The 657 area code is frequently used for threats of arrest and fake package delivery texts. Scammers claim you missed a delivery or have a warrant to trick you into clicking malicious links.
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 657 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof California (Anaheim, Santa Ana, Huntington Beach) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 657 scams based on user comments:
Residents in Orange County are receiving alarming automated calls claiming "four serious allegations" have been pressed against their name. The recording threatens that you will be "taken under custody by the local cops" if you do not call back immediately to discuss the case before legal action is taken.
Law enforcement agencies, the IRS, and courts do not initiate contact by phone with threats of immediate arrest for unheard-of allegations. You would be officially served papers in person or notified via official mail, never through a robocall.
"Hours and once it get expired after that you will be taken under custody by the local cops as there are four serious allegations pressed on your name at this moment. We would request you to get back to us so that we can discuss about this case before taking any legal action against you. The number to reach us is 657-230-7516."
This is a text-based scam where you receive a message claiming to be from USPS, FedEx, or Amazon about a pending package delivery. The message often mentions a "Parcel ID" like "SA8643" and urges you to click a strange link to confirm delivery time or "avoid additional fees."
Official delivery services do not send texts from random personal phone numbers asking you to click unofficial links to schedule delivery. All tracking and scheduling should be done directly on their official websites or apps.
"Parcel ID-SA8643 is pending delivery in our warehouse. To avoid additional fees, please confirm delivery time: mb14j.me/qWVIt1mNm5"
Scammers are using robocalls to claim "legal enforcement actions" have been filed against your Social Security number due to fraudulent activities. The message urgently demands you call them back "at the earliest possible" moment before they "begin with the legal proceedings."
The Social Security Administration does not call people to warn them of legal action or to suspend their number. They primarily communicate through official mail, and their employees will never threaten you for information.
"There is a legal enforcement actions filed on your Social Security number for fraudulent activities so when you get this message kindly call back at the earliest possible on our number before we begin with the legal proceedings that is 657-667-1562 thank you…"
This scam involves repeated calls and voicemails, often from "Cynthia" at "Student Enrollment Services," about a "final attempt" to reach you for a student loan forgiveness program. The message creates false urgency by saying you have until a specific day, like Friday, to respond, even though they call with the same message for weeks.
Legitimate federal student loan servicers will communicate through official channels like their website portal or U.S. mail. They will not use high-pressure robocalls with fake deadlines and names like "Cynthia" to solicit you.
"Blocked caller id so I didn't answer. Voicemail from 657-229-0172 appears. It's Cynthia saying this this the third and final attempt to contact me about some student loan forgiveness program."
Scammers are cold-calling residents, often early in the morning, claiming you owe $299 for computer work done two years ago. They insist you must pay immediately to cancel the charge. If you question them or ask for specifics, such as what kind of computer you own, they quickly hang up.
A real company would have detailed records of service, including invoices, dates, and specifics about your device. This is a cold-call tactic designed to scare you into paying for a non-existent service.
"I called this number, as I was left a 'voice message' saying that I owed $299 for the work done on my computer 2yrs ago... I called and got someone with a very heavy 'accent' that said I had them work on my computer and wanted their money. I told them I never had any work needed on my computer and asked the person WHAT kind of computer do I have....and he hung up!!!"
You may receive a robocall from "Mark" with an "important message about your automobile service contract." The recording falsely claims your service contract has expired or is about to, and pressures you to "press eight" to speak with an agent to extend your coverage. This is a common tactic to sell overpriced or unnecessary warranties.
Your vehicle's manufacturer or dealership already has your contract information and will typically contact you via mail with official branding and documentation. They do not use generic, high-pressure robocalls from random numbers.
"hi this is Mark with an important message about your automobile service contract seems like the time to renew or extend your service contract has expired or will be expiring shortly if you would like to keep coverage or extend it press eight to speak to a customer service agent..."
Scammers are sending text messages pretending to be from AT&T, often using your first name. The message falsely claims AT&T "accidentally overcharged your account last month" and provides a suspicious link for you to claim your "compensation." The link leads to a phishing site designed to steal your account login and personal information.
AT&T and other major carriers handle billing credits directly on your account; they do not send text messages with unofficial links requiring you to enter personal information to claim a refund for an overcharge.
"AT&T Free Msg: My Name, we accidentally overcharged your account last month. Kindly your compensation here: k6hpw.info/oq7ACrEmsm"
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 657 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in California, United States. Area code 657 is a general purpose code that has been in service since September 23, 2008.
Most common 657 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 657 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: