Vermont’s 802 area code is seeing a rise in fake subscription renewals and aggressive lawsuit threats. Scammers send fake bills or threaten legal action to trick you into handing over payment details.
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 802 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Vermont (Burlington, South Burlington, Rutland) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 802 scams based on user comments:
You may receive an email or text claiming you've been charged for a service like McAfee Total Protection, Geek Squad, or for a product like a Microsoft Surface Pro. The message states hundreds of dollars (e.g., $296.55, $399, or even $4,063.50) will be auto-debited and tells you to call a specific 802 number within 24 hours to cancel and get a refund.
Legitimate companies like McAfee or Best Buy manage subscriptions and purchases through your official online account. They will not send an urgent email with a phone number as the only way to cancel a charge.
"I am receiving emails from this number saying they are the geek squad and that we just paid over $399 for some warrantee for a computer neither my wife or I bought."
Vermonters are receiving intimidating robocalls claiming "two cases" or a "civil judgement" have been filed against them. The automated message often threatens that they will be found at their "place of employment or residence" and urges an immediate call back to avoid further action.
Real process servers do not call ahead to warn you; they are legally required to deliver documents in person without prior notice. Legitimate debt collectors must provide written validation of a debt upon request and cannot threaten you with immediate arrest.
"Call from 802-992-9656 saying 'cases against me'....and they 'will find me'.....come on - I'm right here. lol"
Scammers are calling residents claiming they've won a PCH "superprize" of $2.5 million and a new Mercedes Benz. To receive the prize, the caller, who may identify as "Mark Johnson" or "Andrew Goldberg," instructs the victim to send a "processing fee" of several hundred dollars (e.g., $350 or $450).
Publishers Clearing House has stated they NEVER call winners of major prizes. For prizes over $5,000, the PCH Prize Patrol shows up at your door unannounced. You will never be asked to pay a fee to receive a legitimate prize.
"Only hitch, I would need to send 350$ for processing fees in-order to expedite the process. I told them to take the fee from the briefcase and ring my doorbell when they get here!"
Scammers are specifically targeting elderly Vermonters with calls about "upgrading" their satellite or cable equipment from providers like DirecTV or Xfinity. The caller, sometimes using the name "James Shawn," pressures the victim by saying their service will be cut off if they don't pay. They then demand a check for several hundred dollars ($240-$375) be mailed to an out-of-state address in New Jersey or New York.
Major service providers like Xfinity and DirecTV handle all billing through your official account and will never call you to demand a check be mailed to an individual's address for an equipment upgrade.
"Called my 78 year old mother and told her he was with Directv and needed to update her equipment. She had to mail him a check for $375 to 2445 Bedford Place, Bellmore, NY 117110."
A robocall claims to be from the Social Security Administration (SSA) and warns of "suspicious activity" linked to your Social Security Number (SSN). In some versions, a caller with a foreign accent will ask questions to see if you "qualify for social security benefits" to phish for your personal information.
The Social Security Administration will never call you to threaten your benefits or tell you to wire money, send cash, or put money on gift cards. They typically communicate via postal mail for official business.
"Claimed was from Social Security Administration and there was suspicious activity regarding SSN...right!"
These are frequent, annoying robocalls about an "extended warranty" for your car. The calls often come from multiple different 802 numbers, making them difficult to block. Sometimes they ask if you drive a certain vehicle and hang up if you question who they are.
These calls are almost never from your car's actual manufacturer or dealer. They are from third-party sellers using aggressive and often illegal tactics to sell overpriced and often worthless service contracts.
"I keep blocking the numbers that call wanting to sell me warranty protection for my car. I keep blocking the numbers but then they use another number. This one was the latest number I've blocked."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 802 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Vermont, United States. Area code 802 is a general purpose code that has been in service since January 1, 1947.
Most common 802 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 Vermont, or have a 802 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.