Orlando's 689 area code is being used for Publishers Clearing House sweepstakes scams and tax relief offers. Fraudsters tell you that you won a big prize but must pay a fee first to claim it.
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 689 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Florida (Orlando, Alafaya, Pine Hills) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 689 scams based on user comments:
Scammers are leaving voicemails claiming to be a "secure phone call from the sweepstakes headquarters" in Raleigh, NC. They'll tell you that you're a selected winner of a grand prize package, specifically mentioning "$2.8 million and $7000 a week for life" and a "brand new 2022 Mercedes-Benz," to create excitement and urgency.
Publishers Clearinghouse never notifies major prize winners by phone, email, or mail. They famously show up on your doorstep in person with their Prize Patrol. Furthermore, a legitimate lottery or sweepstakes will never ask you to pay money upfront to cover taxes or fees.
"Hello this is a secure phone call from the sweepstakes headquarters... you are a selected winner with publishers clearinghouse sweepstakes... your claim code is 702948... this represents the grand prize package of 2.8 million and $7000 a week for life and the most awesome bonus prize ever a brand new 2022 Mercedes-Benz..."
Residents in the 689 area are receiving calls from individuals or bots offering to reduce their tax debt. This is a common phishing scam designed to steal your personal financial information or charge you for services that are never provided.
The IRS's first point of contact with a taxpayer on a tax issue is typically through U.S. Mail, not an unexpected phone call. They do not call to threaten you or offer special deals to settle debt over the phone.
"Got a call from 689-207-8051 about reducing my tax debt. I wish these hackers could be caught."
This scam involves a call or voicemail offering to help you "get rid of" payday loans. These predators target people who may be in a tough financial situation, hoping to collect a fee for a fake service or steal sensitive information.
Legitimate financial assistance organizations do not cold-call people with promises of instant debt elimination. These unsolicited offers are almost always scams intended to exploit individuals in financial distress.
"Got a call and voicemail about getting rid of pay day loans"
You may receive a robocall with a recorded message from someone asking if you are interested in selling your property. These are often aggressive real estate investors or wholesalers using automated dialers to find homeowners willing to sell, often for a low price.
While some real estate investors do make cold calls, the use of impersonal, recorded robocalls is a high-volume tactic that is not typical of a serious, personalized offer for what is likely your largest asset.
"This is a recorded message asking if I wanted to sell my property"
Many residents are receiving calls from research companies conducting political surveys. While not a scam intended to steal money, these calls can be a nuisance and may come from numbers you don't recognize.
These calls are generally what they claim to be: polling and survey companies gathering public opinion. However, you should still never provide personally identifiable information beyond your general opinions on the survey topics.
"We are a Research Company that conducts in Political Surveys. We are not selling anything; We are only trying to get people's opinions which are very important to us"
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 689 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Florida, United States. Area code 689 is a general purpose code that has been in service since June 4, 2019.
Most common 689 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 Florida, or have a 689 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 Florida area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: