Callers from the 801 area code often use Social Security threats and fake lawsuit warnings to panic you. They claim you are being sued or are in trouble with the government to get your money.
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 801 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Utah (Salt Lake City, West Valley City, Provo) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 801 scams based on user comments:
Utah residents are receiving automated calls claiming their Social Security Number (SSN) has been compromised, suspended, or is linked to criminal activity. These robocalls threaten you with a warrant for your arrest or other legal proceedings to scare you into calling back and providing personal information.
The Social Security Administration will never call you to threaten you or tell you your SSN is suspended. They primarily communicate through official, mailed letters, not threatening robocalls.
"Recorded Message saying that your number is under criminal investigation in order to scare you."
Callers are posing as couriers, law offices, or even court officials from places like "Davis County Court." They claim you have a lawsuit filed against you or that they have documents to serve you. Callers using names like "Samantha Tyler" or "Mary Roberts" threaten a "missed court appearance" or arrest unless you immediately provide information or payment for a non-existent debt.
Real process servers do not call ahead to warn you; they simply show up. Furthermore, legitimate debt collectors are required by federal law to send you a written validation notice in the mail.
"Got a call from this number claiming he was a Mr. William Cartwright working with Salt Lake county. He said he was trying to drop off some documentation at my house... & he 'can't just leave them on the porch'... said I need to contact them within 48hrs or there will be a lawsuit against me."
This scam arrives as a call, text, or email with a fake invoice, claiming you've been charged for a service like "PC Premium Support" for $300, a "McAfee Secure VPN" for $307, or that your Apple iCloud account has been breached. The goal is to make you panic and call the provided number, where a fake agent will try to gain remote access to your computer to "process a refund" but instead will steal your banking information.
Legitimate companies like Apple or Microsoft do not ask for remote access to your computer to process a refund. Refunds are handled through your bank or original payment method, not by them accessing your accounts.
"They got me to get into my computer and pull up my checking account. When I realized this was a scam I hung up. They proceeded to call me several times... They actually had control over my computer because I could see their mouse checking things on my computer."
Local businesses receive automated calls warning that their Google Business Listing is "expired" or at risk of being removed. The robocall pressures you to press 1 to speak with a "specialist" who will then try to sell you useless or fake services to "fix" the problem. Some callers may even use company names like "Wampley" and claim they are "integrated with Google."
Google does not make automated calls about your business listing. Your Google Business Profile is a free service provided by Google, and it does not "expire."
"This # calls 3 to 4 times a day to our business. ID says 'inmate call' recording states google listing. It is getting to be such an annoyance!"
Utah residents are receiving a high volume of unsolicited texts and calls from individuals like "Collin," "Wade," or "Joe" who want to buy their home for cash. These are often aggressive real estate wholesalers who use public records to target homeowners, hoping to pressure them into selling their property below its actual market value.
Legitimate real estate agents typically do not use anonymous, unsolicited text messages as a primary contact method. These high-pressure tactics are designed to catch you off guard and get you into a disadvantageous deal.
"Got a text from a 'Chelsey' asking if I had a home to sell."
You receive a robocall with an urgent warning that your car's "factory warranty is expiring." The call is designed to create panic, pressuring you to purchase an often overpriced and unnecessary extended service contract from a third-party company. They will call relentlessly from different numbers, even if you tell them you no longer own the car or that it's too old for a warranty.
Your vehicle's manufacturer will not call you to sell an extended warranty. These calls are from unrelated third-party sellers who often have no affiliation with your car's brand.
"I'm receiving at least 5 calls a day from this number, telling me my factory warranty on my car is expiring. My car is a 2008, there is no factory warranty. They won't stop calling..."
Scammers will contact you via phone or social media claiming you've won a large prize, like $25,000, a cruise, or even a new car from a "PCH" (Publishers Clearing House) giveaway you never entered. The catch is always the same: to claim your "winnings," you must first pay a "processing fee" or "federal stamp" fee, often a few hundred dollars. If you pay, you will never see the prize or your money again.
Legitimate sweepstakes do not require winners to pay any fees to collect a prize. If you have to pay to get your winnings, it's not a prize—it's a scam.
"A man whose name is 'Jerry Anderson' told me that I had won $850,000... Then comes the kicker: he told me... my payment was only one percent $399.00 because they paid 99% of the fees."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 801 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Utah, United States. Area code 801 is a general purpose code that has been in service since January 1, 1947.
Most common 801 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 Utah, or have a 801 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 Utah area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: