The 718 area code is full of Apple iCloud security breaches and Social Security scams. They try to steal your login credentials by claiming your account or identity is at risk.
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 718 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof New York (New York, Bellerose Terrace, Bellerose) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 718 scams based on user comments:
You may receive a robocall, often with a Caller ID spoofed to look like "Apple Inc.", claiming your iCloud account has been breached or compromised. The automated message urgently instructs you to call a "toll free" number, which is actually a 718 local number like 718-307-1139 or 718-637-6200, before using any of your Apple devices. This is a tactic to create panic and trick you into revealing your account credentials and personal information.
Apple will never call you unsolicited to report a security breach. Furthermore, a 718 area code is for New York City boroughs and is not a toll-free number.
"I just came home and there were EIGHT robo messages from 718-637-6200, all telling me before I use any of my Apple devices I should press 1."
Scammers call claiming your Social Security Number has been suspended due to "suspicious" or "criminal" activity. Callers may identify themselves as officers, such as "Steven Smith," and threaten "legal enforcement action" or suspension of your benefits to scare you into providing your full SSN, date of birth, and other private information.
The Social Security Administration does not suspend SSNs and will not call you to demand information or make threats. They primarily communicate via official U.S. mail.
"Caller identified himself as officer Steven Smith from Social Security office for investigation of crime committed with my name and social security number."
Residents in Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island are receiving calls from individuals falsely claiming to be from Con Edison or National Grid. These scammers use tactics like threatening to shut off your power in 30 minutes for a supposed late payment or offering a discount on your bill if you provide them with your account number. Their goal is to steal your financial information or pressure you into an immediate payment.
Utility companies like Con Edison send multiple written warnings before shutting off service. They do not call and demand immediate payment over the phone to avoid a same-day disconnection.
"Received several calls saying power will be shut off within 30 minutes."
Scammers are sending text messages pretending to be from USPS, Amazon, or Costco. These texts often use your first name and claim a package is waiting for you to "set delivery preferences" or that your Costco ticket number won a prize. The message includes a strange-looking link (e.g., j6hmv.info or wnsi25.com) designed to steal your personal and financial information if you click it.
The USPS will not send you text messages from a personal 10-digit phone number asking you to click a strange link. Official notifications are sent from specific government short codes, and tracking is done on USPS.com.
"Hello (name withheld), your USPS package with tracking code 62227 is waiting for you to set delivery preferences: j6hmv.info/EK4CamvBuc"
You may get a call from someone, often with a heavy accent, claiming your insurance has added "new free benefits" which may cover vitamins or over-the-counter pain relief. In other cases, they may state you've been referred for a back brace. These callers do not know who your provider is and are phishing for your address, Medicare number, and other personal details to commit fraud.
Your insurance company will notify you of any significant changes to your benefits through official mail or secure online portals, not through a random, unsolicited phone call. A real representative would already have your policy information.
"Woman with heavy accent...kept telling me my insurance added new benefits so that my vitamins and OTC pain relief items may be covered. She wanted me to give her my address and other information."
This scam involves a call or voicemail threatening you with imminent legal trouble. Scammers may claim to be from the "US Legal Support" division, the police department, or another agency, stating you have an arrest warrant or that "legal proceedings" are about to begin. They use fear to try and get you to call back and provide personal information or money.
Law enforcement and courts do not call people to warn them about an impending arrest warrant; they serve warrants in person. Any phone call demanding money to clear up a legal matter is a scam.
"My daughter received a phone call from our local police department who told her that she had an arrest warrant. The male on the phone who had an accent, said it was the US Legal Support. He gave her a case number and a phone number to call."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 718 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 718 is a general purpose code that has been in service since September 1, 1984.
Most common 718 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 718 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: