Legal threats and arrest warrant hoaxes are the main issues with the 805 area code. Callers claim you are in trouble with the law to pressure you into making a payment.
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 805 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof California (Oxnard, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 805 scams based on user comments:
Scammers leave terrifying robocall voicemails claiming you have "4 serious allegations" against your name or that the IRS has issued warrants for your arrest. They threaten you will be "taken under custody by the local police" if you don't call them back immediately to resolve the matter.
Real law enforcement and government agencies like the IRS do not call you to warn you about an arrest warrant. Warrants are served in person by uniformed officers, and the IRS initiates contact through official U.S. Mail, not with threatening robocalls.
"You will be taken under custody by the local police, because there are 4 serious allegations presses on your name at this moment. We would request you to get back to us so we could discuss about this case before taking any legal action against you."
You receive a robocall from a supposed "Investigation Department" claiming your Social Security Number (SSN) will be suspended due to fraudulent activity. Callers, sometimes identifying as "Peter" or "Capt. Frank," instruct you to "press 1 to connect with an officer" to avoid legal consequences and prevent suspension of your benefits.
The Social Security Administration will never call to threaten you or suspend your number. The SSA primarily communicates through official U.S. Mail and will not ask for personal information via a cold call.
"Calling you from Investigation Department of federal government we have just received a notification regarding your social security suspension from the headquarters of Social Security Administration this matter is very serious call us back as quick as possible..."
You get a call, text, or email warning that you will be charged hundreds of dollars (e.g., $299, $399, $459) for an auto-renewing subscription with companies like Microsoft, Amazon, Norton, or Geek Squad. Others claim a fraudulent purchase of an iPhone was made on your Amazon account and you must call a specific 805 number to cancel it.
Legitimate companies like Amazon and Microsoft do not call you to resolve technical issues or confirm orders unless you initiate contact first. They will never ask for remote access to your device to process a refund; this is a trick to install malware or steal your information.
"Robo phone call with 'reminder' that 459.00 give or take was going to be debited from my account for Microsoft license and fees. If I didnot want it debited I was to call 805-248-7665....I did not make the call, I knew these idot brainless twits were scammers..."
Aggressive callers claim you owe hundreds of dollars for old "medical lab work" from years ago. They are often rude, can't provide details about the lab or doctor, and pressure you to pay immediately over the phone to avoid being taken to court or having your credit damaged.
Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), legitimate debt collectors must provide you with a written notice detailing the debt if you request it. They cannot legally threaten you with court action they do not intend to take.
"Got a call from 805-219-7011 saying I owe a $400+ medical bill for lab work. I have insurance that covers that 100%. He wanted to offer me a reduced amount... He said if I didn't pay today I would receive a notice to appear in court."
Scammers impersonating customer service from Facebook, Google, or Amazon claim your account is compromised or that they need to issue you a refund. To "fix" the problem, they instruct you to go to a store like Walmart, purchase hundreds of dollars in Google Play or Steam gift cards, and provide them with the numbers from the back.
Gift cards are for gifts, not payments. No legitimate business or government agency will ever ask you to pay a fee or receive a refund with a gift card. Once you give a scammer the code, your money is gone and cannot be recovered.
"They are posing as facebook customer service. They instructed me to purchase $1,400 dollars worth of Google play cards in $100.00 increments (which they said facebook would refund me); that they needed to verify the 16 digit numbers on back of cards..."
While browsing online, a malicious popup freezes your phone's screen, creating an endless loop of prompts forcing you to call a specific 805 number. The message often claims your phone is "hacked" and that the number belongs to "Apple support," preventing you from closing the browser or using your phone.
Apple and other tech companies will never lock your browser with a popup and force you to call them. This is a malicious script from a compromised website designed purely to scare you into calling scammers who will then try to steal your money or personal information.
"Website malware popup forced my phone into an endless loop of attempted call prompts to call this number. Had to force shutdown my iPhone to get rid of it. Also deleted the Firefox browser from my phone."
Residents are receiving urgent text messages that appear to be from major banks like Chase or Citizens Bank. The texts often contain a fake "authorization code" and a suspicious link, warning you to "take action here if you didn't request this code." These links lead to phishing sites designed to steal your banking login credentials.
Banks will never send you a link in a text message to resolve a security alert or verify your identity. They will always instruct you to log into your account directly through their official website or app.
"Got a text message saying it was a Bank Alert, see details below: Citizens Bank Alert: Your authorization code is 501546. Take action here if you didn't request this code www.jpmchasbnkly.bar/Vo2Ut"
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 805 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in California, United States. Area code 805 is a general purpose code that has been in service since January 1, 1957.
Most common 805 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 805 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: