The 747 area code is being used for Microsoft subscription fraud and fake arrest warrants. Criminals claim money was taken from your bank account to trick you into contacting 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 747 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof California (Los Angeles, Glendale, Burbank) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 747 scams based on user comments:
You'll receive a robocall claiming to be from the "Microsoft Support Team." The message warns that your computer service subscription is about to auto-renew and an amount like $299 or $599 will be automatically deducted from your bank account. They instruct you to call their number back immediately to cancel and get a refund, which is a trick to get you to give them remote access to your computer and bank accounts.
Microsoft does not call customers to inform them of subscription renewals or threaten to charge their bank accounts. All billing matters are handled through your online Microsoft account, and they will never ask for remote access to your computer to process a refund.
"This call is from the Microsoft Support Team. Your computer service subscription will be auto-renewed. There will be an auto-deduction $299 from your bank account. In case you don't want to get charged, please call us to cancel your subscription."
This scam uses a computer-generated voice to leave an urgent and frightening voicemail. The message claims a "legal case" has been filed against you for "4 violations" or that there is a "suspicious trail" involving your Social Security number. They threaten you will be "arrested by local police" if you do not call them back immediately to resolve the matter.
Real government agencies, including the IRS and the Social Security Administration, will not call you to threaten you with arrest. They initiate contact through official mail, not with intimidating robocalls.
"Message stated: 'You are subject to arrest by local police for 4 violations if you do not call back.' A Definite Scam!"
Scammers call pretending to be from your cable provider, like Spectrum, AT&T, or Xfinity. They may use names like "John" or "Otis" and offer a significant discount on your bill or a free equipment upgrade. To get the "deal," they will demand your account password or PIN and an upfront payment of a fee like $99.99 or $199.83.
Legitimate cable and internet companies already have your account information and will never call you to ask for your password. Discounts and promotions are typically handled through their official website or by you calling them directly.
"They claimed to be from AT&T offering a discount... He had my name, email, phone and address. However to offer a discount he needed to access my account and wanted my password. I refused."
This is a particularly terrifying scam where you receive texts and calls from someone claiming to be a cartel member, often using the name "Pedro Mendoza" from the "CJNG cartel." They threaten to kill you and your family if you do not pay them a large sum of money, such as $2,000. To make the threat seem real, they may know your name, have names of family members, and send gruesome pictures of violence.
This is a well-known extortion tactic designed to create extreme fear. Scammers get your personal information from public records or data breaches. While the threats are horrifying, they are almost always empty threats designed to scare you into paying.
"Got a call and text from a guy named Pedro mendoza who claims to be the CJNG OF CARTELS and if I don't pay $2k they will kill me and all of my family it also comes with great colorful pics of people getting killed."
Callers from a supposed "litigation agency" contact you about a debt you don't recognize. They may use your maiden name or an old address to seem legitimate. When you refuse to provide personal information or question the debt, the caller becomes belligerent and threatening, vowing to call your friends and relatives to harass you.
Legitimate debt collectors must follow the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). This act forbids them from using abusive language, threatening you, or discussing your alleged debt with third parties like friends or family.
"Claims to be wanting my information to serve me legal papers... he got belligerent and asked for personal information, which I refused to give. He then became threatening and stated he would call friends and relatives if I did not provide him details."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 747 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in California, United States. Area code 747 is a general purpose code that has been in service since May 18, 2009.
Most common 747 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 747 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: