Scammers use the 804 area code to make Social Security suspension threats and fake arrest warnings. They claim your number is suspended or you have a warrant to steal your personal information.
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 804 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Virginia (Richmond, Tuckahoe, Mechanicsville) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 804 scams based on user comments:
This is one of the most aggressive scams targeting 804 area code residents. A robocall, often a recorded voice, claims that "legal enforcement actions have been filed on your social security number for fraudulent activities" or that your SSN is about to be suspended. The goal is to create panic and trick you into calling back and providing personal information or money to avoid supposed arrest by "federal agents."
The Social Security Administration will never call you to threaten your benefits or demand immediate payment. They primarily communicate via U.S. Mail and will not threaten you with arrest over the phone.
"Our department is to inform you that there is a legal enforcement actions have been filed on your social security number for fraudulent activities. So when you get this message kindly call us back on our hotline number... Don't disregard this notice and do return the call before we begin with the legal proceedings against you."
Scammers are calling Virginians claiming a legal case is pending against them and threatening to serve documents at their home or place of employment. Callers use intimidating names like "Judy Fitzgerald" with "Legal Support Services" or claim to be from firms like "Weinburg." They often have some of your personal information, such as an old address or maiden name, to sound legitimate and pressure you into responding.
Real process servers do not call ahead to warn you; they simply show up to serve official court documents. Legitimate debt collectors must provide validation of the debt in writing and cannot threaten you with immediate arrest for non-payment.
"...a case attached to your name, driver's license and social security number currently pending to be filed against you in your local jurisdiction. We will be stopping out to your home or even your place of employment to deliver your legal documents. Have your attorney contact the claims office... Your failure to respond may result in a default action being placed against your social security number."
These are relentless, high-volume spam calls claiming your vehicle's warranty is expiring and offering to sell you an "extended warranty" or "service contract." They call from a constantly changing series of 804 numbers, making them difficult to block. Many Virginians report receiving these calls daily, even after repeatedly asking to be removed from the call list.
These calls are from third-party sellers, not your car's manufacturer or dealership. The "warranties" they sell are often service contracts with many exclusions and are not affiliated with your vehicle's actual brand.
"This call is from a company that claims to be a vehicle warranty company. I have requested multiple times to be removed from their list and they continue to call multiple times per week for the past 18 months. When I requested to be removed again today the person just wanted to know why I was not interested in extending my warranty."
Residents in the Richmond area are receiving a flood of unsolicited calls and text messages from people, often named "Nancy" or "Mark," wanting to buy their property for cash. These messages often feel invasive because they use your name and street address, and they persist even when your home is not for sale. The script typically mentions that "my family and I work here locally" to build a false sense of trust.
These are typically not local families but real estate investors or wholesalers looking to acquire properties far below market value. They use public records to get your name and address, and their "local" claim is often a tactic to disarm you.
"Hey [my name] ????! My name's Nancy. My family works here locally and we love your place on [my address]. Unless you’ve got set plans on it already, we’d love to chat about an offerr. Do you have a quick moment to connect? God Bless! Happy to stop if you’re not interested."
Scammers are spoofing the names of well-known organizations to trick you. Reports from the 804 area code include fake calls from the IRS threatening you over "4 serious crimes," callers with heavy accents pretending to be from the DEA or State Medical Board targeting doctors, and robocalls claiming your Amazon or Apple account has been breached. They might also claim your "Windows firewall has been turned off" and ask for remote access to your computer.
Major corporations like Apple, Microsoft, and Amazon will not call you about security issues unless you initiate contact first. Government agencies like the IRS and DEA do not initiate legal action via threatening phone calls; they use official written correspondence.
"These are professional hackers attempting to get you to get in front of your computer and allow them to download thier bugs into your computer allowing them to steal all your passwords and private info. MICROSOFT WILL NEVER CALL YOU. YOU HAVE TO CALL THEM."
These calls prey on your goodwill by asking for donations to support local firefighters or police families. The Caller ID often displays "FSA" (for Firefighters Support Association) or "police alliance." These are frequently robocalls that use a computer-generated voice, and they will often hang up if you ask for specific information, like a website, or what percentage of the donation actually goes to the cause.
Legitimate charities will gladly provide you with information and direct you to their official website to donate securely. A caller who refuses to provide this information or hangs up is almost certainly a scammer.
"Scam charity....asked if I could support policemen's family with a donation. I said I would consider, could they direct me to website for more information please. Click, they hung up."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 804 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Virginia, United States. Area code 804 is a general purpose code that has been in service since June 24, 1973.
Most common 804 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 Virginia, or have a 804 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 Virginia area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: