Houston's 713 area code is facing Centerpoint Energy disconnection threats and Social Security scams. Fraudsters threaten to cut off your power or file a lawsuit unless you make an instant payment.
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 713 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Texas (Houston, Pasadena, Pearland) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 713 scams based on user comments:
This is a widespread and aggressive scam targeting Houston-area residents. Scammers are spoofing real Centerpoint Energy phone numbers (like 713-659-2111 and 713-207-2222) to make the call look legitimate. An automated or live caller will claim your gas or electricity account is past due and that your service will be disconnected in 30-45 minutes unless you make an immediate payment. In some cases, they know your name, address, and even the correct amount of your recent bill, making the scam very convincing.
Centerpoint Energy does not call residential customers to demand immediate payment with the threat of same-day disconnection. They send multiple notices by mail and offer various payment plans long before service is ever interrupted.
"I just wanted to add to the conversation for the sake of others receiving these scam calls. I also just received a call 'supposedly' from CenterPoint Energy today... and it was showing CenterPoint Energy's name and actual phone number: 713-659-2111. This is definitely a scam, although a more sophisticated scam than usual... One of the big give aways is that they said that they were going to disconnect our service within 30-45 minutes."
In this scam, a robocall or live caller claims to be from the Social Security Administration (SSA). The message falsely states that your Social Security Number (SSN) has been "suspended" due to fraudulent or suspicious activity. They threaten you with impending legal action, lawsuits, or even arrest if you don't call them back immediately to resolve the issue. Some callers identify themselves with fake names like "Officer Maria."
The Social Security Administration will never call to threaten your benefits or tell you to wire money, send cash, or put money on gift cards. They primarily communicate through official mail, not threatening phone calls.
"Typical scam robocall saying my social security number is involved in fraudulent activities, call them back immediately before they initiate legal action. Needless to say, didn't call back."
Scammers are calling Houston residents claiming to be compliance officers, investigators, or even deputies. They allege a legal case or complaint has been filed against you in Harris County and threaten that a constable will be sent to your home or job. They often use official-sounding names like "Francis Watson," "Michelle Garcia," or "Melissa Young" and may provide a fake case number to create a sense of legitimacy and panic.
You are not warned over the phone about an impending arrest or legal serving. Law enforcement and official process servers do not call ahead to give you a heads-up; they simply show up. These calls are designed purely to scare you into paying a non-existent debt or fine.
"A man called 15 times, back to back, within 10 minutes. He just said my name and when I said nothing, he said 'I will mark you as non-complaint and we will proceed to your residence.' 100% sure I have zero issues with anything or anyone, so this has to be a scam."
Scammers are using both phone calls and text messages to impersonate major banks like Chase and Wells Fargo. For Chase, robocalls offer a "final courtesy call" to lower your credit card interest rate or callers may claim to be from the fraud department trying to get you to divulge account information. For Wells Fargo, the scam is a text message stating "Please call back to confirm your phone number," tricking you into calling a fraudulent number.
Your bank will never text or call you to ask for your full account number, password, or to "validate" your phone number in this way. These are phishing attempts to steal your financial information.
"RECEIVED A TEXT saying 'Please call back to confirm your phone number. Thank you, Wells Fargo Team.' Funny thing about it is I DONT HAVE A WELLS FARGO ACCOUNT."
You may receive repeated robocalls claiming to be from Apple Inc., often spoofing a real Apple store number. The automated message warns that your iCloud account has been breached or compromised. It then instructs you to call a specific number or press 1 to speak with a support agent who will try to gain remote access to your devices or trick you into revealing personal login information.
Apple will never call you out of the blue to report a security problem. All official communication regarding your account security will happen via email to your registered Apple ID address or through notifications directly on your Apple devices.
"Another cloned Apple store number referencing a cloud hack. I do not have any Apple product or cloud."
Residents are being bombarded with unsolicited calls and voicemails from individuals or robocallers claiming they want to buy your property for cash. These callers, sometimes identifying themselves as "Joel" or a couple named "Dee and Shaun," often say they were "driving through your neighborhood" and want to make you a cash offer. This is a high-pressure tactic used by real estate wholesalers trying to get you to sell your home below market value.
Legitimate real estate investors do not typically rely on cold-calling random homeowners with generic scripts. These calls are often from wholesalers who put your property under contract and then sell that contract to another buyer for a profit, often leaving you with far less than your home is worth.
"Left VM. Wanted to buy my house, I rent so good luck there. Said her name was Dee or Zee, and her partner was Shaun (or Shawn?)."
A massive wave of robocalls is hitting 713 numbers with pre-recorded messages entirely in Chinese (Mandarin). Many residents report receiving these calls multiple times a day from various numbers. While most recipients cannot understand the message, some have identified it as a scam claiming the person has a document to pick up from the Chinese consulate in Houston, which is a trick to phish for personal information.
Government embassies and consulates do not use robocalls to inform citizens about official documents. This is a well-known scam targeting the Chinese-American community, but the robocallers dial numbers indiscriminately, harassing everyone in the area code.
"Automated messaging system said in Mandarin that I have a document at the Chinese consulate in Houston, and press 1 to connect to a specialist to take care of it. It is clearly a scam for personal information as I have nothing to do with the Chinese consulate there currently."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 713 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Texas, United States. Area code 713 is a general purpose code that has been in service since January 1, 1947.
Most common 713 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 Texas, or have a 713 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 Texas area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: