The Social Security Administration will never call you to threaten you or tell you that your number has been suspended. They communicate through official, mailed correspondence, not through intimidating robocalls.
"Called saying my social security number was compromised and I should call the lead detective. What a bunch of crap! I know they would never computerize call people. Losers!"
Many Iowans are being plagued by calls that are silent when answered, immediately hang up, or come from numbers that are "not a working number" when you try to call back. These calls are often made by automated systems to check if your phone number is active. Answering the call, even if it's silent, flags your number as valid for future scam attempts.
Scammers use technology to "spoof" or fake the number that appears on your caller ID. The fact that a number is not in service when you call back is a strong indicator that the original call was from a scammer hiding their real location.
"This number of 641-352-7162 calls my work phone# at a hospital every day, multiple times. When I answer the call, there is no one on the other end. I tried to call the number back and the message states it is not a working number."
Callers are targeting people with claims of student loan forgiveness programs that can eliminate up to 80% of your debt. They will press you for details about how much you owe, claiming they need this information to see if you are eligible. This is a phishing attempt to gather your personal and financial data.
Legitimate federal student loan forgiveness programs are managed through official government websites. No third-party company can offer you special access or a better deal, especially through a cold call.
"Person called me claiming he needed to know the amount of my student loan debt to see if I was eligible for up to 80% forgiveness. When I asked if I can find this information online via the federal government website he said he didn't need my personal information but needed to know how much I owed. I promptly hung up."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 641 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Iowa, United States. Area code 641 is a general purpose code that has been in service since July 9, 2000.
Most common 641 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 Iowa, or have a 641 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 Iowa area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: