The 760 area code is targeted by Social Security legal threats and fake subscription scams. Fraudsters claim you will be sued or charged for a service unless you verify your banking info.
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 760 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof California (Oceanside, Escondido, Victorville) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 760 scams based on user comments:
You may receive a robocall with a computer-generated voice claiming "legal enforcement actions" have been filed against your Social Security number for fraudulent activity. The message threatens you'll be prosecuted or taken into custody by local law enforcement if you do not call them back immediately.
The Social Security Administration does not call people to threaten them with arrest or legal action. They will mail you official letters for any legitimate issue and will never demand immediate payment or personal information over the phone.
"Phone call from our department is to inform you that there's a legal enforcement actions filed on your Social Security number for fraudulent activities so when you get this message kindly call back at the earliest possible on our number before we begin with the legal proceedings that is 760-290-7146 I repeat 760-290-7146 thank you..."
This scam involves a recorded message informing you that a large sum, typically $299, $399, or even $599, will be automatically deducted from your bank account for a subscription. The message never identifies the company or the supposed subscription, instead pressuring you to call them back to cancel.
Legitimate companies will always identify themselves and provide specific details about a subscription renewal. Unsolicited calls threatening to take money from your account are designed purely to scare you into calling back and revealing financial information.
"Called and left a message saying if I didn't want automatic deduction of $299. to call and cancel subscription."
Scammers leave voicemails claiming to be from "VHA" or "BHA" to collect on a supposed debt. Callers often use names like "Tina," "Amanda," or "Thomas" and direct you to a non-existent website like "vhabillpay.com" or "bhabillpay.com" to scare you into paying for a debt you don't have.
Legitimate debt collectors are required by law (the FDCPA) to provide you with written validation of a debt upon request. They will not use vague threats and direct you to fake websites.
"Keep getting voice mail messages from a woman named Amanda about a VHA debt. Told me to call 760-369-8127 or go to www.VHABillPay.com - a non existent website. This is a scam - please do not fall for these types of calls."
Callers with heavy accents claim to be from Microsoft, Geek Squad, or another tech company, stating your computer has a problem or your security software is renewing for a large fee like $395. They may threaten that your computer and internet will be disconnected or that you'll be turned over to the federal government and arrested if you don't comply and give them remote access.
Microsoft, Apple, and Best Buy's Geek Squad will never call you out of the blue to report a problem with your computer. These companies do not monitor your device for errors and then call you to fix them.
"saying they are Microsoft and the computer has been compromised and if you don't call your computer and internet will be disconnected and you will be turned over to the federal government and arrested."
You may get a call or voicemail with a threatening tone about a "legal issue," "civil claim," or "claim filed against you." The caller often refuses to provide a company name and may vaguely mention they are a "delivery agent" headed to your property to have you sign documents, trying to scare you into calling back a different number to avoid being "non-compliant."
Real process servers do not call ahead to warn you; they simply show up to serve you legal papers. Any call threatening to serve you is almost certainly a scam to extort money.
"Got a call saying they were going to locate me due to a case filed against me and rambled a reference number. They even wanted me to call a different 1800 number to contact them so I don’t give up my rights."
Scammers call about "important updates" regarding your federal student loans, even if you don't have any. Callers like "Aaron" or "Chris Johnson" from a non-existent "student services department" may even have some of your personal information to sound legitimate, then scam you out of money for fake forgiveness programs.
The Department of Education does not call, text, or email borrowers to offer loan forgiveness. Official correspondence about your federal student loans will come directly from your loan servicer or the Department of Education.
"Caller named Aaron claimed to be from student services department. It seemed like a legit call because he had all of my student loan payment and balance information before I said anything. Ended up scamming me out of over 900 dollars. Caller 7602764558. Don’t fall for it!!!"
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 760 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in California, United States. Area code 760 is a general purpose code that has been in service since March 22, 1997.
Most common 760 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 760 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: