Area code 774 is being used for fake warrant threats and auto warranty robocalls. Scammers try to panic you with arrest threats or annoy you into buying useless car service contracts.
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 774 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Massachusetts (Worcester, New Bedford, Brockton) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 774 scams based on user comments:
Scammers from 774 numbers are calling to falsely claim there is fraudulent activity on your Social Security Number (SSN) and that a warrant has been issued for your arrest. They use robocalls and live callers to threaten you will "face legal action" or that someone is "coming to my home to arrest me on a complaint" to create panic and demand information or money.
Real federal agencies like the Social Security Administration will not call you to threaten you with arrest or demand payment. They primarily communicate through official U.S. mail and would never use phone calls to deliver a first warning about a lawsuit.
"I've been receiving so many calls from this number and they keep saying that there's fraudulent activities on my SSN and a warrant has been issued for my arrested. I called and reported this to the FTC."
You'll receive frequent, aggressive robocalls claiming your car's warranty is expired or about to expire. These scammers create a false sense of urgency to pressure you into buying an overpriced service contract. One local resident reported that callers tried to convince their mother to pay amounts ranging from $3,800 down to $100 and "wouldn't take no for an answer."
Your vehicle's manufacturer will not use unsolicited robocalls to sell you a warranty. These calls are from unrelated third-party sellers whose service contracts are often limited and not backed by the car maker.
"4 people tried convincing my mom to pay money for a car insurance policy. First was $3800, to 800, then 200 and finally 100. My mom says she spoke to 4 different people telling her she needed this insurance that her car wasn't covered. They wouldn't take no for an answer."
Callers posing as agents from the "National Health Enrollment Center" or claiming to be connected to Social Security are relentlessly calling 774 numbers. They may falsely state you signed up for information or, in one specific scam, a call center from India tells seniors they have "medical back/knee braces" coming to them to illicitly bill Medicare.
Medicare will never call you to sell products or ask for personal information unless you specifically requested a call first. Unsolicited calls about "free" medical equipment are a well-known tactic to commit Medicare fraud.
"This is a call center based in India. They have a client in Florida that pays them to make 100 calls a day to elderly persons saying that they have medical back/knee braces coming."
Scammers are calling Massachusetts residents pretending to be from National Grid about an urgent issue with their electric bill. To appear legitimate and create panic, they may provide a fake reference number like "N115" and insist on speaking with you immediately.
Utility companies like National Grid communicate about serious account issues, such as disconnection, through official written notices sent by mail. They do not use high-pressure phone calls to demand immediate payment.
"Claimed to have an important matter to speak to me about concerning my National Grid bill. Even left a reference number 'N115' to appear legit!"
Callers, some identified as being from India, are targeting residents with false promises of student loan forgiveness or reduction. They often use deceptive tactics to build trust, such as lying that "we had chatted before" about your loans, in an attempt to get you to pay for a useless service.
You never have to pay for help with your federal student loans. All legitimate forgiveness programs and repayment options are available for free through the Department of Education, and no private company can get you a better deal.
"Told me that we had chatted before about reducing my student loan. That was a lie."
Robocalls from a "vacation specialist" and live callers are offering "free cruises" to residents in our area. Other reports mention scams related to RCI timeshares that involve high subscription fees and make it extremely expensive to cancel, turning a supposed deal into a financial trap.
Legitimate travel companies do not use unsolicited robocalls to give away free cruises. These offers are designed to lure you into high-pressure sales presentations for expensive timeshares or vacation clubs with many hidden fees.
"Called 6 times consecutively when I didn't answer. Finally answered it was a RECORDING FOR A VACATION SPECIALIST. WTH"
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 774 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Massachusetts, United States. Area code 774 is a general purpose code that has been in service since May 2, 2001.
Most common 774 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 Massachusetts, or have a 774 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 Massachusetts area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: