Manhattan's 646 area code is famous for the "Texas Drug Car" Social Security scam and fake process servers. Scammers claim a car rented in your name was found with drugs to terrify you into paying a fine.
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 646 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof New York (New York) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 646 scams based on user comments:
This is the most aggressive attack hitting the 646 area code right now. Callers claim to be "Officer Ryan Smith" (Badge B281) or "Officer William Smith" from the Social Security Administration. They terrify victims by claiming their Social Security number has been "suspended due to fraudulent activity" or, more specifically, was found "in a car in Texas full of drugs." They often threaten that an arrest warrant has already been issued and you face "50 years in jail" unless you cooperate immediately.
Social Security numbers cannot be "suspended" or "cancelled." That is a fictional concept invented by scammers. furthermore, federal agents do not call ahead to warn you about arrest warrants; they simply execute them.
"Claimed they found my uncle's ss# in a car in Texas full of drugs. He's 74 so when she asked for the number he gave it to her. Then she called back the next morning... I called back to see if the number was any good and a bunch of people was talking in the background."
These scammers use specific names like "David Miller," "Frank Howard," or "Rebecca Jones" to threaten you with legal documents. They usually claim they are coming to your residence or job site "tomorrow between 3 and 5 PM" to serve papers. They leave voicemail messages referencing a fake file number (e.g., "204062") and demand you call a different number to put a "stop order" on the delivery.
Real process servers rely on the element of surprise to serve legal papers. They never call ahead to give you a specific time window, as that would allow you to avoid them. If they warn you, it is a scam.
"This is Frank Howard calling, it’s May 14 and we have not gained a response to you on your behalf... If you or your legal representative have any questions you need to contact the office before the end of business... reference number 204062."
Callers with heavy accents claim you have been selected for a government grant, often citing specific amounts like "$9,000," "$9,200," or "$9,750." They claim this is from the "Federal Grants Department" or the US Treasury. The catch is they require you to pay a "deductible" or "registration fee" of $200 to $250 via Western Union or by buying a gift card at Walgreens to release the funds.
The US Treasury and federal government do not cold-call citizens to award grants. Grants must be applied for through official channels like Grants.gov. Any request for a wire transfer or gift card payment is 100% fraud.
"The guy said for me to receive the cash by Western Union at Wal-Mart I should pay $100! I told him that I am paying nobody any money just because they are offering me money. I told him this was a scam. I told him to go screw himself."
This is a specific tech support extortion scheme where a robocall or person identifies as "Robert Jennings" from "Vtech Solutions" or "Geek Squad." They claim your bank account or credit card is about to be charged exactly "$399" for an anti-virus subscription renewal (often McAfee or Norton). They demand you call back within 24-48 hours to process a "refund," which is actually a ruse to gain access to your bank account.
Legitimate companies do not call customers to proactively offer refunds for unrequested service renewals. They would simply email a receipt. The threat of the charge is a psychological trigger to make you panic.
"Caller... left message saying he was Robert Jennings of V-Tech and my card would be charged $399 for update to security on my computer. Did not call back. Wreaked of scam."
This is a bizarre and specific niche scam targeting businesses and seniors. Scammers claim to be "Caroline Rosen" or "Lisa" from "Apple" (sometimes "Apple Health" or "Simplifeye") trying to verify a dental practice for an "iApple" network. For seniors, the scam involves "Imun Medical" or "Kevin" calling about a "Lymphedema pump" or back braces, claiming to have your doctor's files.
Apple Inc. does not cold-call dental offices to recruit them for health networks. Furthermore, Medicare providers are legally prohibited from cold-calling you to sell medical equipment you haven't asked for.
"Caroline from 'Apple' claims they are promoting an initiative for dental offices in our area... She called here repeatedly and was extremely RUDE!!! Not once but twice told me how unprofessional I was, as she's the one harassing me."
Scammers posing as "Dave Sayer," "Todd Sloan," or "John Dixon" claim you have won millions (amounts like $2.5 million or $42 million mentioned) and a Mercedes Benz. They often ask for a "processing fee" via gift card. These calls can be absurdly unprofessional, with background noise that gives them away.
Real sweepstakes prizes are tax-free upon receipt (taxes are handled later) and never require an upfront payment for "processing," "insurance," or "customs." If you have to pay to get it, it is not a prize.
"I called Dave at the above number and heard a rooster in the background. He said I need to call you back from a more secure line. He requested we purchase a specific gift card for $300."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 646 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in New York, United States. Area code 646 is a general purpose code that has been in service since July 1, 1999.
Most common 646 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 New York, or have a 646 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 New York area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: