Area code 708 is plagued by fake debt collector threats and car warranty robocalls. These callers insist you owe money or need to renew a policy to get your credit card details.
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 708 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Illinois (Cicero, Orland Park, Berwyn) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 708 scams based on user comments:
Scammers are calling 708 residents claiming you have "two pending matters" or an outstanding debt from years ago. They use threatening language, mentioning court proceedings, wage garnishment, and even sending "uniformed police" to your home or job. Callers may identify themselves as mediation firms like "Ovation Communications" or use names like "Tom McCoy" or "Amy Schaffer" to sound official.
Real process servers do not call to warn you in advance; their job is to serve you papers in person without prior notice. Legitimate debt collectors must provide a written validation notice after first contact and will not threaten you with immediate arrest.
"This message is intended for (my name) contacting you from our clients process of the vision. We received an order for you in reference to two pending matters now, unfortunately, since I'm unable to reach you by phone, we may attempt to reach you at your home or your place of employment."
You're likely receiving constant robocalls about your car's "factory warranty expiring." These callers often reference specific vehicles, like a "2015 Hyundai," to sound credible, even if you no longer own the car or never owned it at all. They ignore Do Not Call list registrations and will call repeatedly from slightly different numbers to evade being blocked.
Your vehicle's manufacturer will not solicit you with aggressive robocalls. Warranty information is typically sent via official mail, not through unsolicited, high-pressure phone calls from a generic "underwriters department."
"I’m so tired of getting calls from people calling about my car warranty. This call came from a women name Page, she said that she was calling on my 2015 Hyundai venicle, and she was from a company named Motor Vehicle Services... I told her that I didn’t want any more calls... She hung up on me."
These dangerous scams use fear to trick you. A robocall may claim your Social Security Number has been "blocked" or used for "suspicious activities." Other calls threaten that the "IRS and police were on their way to my house" to collect unpaid taxes. They often spoof local 708 numbers or even display "Police Department" on caller ID to appear legitimate.
The Social Security Administration will never call to threaten you or suspend your number. The IRS does not call about overdue taxes without first sending multiple notices by mail, and they will never demand immediate payment over the phone using gift cards or wire transfers.
"I received a robo call from 708-274-2133 say the IRS and police were on their way to my house"
This scam starts with an email or call claiming you've made a large purchase, such as an "iPad Pro" or an "iPhone 11," on your Amazon account. The message provides a 708 number to call if you want to cancel the order. When you call, a scammer with a foreign accent will try to gain remote access to your computer to "help" you, but their real goal is to steal your banking information.
Amazon will never ask you to install third-party software to resolve a billing issue, nor will their support agents ask for your password or banking information over the phone. All legitimate purchase information will be visible in your account on their official website.
"Definitely the same scammer here, he claimed to be from Amazon, unfortunately he managed to get my mother to transfer $10,000 to his account, thankfully however the bank stopped that payment. My mother also gave him control of her computer with remoting tools called AnyDesk and Splashtop Streamer..."
Callers identifying themselves as being from "Budget Energy" or another provider claim your agreement with ComEd has expired. They use scare tactics, warning that your "bills are so High AND Fluctulating" and will "keep going up month after month" unless you act now. Their goal is to trick you into switching your energy supplier without your full understanding of the terms.
While Illinois residents can choose their energy supplier, be wary of high-pressure sales calls. Your utility company will not call you to pressure you into switching providers; these calls come from third-party marketers who often use misleading tactics.
"Caller left a voice message that did not sound like it was a robocall. Said she was from a different electricity provider (not ComEd) and said that our previous agreement with them had expired and that I MAY have noticed my electrical rates have gone up. She uses scare tactics like 'your electric bill will keep going up month after month'."
This is a tricky robocall where the person on the line, often identifying as "Tom" or calling from "Trip Advisor," immediately asks, "Can you hear me okay?" Their goal is to get you to say "Yes." They record your response and can potentially use that voice signature to authorize fraudulent charges on your phone bill or credit cards.
Legitimate companies do not need to trick you into saying "yes" to conduct business. This tactic is used exclusively by scammers to capture a voice recording for fraudulent purposes. If a caller's opening line is a simple question designed to get a "yes" answer, it's a scam.
"Received call from 1-708-428-9897 this afternoon. He identified himself as Tom and said he's calling from a recorded line. He asked if I could hear him, not thinking, I said I could. The caller than hung up the phone. I'm now concerned I'm going to to be charged for something I don't want."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 708 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Illinois, United States. Area code 708 is a general purpose code that has been in service since November 11, 1989.
Most common 708 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 Illinois, or have a 708 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 Illinois area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: