Bakersfield's 661 area code is a common source for fake process server calls and Social Security impersonation. Scammers threaten legal action or claim your identity has been stolen to panic you into paying.
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 661 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof California (Bakersfield, Santa Clarita, Lancaster) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 661 scams based on user comments:
Residents in the 661 area code are receiving intimidating calls claiming a legal complaint has been filed against them. Scammers, sometimes using names like "Andrea Norris" or representing fake firms like "HR Dean & Assoc," threaten to serve papers at your home or workplace and provide bogus case numbers like "10782121078212" to create a false sense of legitimacy.
Real process servers do not call ahead to warn you or give you a chance to avoid being served; their job is to deliver the documents in person without prior notice.
"Got a call from this number regarding a complaint against me and that they will come to my work or home to serve me. And to call back with a reference number. What the heck is that about?"
Scammers are spoofing their caller ID to read "SSI" and calling 661 residents with alarming threats. They falsely claim fraudulent activity has been detected on your Social Security number and that it is being suspended, threatening you with a lawsuit if you do not cooperate or call them back immediately.
The Social Security Administration primarily communicates through U.S. Mail. They will never call you to demand payment, ask for personal information to "reactivate" your number, or threaten you with arrest.
"Claims to be informing you of fraud on your SS number, and that it is being suspended. It appears to be some sort of recording. Doesn't sound right, gives you numbers to phone them on. I hung up, of course."
A widespread robocall campaign is targeting residents with messages about student loan forgiveness. A recorded voice, often identifying herself as "Kelsey Adams," claims your application is "incomplete" and must be submitted before an urgent "forbearance deadline." They provide a fake "approval code," such as 21081, and instruct you to call a different number to speak with an "eligibility counselor."
Official student loan forgiveness programs are managed through the Department of Education and your loan servicer. They will not contact you via unsolicited robocalls with urgent, high-pressure deadlines.
"Hi this is Kelsey Adams I'm following up regarding your eligibility for loan forgiveness it looks like your application is incomplete and needs to be submitted before the end of the forbearance deadline it's urgent that you return the call to complete your application..."
These scams involve callers pretending to be from major tech companies like Amazon, Apple, or Norton. They will claim there has been a fraudulent purchase on your account for an item like an iPhone, that your account will be charged hundreds of dollars for a subscription renewal, or that your iCloud has been hacked. Their goal is to create panic and trick you into giving them remote access to your computer or your financial information.
Amazon, Apple, and Norton do not make unsolicited calls about account security or refunds. They handle these issues through official app notifications or emails, and they will never ask for remote computer access to resolve a billing issue.
"said they were from amazon and that someone had placed an order using my account to purchase an iphone and gift card using my saved payment card, I checked my account an nothing was charged to my card."
Scammers are specifically targeting local residents by posing as employees of the "Los Angeles Department of Water and Power" (LADWP). They call and falsely claim your power is scheduled to be disconnected that day due to a "pending balance." They create a sense of emergency to trick you into calling a fraudulent "billing department" number to make an immediate payment.
Utility companies like LADWP provide multiple written notices by mail over weeks or months before disconnecting service. They will not call and threaten immediate shutoff or demand payment via unusual methods like gift cards or wire transfers.
"Call claimed to be from Los Angeles Department of Water and Power that my service was being disconnected. It's a scam of some kind. I know that is not the case for my service."
Scammers are sending unsolicited text messages offering residents easy money to advertise for major brands. The texts propose paying you around $500 to simply put Dr. Pepper or Bud Light decals on your personal vehicle. This is the first step in a well-known fake check scam, where they will send you a fraudulent check and ask you to wire back a portion of the money.
Legitimate corporate advertising campaigns are not run through random, unsolicited group text messages. This "car wrap" offer is a classic setup for a scam where the check you receive is fake, and any money you send is lost forever.
"Revived a group text message at *3:15am* asking if I wanted to make $500 putting Bud Light decals on my car"
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 661 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in California, United States. Area code 661 is a general purpose code that has been in service since February 13, 1999.
Most common 661 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 661 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: