The 712 area code is a hotspot for Social Security impersonators and fake Amazon alerts. Scammers pretend to be government officials or customer support to steal your money and data.
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 712 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Iowa (Sioux City, Council Bluffs, Spencer) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 712 scams based on user comments:
Residents in Western Iowa are receiving fraudulent calls that appear as "SSI" or come from local 712 numbers. These scammers falsely claim a "case is being opened" against your Social Security Number for fraudulent activity or that your account has been compromised, demanding you call them back or press 1 to avoid legal action.
The Social Security Administration does not call people to threaten them or warn of account suspension. They will almost always contact you via official U.S. mail, not through unsolicited or threatening phone calls.
"Got a call - showed on caller ID Cherokee, IA - claimed to be SS -a/c was compromised need SS number. Hung up & called SS & reported the call to them."
This scam involves a robocall or text message alerting you to a fake, expensive purchase. Reports from the 712 area code specifically mention a fraudulent charge of "$279.99" from Amazon or "$499.00" from "Geek Squad," instructing you to call back immediately to cancel the order before it ships.
Amazon and Best Buy (Geek Squad) will never use a robocall to confirm an order. All legitimate purchase details and notifications are found within your official account on their secure website or app.
"said I had made a purchase of 599.99 on my Amazon account and would receive details shortly - to call the number back to report unauthorized purchase or the amount would be applied to. my 'plastic' card on my amazon account"
This cruel scam targets seniors by having someone call and pretend to be their grandchild. The caller will often say something like, "Hello Grandma, I've been in an accident," or claim they need bond money because they have a "broken nose and can't breath," creating a panic to trick you into sending money immediately.
This is a classic social engineering trick that relies on exploiting your love for your family. Scammers are hoping your panic will prevent you from thinking clearly and verifying the story before you act.
"My mother received a scam call from this number advising, 'Hello Grandma, I've been in an accident.' This is a cruel joke being played on the elderly and it needs to stop."
Callers are identifying themselves as debt collectors from companies like "Portfolio Recovery" or "Noll Collection Service (NCS)." Some callers, like one named "Lori," are described as forceful, while others threaten to attach wages and confiscate assets for debts that may be over 10 years old or don't even exist.
Legitimate debt collectors are bound by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). They cannot threaten you with jail time or make false threats about actions they cannot legally take, especially during an initial contact call.
"I receive several calls a day, and I don't even have any debts, other than a car payment! They threaten me with attaching my wages and confiscating any assets. It is frightening."
You may receive a call or voicemail claiming your "claim docs for student debt relief" have not been received. The message pressures you to call back immediately to "extend the deadline" or risk having your application canceled, even if you never applied for any program.
The Department of Education does not make unsolicited calls about canceling loan forgiveness applications. All official correspondence and deadlines are managed through the official StudentAid.gov website.
"Name, we didn't receive your claim docs for student debt relief. Call us back at 712-208-8266 to extend the deadline or we will cancel your application."
Scammers are calling Iowans and leaving voicemails about "overdue taxes." These messages might come from a "Barbara" at the "tax resolution center" or a robocall claiming a "Federal Tax Inspector is on the line," trying to scare you into pressing 1 to avoid legal trouble.
The IRS's first point of contact is always through official U.S. Mail, not a phone call, text, or email. They will never demand immediate payment over the phone or threaten you with arrest by a "Federal Tax Inspector."
"Got a call from 712-772-1899 in Mineola IA, recording states Federal Tax Inspector is on the line and I need to press “1” to talk with them. I hung up, IRS does NOT call anyone."
If you've posted an item for sale, be cautious of generic texts from 712 numbers. Scammers will ask you to email their "husband" or "friend," attempt to get a Google verification code from you, or create a wild goose chase that ends with them asking you for money upfront to cover a "shipping agent."
Legitimate buyers will communicate directly and will not ask you to pay for their shipping expenses. The request to email a third party or provide a verification code is a classic tactic to steal your information or money.
"Craigslist scam! Asked me to send email to a friend who was interested and just trying to help him out. Ended up being a wild goose chase wanting $ upfront for the shipping agent to pick up my merchandise. Waste of time!"
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 712 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Iowa, United States. Area code 712 is a general purpose code that has been in service since January 1, 1947.
Most common 712 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 Iowa, or have a 712 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 Iowa area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: