Area code 714 is being used for fake debt collection calls and Social Security suspension threats. They try to scare you with lawsuits to get you to pay debts that do not exist.
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 714 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof California (Anaheim, Santa Ana, Huntington Beach) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 714 scams based on user comments:
Residents in Orange County are receiving aggressive calls from individuals posing as debt collectors, process servers, or law firm representatives from fake entities like "Stafford Group & Associates," "Levi & Cohen," or "Shapiro & Associates." They threaten you with lawsuits, arrest at your home or workplace, and claim to be delivering court documents for old or fabricated debts, such as a JCPenney card from 2008. These scammers often have personal details, like the last four digits of your social security number, and will harass your family members and employer to create panic and pressure you into paying.
Real process servers do not call to warn you before they show up; the element of surprise is part of their job. Furthermore, you cannot be arrested for consumer debt in the United States. Legitimate collectors must provide written proof of a debt and are legally prohibited from harassing you or your family.
"This woman left me a voicemail stating this call is a final notice from credit bureau we are filing a lawsuit against you that you will be getting arrested from either your house or from your workplace...this has to be a scam because no one can just come arrest anyone for debt anymore."
This widespread robocall scam falsely claims to be from the Social Security Administration. An automated voice message informs you that your Social Security Number (SSN) has been "suspended" due to fraudulent activity or involvement in a "federal crime." The message creates a sense of urgency, insisting you must call them back immediately to avoid legal consequences.
The Social Security Administration will never call you to threaten you or tell you that your SSN has been suspended. They primarily communicate through official U.S. mail and would never demand payment or personal information over the phone to resolve a supposed crime.
"we have received against your Social Security number by the federal crime investigation department we need to talk to you as soon as possible again this call is from Social Security administration number to reach department is 714-248-7368..."
Persistent telemarketers are calling 714 residents offering home improvement services like roofing, vinyl windows, or general construction. They often use generic company names like "The Home Center" and may call repeatedly from different numbers, even after you've asked to be removed from their list. Some callers, like one identifying as "Mark," have become verbally abusive and even threatened physical harm when their sales pitches are rejected.
Legitimate contractors in Orange County typically do not rely on aggressive, harassing cold calls to get business. Be wary of any "special programs" that sound too good to be true, as they are often a tactic to pressure you into a sale without allowing you time to research the company's reputation and credentials.
"This number called looking for someone to sell home improvement too. Mark the guy on the phone or thats what he said his name is proceeded to threaten me and say he was coming to my house to assault me. Not just an annoying telemarketer but one that is willing to threaten bodily harm if you don't buy his stuff."
Scammers are leaving voicemails claiming to be from agencies like "EDS" or the "student loan release department" with urgent news about your federal student loans. Callers, often using names like "Jennifer" or "Stephanie," state that you qualify for loan reduction or forgiveness due to recent changes. These calls are sent to everyone, including people who have never had a student loan, in an attempt to phish for personal and financial information.
The Department of Education will not contact you through unsolicited calls from third-party companies. Any legitimate programs for loan forgiveness or reduction are managed through official government channels and do not require you to pay a private company for access.
"Hello this is Jennifer calling from the student loan release department I tried you a while back because you qualify for a reduction in your student loans I just wanted to try one last time to reach you...funny thing is I have NEVER had a student loan, so I know this is a SCAM"
This scam arrives as a text message, often using your first name, claiming to be from FedEx, USPS, or another delivery service. The message states that they "came across a package" from a previous month (like July or March) that is pending for you. It then instructs you to click a suspicious link to "claim ownership" or "confirm for delivery," which leads to a phishing site designed to steal your personal information.
Official delivery services like FedEx and USPS will not send you unsolicited texts from a local 714 number with a strange link about a months-old package. They use official tracking numbers and direct you to their secure, official websites.
"Maria, we came across a package from March owed to you. Kindly assume ownership and schedule for delivery here: l4sve.info/o6jSk9qQlm"
A man identifying himself as "Kurt" is leaving nearly identical, manipulative voicemails for small business owners, particularly flooring stores and cabinet shops in the area. He claims he has "heard good things" and needs to ask the owner "a couple important questions," but only wants to speak directly with them. His vague but flattering message, ending with "Hope you guys are the real deal," is a tactic to bypass gatekeepers and pitch a likely overpriced or fraudulent marketing service.
This is a classic cold-calling sales strategy designed to make the business owner feel special and intrigued. A legitimate business partner would clearly state their company name and the reason for their call upfront, rather than using a mysterious and flattering script.
"Again my name is Kurt. Cell phone is 714-464-6097. Hope you guys are the real deal."
Scammers are calling 714 numbers claiming to be from the IRS, often with a recorded message. They may allege that you are being investigated for tax fraud or owe back taxes. The goal is to scare you into calling back and providing personal information or making an immediate payment to avoid supposed legal action. One report even detailed a scammer asking for money to be wired via Western Union to Nigeria.
The IRS's first point of contact is almost always through official U.S. mail, not an unexpected phone call. They will never demand immediate payment over the phone, threaten to have you arrested, or ask for payment via gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency.
"This is a scam which a robo-call plays a recorded message that the IRS is investigating you for fraud, and that they have been trying to contact you for 6 months."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 714 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in California, United States. Area code 714 is a general purpose code that has been in service since January 1, 1951.
Most common 714 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 California, or have a 714 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 California area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: