West Virginia's 681 area code is dealing with aggressive IRS threats and vehicle warranty scams. Callers demand immediate payment for taxes or try to sell you expensive car repair contracts.
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 681 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof West Virginia (Charleston, Huntington, Parkersburg) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 681 scams based on user comments:
Scammers are calling West Virginians claiming to be from the IRS, a "legal department," or even federal authorities. They might say you have a package held at customs, owe money for a past debt and will be sued, or that there's an issue with an IRS "installment agreement" under your name. They use urgent and threatening language to scare you into acting quickly.
Government agencies like the IRS or federal authorities initiate most contact through official U.S. Mail, not with threatening robocalls. They will not demand immediate payment or threaten to send someone to your home within hours over the phone.
"This message is for Mr. ______. Calling on behalf of the IRS collections department. My name is Jay on your ID... We’re calling in regards to a case which we were working on an installment agreement in your account so if you could please give us a call..."
This is one of the most persistent calls in the 681 area code. Callers repeatedly try to sell you an extended car warranty, sometimes for a vehicle you never even owned. They can call multiple times a day and will often ignore your requests to be removed from their list.
Legitimate car companies and dealerships do not use aggressive, high-pressure robocalls to sell warranties. These callers often have no real information about your vehicle's existing warranty and are just fishing for your personal or financial details.
"This number keeps calling me trying to sale me extend car warranty to a car I never bought I've never bought a car from a dealer so I know there scamming people"
Scammers are impersonating well-known causes and political campaigns to trick you out of money. Reports from West Virginia mention calls claiming to be from the "Firefighter's Association," the "American Cancer" society, and a group called "Patriots for American Leadership" seeking donations.
Real charities and political campaigns welcome donations, but they don't use deceptive robocalls. Legitimate organizations are happy to mail you information and allow you to donate securely on your own time through official channels.
"Robocall stating it was for the 'Firefighter's Association'. These people are taking money away from our local volunteer fire departments. They Need Stopped !!!"
Scammers are calling residents pretending to be "authorized by Medicare" or from a company like "Executive Health." They often start by asking if you've received your new Medicare card for the year to trick you into revealing personal information.
Medicare will almost never call you unless you've specifically asked them to. They already have your information and will not call to "verify" it or ask if you've received your card.
"caller wanted to know if had received Medicare card for 2022... and say they'd been authorized by Medicare to make the phone calls. Told the person we did not believe them and hung up."
These scams arrive as both text messages and phone calls, preying on people's financial situations. They offer fake "Quick Cash" loans of $5,000 via text with a suspicious link, or make robocalls claiming they can reduce your student loan debt and provide a "reference number."
Legitimate lenders do not offer loans via unsolicited text messages. Furthermore, official student loan relief programs are managed through government websites like StudentAid.gov, not through random robocalls.
"SCAM Text from West Virginia. Reads, '923. Receive $5000 Today Quick Cash Loan With Any Credit Type-Approval in a Minute Apply Here www. 6oooLoan.com'"
These callers try to get information about your home or sell you unnecessary services. They may ask about your home security system, claim your "home is not protected," or pose as a company like "Residence Energy" with an urgent message from a person named "Mike."
Your actual home security or utility company will not use vague, high-pressure robocalls to contact you. They will identify themselves clearly and should be able to reference your specific account information.
"Message>> Hello, can I speak to David? Hello, Hello, David you home is not protected. David...hello"
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 681 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in West Virginia, United States. Area code 681 is a general purpose code that has been in service since March 28, 2009.
Most common 681 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 West Virginia, or have a 681 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 West Virginia area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: