Callers from the 813 area code often threaten fake lawsuits and claim to be process servers delivering papers. They use fear of the court system to pressure you into paying money immediately.
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 813 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Florida (Tampa, Brandon, Town 'n' Country) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 813 scams based on user comments:
Residents in the Tampa Bay area are receiving alarming robocalls, often with the Caller ID spoofed to read "OnStar Operations," threatening that a legal complaint is being filed against them in their county. Scammers claim they need to verify your address to serve you, may threaten to contact your HR department, and provide a fake case number with an out-of-state callback number like 302-444-0310.
Real process servers do not call ahead to warn you or ask to verify your address; their job is to find you and serve the legal papers in person without prior notice.
"I received a call from OnStar Operations at (813) 210-9290. Caller threatens they are filing a complaint in my county and need to verify address and give a callback number. The caller ID comes up as OnStar Operations--I've never had OnStar in my life."
This scam involves a robocall or live person claiming to be from the Social Security Administration (SSA). The caller urgently states that your Social Security Number (SSN) has been "suspended" due to fraudulent activity and that legal action is being taken against you. They do this to create panic and trick you into providing your personal information.
The Social Security Administration will never call you to threaten legal action or tell you your SSN has been suspended. They primarily communicate through official U.S. Mail.
"Left a voice mail saying that there is some legal proceeding against my SSN."
A widespread robocall is telling 813 residents that `$499.00` is about to be automatically deducted from their bank account to renew a computer or software subscription, often mentioning Microsoft. The recording pressures you to call a specific number immediately to cancel the charge, which is a trick to connect you with a live scammer who will try to steal your financial information.
Legitimate companies like Microsoft handle renewals through your online account and email, not with threatening robocalls demanding you call back to avoid a phantom charge.
"Robo-voice. Said they were deducted $499 from our account to renew a computer subscription. Never heard of this and did not return their call!"
Scammers are calling Tampa Bay residents and posing as employees of Tampa Electric (TECO). They create a false emergency, claiming your electricity bill is past due and your power will be shut off in 30 to 60 minutes unless you make an immediate payment over the phone.
Utility companies like TECO are required to send multiple written notices through the mail long before they disconnect service. They do not call and demand immediate payment to avoid a same-day shut-off.
"I received a robot call telling me that my TECO lights would be cut off in 30 minutes. Press 1 to speak to an advisor which I did not do. I hung up and went to the computer. I looked again after hanging up and it was paid weeks ago. Scam"
Tampa area homeowners are being bombarded with unsolicited calls and texts from people claiming to be real estate investors who want to buy their property for cash. These callers, using names like "Mary," "Alex," or "Jasmine," will often claim they were "just in the neighborhood" and may harass you, your family, and call from multiple different numbers even after you've asked them to stop.
While some investors do use cold calling, aggressive and relentless tactics that ignore Do Not Call requests are a sign of a high-pressure operation. Be especially wary of anyone asking for financial details like your mortgage balance on an unsolicited call.
"A woman named Mary left a voicemail stating she was in my neighborhood earlier today and wants to make me an offer on my house. my house isn't for sale or never has been."
This is a tricky tactic used to capture your voice. The caller will say something like, "This is Grace, hearing administrator on a recorded line. Can you hear me ok?" Their only goal is to get you to say the word "Yes." That recording of your voice can then be used to fraudulently authorize charges or sign you up for services you never wanted.
There is no legitimate reason for a business to need to record you saying "yes" at the very beginning of a call. This is purely a setup for a potential scam.
"Answered, they said they were a local electrician servicing the local area and I was on a recorded line could I hear them Ok, and I fell for it I said 'Yes' and they hung up! Now they have me sayin yes to use out of context."
Scammers are calling and pretending to be debt collectors, often for debts that are extremely old (from as far back as 2005), don't exist, or belong to someone else. They use high-pressure tactics, threatening to take you to court or garnish your wages if you don't pay immediately over the phone, and may refuse to tell you what company they work for.
Legitimate debt collectors are required by federal law to provide you with a written validation notice that details the debt upon your request. Any collector who refuses to do so is almost certainly a scammer.
"Called advised I had outstanding debt from 2005. Threatened to have me brought to court"
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 813 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Florida, United States. Area code 813 is a general purpose code that has been in service since January 1, 1953.
Most common 813 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 Florida, or have a 813 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 Florida area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: