New York's 716 area code is notorious for fake legal threats and Social Security suspension calls. Criminals use fear tactics about jail time or frozen assets to trick you into paying them.
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 716 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof New York (Buffalo, Cheektowaga, Tonawanda) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 716 scams based on user comments:
Residents in Western New York are receiving aggressive robocalls and voicemails from scammers posing as mediators or claims processors. They threaten legal action, wage garnishment, or that a process server is coming to your home or work. Callers use names like "Susan," "Amy," or "Michael Lewis" and may mention a vague company like "OWA" or "Lakeside Group," referencing a "case file" or a "complaint" tied to your name and Social Security number.
Real process servers do not call ahead to warn you; their job is to serve you papers in person without prior notice. Legitimate legal actions and debt collection begin with official letters mailed to you, not with threatening robocalls.
"Got a voice message from Susan stating I'm contacting you in reference to legal allegations being filed against you. we are requesting a verbal statement from you. Failure to respond will result in a forfeiture of your right, and a process server will be contacted to have you served at your home or place of employment."
This widespread robocall scam falsely claims there are "four serious allegations pressed on your name" or that your Social Security Number (SSN) is being suspended due to fraudulent activity like "drug trafficking and money laundering." The automated message demands you call them back immediately to avoid legal action or being "taken under custody by the local cops."
The Social Security Administration will never call you to threaten your benefits or tell you that your SSN has been suspended. They communicate through official mail, not with threatening phone calls demanding immediate action.
"And once it get expired after that you will be taking under custody by the local cops as there are four serious allegations pressed on your name at this moment. We would request you to get back to us so that we can discuss about this case before taking any legal action against you."
You're likely getting frequent, persistent calls about an expiring warranty on your car, even for a vehicle you no longer own. These robocalls often state it's a "final courtesy call" and urge you to press a number to speak with a specialist to keep your vehicle "under coverage." When questioned, the callers are often unable to name the dealership you bought your car from or provide specific details.
These calls are from third-party sellers, not your car's manufacturer or dealership. They use publicly available information to guess what car you might own and use high-pressure tactics to sell you overpriced and often worthless service contracts.
"They said they are from the dealership I got my car from, when I asked what dealership, she could not tell me. Thats when I knew it was a scam. and She wanted all this information about my vehicle. She knew the year make and model. But nothing else."
Scammers are calling 716 residents claiming to be from Publishers Clearing House (PCH) and announcing you've won a huge prize, like "$1 million" or "$13 million dollars and a new Mercedes." To claim your winnings, they'll instruct you to go buy a gift card, often an "Amazon Gift Card in the amt of: $330," to cover taxes or processing fees before they can deliver your prize.
Publishers Clearing House and other legitimate sweepstakes will never ask for money upfront. Prizes are awarded in person or by certified mail, free of charge. Any request for payment via gift card is a guaranteed scam.
"Rec'd call from this number stating we won a PCH sweepstake for 1 million dollar check + 78K bonus prize. To claim must purchase an Amazon Gift Card in the amt of: $330. for taxes."
Scammers are targeting residents with calls about Medicare plans, Social Security disability benefits, and medical alert systems. Callers may introduce themselves as "Christine, a disability advisor" or "Brenda from Medicare" and claim you recently inquired about benefits. Their goal is to get your Medicare or Social Security number to commit fraud.
Official Medicare representatives will never call you out of the blue to sell you something or ask for your personal information unless you are already a client and have given them permission to contact you.
"My name is Amber and I'm a social security disability adviser on a recorded line... I show here that you recently inquired about your eligibility for Social Security disability benefits can you hear me okay."
This scam involves a robocall claiming a subscription, often for "computer service" or from a known company like "Amazon" or "Norton," is about to auto-renew for a specific amount, like "$299" or "$399." Another version claims to be from "cybersecurity" at Microsoft or Google, alleging your email account has been hacked. In both cases, they want you to call them back to "cancel" the charge or "fix" the problem, which is how they attempt to steal your financial information or gain remote access to your computer.
Companies like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon do not monitor your accounts and call you about security issues. Subscription renewal notices are almost always sent via email, not through threatening robocalls.
"Does your computer service subscription will be Auto renewed there will be a auto deduction of $299 from your account. In case you don't want to get charges. Please call us to cancel or subscription."
A number of residents have reported receiving bizarre and aggressive calls from a service that uses pre-recorded prank messages. The scripts vary widely, with callers claiming "you hit his car and left a note," "you were messing with her man," or that they are from the "City Court House" about discrepancies. The calls are designed to sound real to provoke a confused or angry reaction.
These calls originate from prank call websites and apps that allow users to send automated, scripted calls to any phone number. They are not real threats, just a nuisance designed to confuse and harass people.
"Called and said I left a note on his car and hit his fender and wanted to know who my insurance company is.. I laughed and he replied with 'what’s so funny B?'"
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 716 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in New York, United States. Area code 716 is a general purpose code that has been in service since January 1, 1947.
Most common 716 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 New York, or have a 716 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 New York area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: