San Jose's 669 area code is a hotspot for fake tech support calls and Amazon fraud alerts. Callers pretend to be from Microsoft or Apple to gain remote access to your computer and bank accounts.
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 669 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof California (San Jose, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 669 scams based on user comments:
Residents in the 669 area code are receiving urgent calls from scammers pretending to be from Apple or Microsoft support. They claim your iCloud account or computer's IP address has been breached from locations like Texas, New Mexico, or even China and Russia. Using fake names like "Alexander," "Jerry Thompson," or "Mike Casper," and providing fake employee ID numbers, they create a false sense of legitimacy and pressure you into buying gift cards or "security encryption cards" to fix the non-existent problem.
Legitimate tech companies like Apple and Microsoft will never call you out of the blue about a virus or compromised account. They certainly will never demand payment in the form of gift cards, which are untraceable and a favorite tool of scammers.
"I got a call from this number and the gentleman said he was with Apple and my computer was hacked. He gave me his phone number, Name, Alex and correspondence from apple. Cost me $17K"
This scam involves a call, often a recording, claiming there has been suspicious activity or a large fraudulent charge on your Amazon account. The fake charges mentioned are often specific, like an order for iPhones costing over $1,000 being shipped to Dayton, Ohio, to trick you. If you connect to a "representative," they will try to get your personal information or, in some cases, convince you to buy gift cards to "track the scammers," only to steal the card numbers from you.
Amazon will not call you about suspicious activity and ask for payment or personal information. All official communication and order history will be located within your secure account on their official website or app.
"Got this call & he stole 9,000.00 from my checking account reported to FBI"
These are high-pressure robocalls designed to scare you. The recorded messages threaten you with legal action, claiming criminal activity has been filed against you, your Social Security Number is being suspended, or there's an arrest warrant from the IRS. They demand you call a number back immediately to avoid appearing before a "magistrate or grand jury." One person reported the caller even had their name and address, making the threat seem more real.
Government agencies like the IRS and Social Security Administration initiate contact through official mail, not with threatening robocalls. They will never demand payment via gift cards or threaten to suspend your SSN over the phone.
"Robo call received which went to the Voice mail. Message threatened appearance before magistrate / grand jury if 'matter' not resolved and to call back this number."
This cruel scam targets seniors by preying on their emotions. A caller will phone and claim to be your grandson, saying they are in trouble and need money immediately. They often have a story ready, such as being in jail or needing money for a friend's funeral, and will pressure you for funds before you have time to think. They count on your love for your family to trick you into sending money.
Scammers can easily find family relationship information online. They rely on creating a sense of panic so you will act before you can verify the story with a trusted family member.
"Called my house saying he was my grandson. Claimed he was going to the airport to go to a friend's funeral... I could tell it was a scam & next steps would be asking for money. I told him you are not my grandson... When I asked him his date of birth he hung up the phone."
Callers are aggressively soliciting donations, often for a supposed breast cancer charity like the "American Breast Cancer Foundation." These callers are described as relentless and pestering, calling multiple times a day from different numbers. They act familiar, using your name, and insist that you make a donation immediately over the phone with a credit card.
Legitimate charities will not pressure you into making an on-the-spot donation. They will gladly send you information in the mail and will respect your request to be removed from their call list.
"These people have been pestering me for the last year. Their a charity for Breast Cancer supposedly. They are very aggressive. I have asked them to stop calling me several times & they just wont listen. They got ahold of my name & when they call they act like they know me."
A common tactic in our area is receiving a vague text message from an unknown number designed to get you to respond. These often contain a suspicious YouTube link with a message like "is that your friend in the videos?" or are as simple as "Hey, This is Jess" or "Are you busy?" The goal is to confirm your number is active and engage you in a conversation to execute a scam.
These messages are phishing attempts. Clicking the link can install malware on your phone or lead to a website designed to steal your personal information. Engaging with the sender opens the door to further scam attempts.
"Got a text with the same 'Isn't that you and your old friend' message with YouTube link. Deleted it. Thanks to others for reporting, so I could find it here."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 669 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in California, United States. Area code 669 is a general purpose code that has been in service since November 20, 2012.
Most common 669 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 669 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: