Area code 717 is frequently targeted by fake legal threats and Social Security imposters. Scammers pose as government agents to demand money or personal information under false pretenses.
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 717 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Pennsylvania (Lancaster, Harrisburg, York) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 717 scams based on user comments:
Residents in the 717 area code are receiving aggressive calls from individuals posing as process servers or mediation firms like "Rothman Kline Mediation" and "Hamlin, Ross & Associates." These scammers threaten legal action, mention a "returned item from your bank," and claim you have a file with your name and social security number that requires immediate attention to avoid penalties or having the sheriff show up at your home or work.
Real process servers do not call ahead to warn you; they simply show up to serve you legal papers. Legitimate debt collectors are required by law to provide you with a written validation notice of the debt upon your request.
"My mother received a call from 717-798-3704. Told her to call 833-437-0484 about a debt. She had to call by 12pm or they would take action. She is 93 yrs. old and doesn’t Owe any debts. She was very distressed by this call."
Scammers are calling 717 numbers claiming to be from the Social Security Administration. The robocall often warns of "suspicious activity" or a "legal enforcement action" on your Social Security number and that it will be suspended. In some cases, they threaten arrest by U.S. Marshalls if you do not immediately send money, often demanding payment in the form of Lowe's gift cards.
The Social Security Administration will never call you to threaten your benefits or demand immediate payment. They communicate through official, mailed correspondence. Government agencies do not accept payment in the form of gift cards.
"Tried to get my sister in law to send them 3-$500 Lowe’s gift cards or else the US Marshalls will come arrest her."
Callers are aggressively targeting Pennsylvania residents by pretending to be from utility companies like PPL, Columbia Gas, or West Penn Power. Callers like "Alexis," "Jasmine," or "Jennifer" from a company called "NTherm" are reported to be extremely rude, demanding to see your utility bill to discuss "transmission costs" or a "notice on your utility statement." Their goal is often to trick you into switching your energy supplier without your full consent.
While Pennsylvania residents have the right to choose their energy supplier, your primary utility company will not call you and aggressively demand to see your bill. These high-pressure tactics are a sign of a deceptive third-party sales company.
"Very RUDE woman calling repeatedly for the owners - 'They will KNOW what account I'm calling for' - will NOT be nice to her ANYMORE!"
Many 717 homeowners are receiving persistent, unwanted calls and texts from people claiming to be local investors wanting to buy their property for cash. Callers frequently use friendly, common names like "Britney," "Kelly," or "Tracy" and say they "drove by the other day" or are "looking to pick up a few more properties" in the area, even when the home is not for sale.
While some legitimate investors purchase homes directly, this high volume of unsolicited, generic calls is a common tactic used by wholesalers to acquire properties below market value. They are mass-dialing numbers in an area, not specifically targeting your home because they "drove by."
"Hey there it's Britney again and I'm calling because I did reach out a couple of weeks ago about purchasing your property... this is a cash offer and I'm going to be purchasing the property as is... please give me a call back as soon as you get this message."
Scammers are using robocalls to trick you into thinking there's a problem with one of your online accounts. These calls often spoof the caller ID to say "Apple Inc." or will leave a voicemail about a fraudulent purchase on your Amazon account, mentioning a specific item like a "mac book pro." The goal is to create panic and get you to call back and provide your account or financial information to "resolve" the fake issue.
Apple and Amazon will not call you about suspicious activity. They will notify you via email or through official notifications within their secure apps or websites. Any unsolicited call claiming your account is compromised is a scam.
"17 calls from 717-295-8800 in one day, 11/7/2019, all claiming that my Apple account had been breached, or a version of this but all from supposedly from Apple, Inc. Robo calls. I blocked the number but still showed up on missed calls list."
This is one of the most persistent robocalls reported in the 717 area. You'll receive a call with a pre-recorded message about your car's warranty being expired or about to expire. They use urgent language like a "final courtesy call" to pressure you into speaking with a "specialist" to extend your warranty, even if you never owned the vehicle in question or your warranty is not expiring.
These calls are from third-party sellers, not your car's manufacturer or dealership. They are high-pressure sales calls for service contracts that are often overpriced and offer very limited coverage.
"Keep calling saying about my car's warranty is about 2 expired...they call constantly..I'm tired of it...where I live I'm unable 2 put a block on my phone because of unavailability of Fios w/ Verizon...please report & stop this number from calling me."
This scam preys on the hope of winning big. Callers claiming to be from Publishers Clearing House (PCH) inform you that you've won a major prize, such as "7.5 million and a new Mercedes." Before you can collect your "winnings," they will insist you must first pay taxes or fees, often instructing you to go to the bank or buy gift cards.
The real Publishers Clearing House Prize Patrol shows up at winners' doors in person and never calls ahead to ask for money. If you have to pay to win, it is not a prize—it is a scam.
"Caller Said he was the truck driver with PCH that he was 45 minutes from my home needed me to call Don Chopper with claims at 1-717-603-8005 - I asked him if he had my address - He said I won a car and money - I asked him if he had the car then he gave me Don Chopper information to call for the claim."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 717 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Pennsylvania, United States. Area code 717 is a general purpose code that has been in service since January 1, 1947.
Most common 717 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 Pennsylvania, or have a 717 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 Pennsylvania area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: