The 704 area code is frequently used for fake legal threats and Social Security scams. Criminals claim your Social Security number is suspended to steal your identity.
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 704 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof North Carolina (Charlotte, Concord, Gastonia) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 704 scams based on user comments:
Scammers are aggressively calling 704 residents threatening legal action to scare you into paying for a non-existent debt. They use intimidating tactics, claiming a "judgement," "breach of contract," or a "faxed complaint" has been filed against you and that they will serve you papers at your home or work. Callers may identify themselves as "Mrs Gail Hatcher" or "Kathy Hall" and will often demand personal information before giving any details about the supposed case.
Real process servers do not call ahead to warn you; they simply show up. Furthermore, legitimate debt collectors are legally required to provide you with a written validation notice and cannot threaten you with arrest for an unpaid civil debt.
"A lady called and left message saying there was a complaint against me and they were going to come to my house or work and that I have been officially notified."
This robocall scam uses an automated voice to inform you of a "legal enforcement action" against your Social Security number for supposed "criminal activity." The message is designed to create panic, threatening to suspend your SSN immediately if you don't comply and call them back. Some live callers may claim you are not receiving all the benefits you should be to try and trick you into giving up information.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) will never call you to threaten your benefits or demand payment. They primarily communicate via U.S. Mail and will not use threatening robocalls to contact you.
"Robocall/voicemail 'The reason you have received this call from our department is a legal enforcement actin on your social security number for criminal activity…'.Called multiple times."
Residents in the Charlotte area are receiving calls from people, often using the name "Rhonda" or "Michael Porter," claiming you've won a new car or one of "three top prizes." They say your name was selected from a promotional form you supposedly filled out in the last 12 to 18 months and urge you to call back an extension right away to claim your prize. A similar version claims you are a 2nd place winner from Publishers Clearing House.
Legitimate sweepstakes, including Publishers Clearing House, do not call major prize winners or ask for a fee to collect a prize. They famously show up at your door unannounced with a camera crew.
"Left voice message from 'Rhonda' saying I had registered for a new car in last 12 to 18 months and asking me tk call. I registered with a phone number I'vr only had 3 months!"
This is one of the most frequent complaints in the 704 area code. You'll receive a robocall with a recorded message stating your car's warranty is about to expire and that this is your "final chance" to renew it. These calls are often illegal and come from third-party sellers, not your car's manufacturer or dealer. They may even call people who don't own a car.
These calls are from high-pressure third-party sellers and are not affiliated with your dealership or car manufacturer. Pressing any number on your keypad confirms your number is active, leading to even more calls.
"Got a robocall from 704-292-6656 claiming to be my car's warranty company saying our warranty is about to expire if we don't renew. I know this is garbage because my car's warranty already expired 2 years ago."
A flood of unsolicited calls and texts are hitting 704 residents from people wanting to buy their property, even if it's not for sale. Callers, sometimes using names like "Julie," "Will," or "Jordan," claim they "just bought a property next to yours" or are a real estate investor looking in your area. They can be extremely persistent, even calling family members if they can't reach you directly.
While some real estate investors use cold calling, these aggressive, high-volume campaigns are often phishing for information or trying to pressure homeowners into accepting a lowball cash offer far below market value.
"They called my phone repeatedly asking if I wanted to sell my house. I told them no and then they (someone named Julie) called my mother's phone to ask if I was selling my house."
In this scam, a caller will claim to be from a major tech company like Microsoft or HP. They'll tell you that your computer has not been receiving security updates or has a virus. Their goal is to create alarm and convince you to go to your computer and grant them remote access, which allows them to steal your information or install malware.
Microsoft and other legitimate tech companies will never proactively call you about a problem with your computer. This is a classic scam to gain access to your personal files and financial information.
"When I answered this moron claims he worked for Microsoft and wanted to know why Microsoft was blocked from my computer, I hung up knowing Microsoft doesn't call people that owns their product!"
Scammers are spoofing their caller ID to read "DUKE ENERGY" to trick you into answering. They may offer a "Power Manager" program or discuss tax credits related to your central air conditioning. Their goal is to get personal information or convince you to agree to a program or service that isn't what it seems.
While Duke Energy does have legitimate programs, scammers frequently impersonate utility companies. Always verify unsolicited offers by contacting the company through official channels you look up yourself, not by using information the caller provides.
"This number just called me first stating that I was on a recorded line. He told me he was with Duke Energy but never even mentioned his name. He said something about tax or energy credits that I could get and asked me if I had central air... Of course I immediately hung up."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 704 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in North Carolina, United States. Area code 704 is a general purpose code that has been in service since January 1, 1947.
Most common 704 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 North Carolina, or have a 704 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 North Carolina area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: