The 680 area code is frequently used for arrest warrant threats and Geek Squad impersonation scams. Callers claim you are in legal trouble or owe money for a computer service subscription you never bought.
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 680 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof New York (Syracuse, Utica, Rome) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 680 scams based on user comments:
Residents in the Syracuse area are receiving automated calls threatening arrest by "the local cops" due to "four serious allegations" pressed on their name. If you call back, a live person may impersonate an IRS official like "Agent John Walter" and use aggressive language to scare you into providing information or payment.
Government agencies like the IRS and local police departments will never call you to threaten immediate arrest. Official correspondence about legal matters is conducted via U.S. Mail, not through intimidating robocalls.
"...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 680-800-2221..."
This scam involves a caller claiming to be from Geek Squad. They'll state that your computer's service, which was last updated "a year ago," is due for an update and they have a tech ready to help you, with the ultimate goal of gaining remote access to your computer.
Legitimate tech support companies like Geek Squad do not make unsolicited calls to perform "service updates." They only provide assistance when you contact them first.
"Caller said they were Geek Squad and had a tech on the other line to help me to update and service my computer. Said my last update was a year ago. I asked what computer they supposedly serviced they said the computer u have.. I've never used geek squad..."
Scammers are using robocallers to dial 680 numbers and hang up after one or two rings, or immediately after you answer. This isn't a wrong number; it's a method to identify and verify active phone numbers, which are then often sold to other telemarketers and scammers.
These calls are designed to confirm your number is active. Answering the call or calling back signals to the robocaller that your line is live, which can lead to even more spam calls.
"This is the 3rd months this number has called. each time there is no response to my Hello before a disconnect on their end. about 1-2 hours latter I start to get 'sale/spam' calls having my local aria code. most likely a phishing robo to fine live numbers for rersale"
A variation of the arrest scam, this call specifically mentions an "arrest warrant" related to your Social Security account. The scammer will claim a "deputy officer" is waiting for you to call back, creating a false sense of urgency and authority to trick you.
The Social Security Administration will never call to threaten your benefits or tell you that you face arrest. These are scare tactics used by criminals.
"Just received a call today from 680-888-9510 Saying arrests warrant and a deputy officer waiting for a call back....SCAMMERS!"
This tactic focuses on pure disruption, with robocallers dialing a single number repeatedly in a short time. Victims report receiving dozens of calls within hours or even "69 times in one day," often from a number that hangs up or stays silent if answered.
This is not a legitimate form of communication. It is a harassment tactic designed to annoy you so much that you eventually answer the phone.
"They called me 69 times in one day! Horrible people!"
You may get a call out of the blue claiming you have won a "$100 gift card," a "$500 shopping spree," or a prize from Publishers Clearing House (PCH). This is a common trick to get you to reveal personal or financial information to "claim" your non-existent prize.
You can't win a contest you didn't enter. Furthermore, major prize distributors like Publishers Clearing House famously do not notify their big winners by phone; they arrive in person.
"Got a call saying I won a $100 gift card from 680-200-8047"
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 680 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 680 is a general purpose code that has been in service since March 11, 2017.
Most common 680 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 680 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: