The 814 area code is frequently used for Social Security suspension threats and fake tech support renewals. Callers claim your identity is stolen or your computer has a virus to access your bank account.
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 814 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Pennsylvania (Erie, Altoona, State College) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 814 scams based on user comments:
Residents in Central and Western Pennsylvania are receiving aggressive robocalls claiming to be from the "Social Security department." These callers, often with foreign accents, falsely state that there has been fraudulent activity with your Social Security Number and that your SSN is being suspended. They use these threats to try and steal your personal information.
The Social Security Administration will never call you to threaten suspending your number or demand immediate payment. They primarily communicate through official, mailed letters. Any unsolicited call threatening your benefits is a scam.
"Received a phone call from this number claiming that my ss# was being trailed as a criminal activity and that my ss# has been suspended. I will report this to SSA."
This scam involves a robocall claiming a large charge is about to be processed from companies like VTech, Geek Squad, Amazon, or McAfee for a subscription renewal. They often mention specific amounts like $399 or $1,400 for products such as an iPhone, hoping you'll panic and call back to "cancel" the order, at which point they'll try to get your credit card or remote access to your computer.
Legitimate companies do not use threatening robocalls to notify you of a charge. Renewal notices are typically sent via email, and you would never need to call a strange number to cancel an order you didn't place.
"SCAM! VTech Solutions, Ebensburg, PA robo call. A pre-recorded message said: they are charging me for a security subscription $399. Wants me to call them back at 1-814-419-3873. Don't fall for this scheme."
Scammers are calling 814 numbers posing as debt collectors or a "locating service," making serious threats of legal action. They create a sense of urgency by claiming they are about to "serve papers" at your home or work, have a "judgment" against you, or will initiate "wage attachments." Their goal is to scare you into paying a fake debt immediately.
Real process servers do not call you ahead of time to warn you they are coming; they just show up. Legitimate debt collectors must provide official validation of the debt in writing upon request.
"Yes, got recorded message Beaverdale PA 814.377.0792 threatened regarding some civil claim. I’ve gotten plenty of these every month with threats to come to my job and have witnesses available. BS"
Callers are aggressively targeting Pennsylvania residents, falsely claiming to be from your local power company like Penelec or West Penn Power. They often use high-pressure tactics, stating you have "power overages" or that your rates will increase. Many of these calls are an attempt to switch you to a different energy provider, like a company called "NTHERM," without your full consent.
Your official utility provider will not cold-call you to discuss "overages" or use high-pressure tactics to get you to switch providers. These marketing companies often mislead you into thinking they are your current provider.
"This number seems to come from an entity called NTHERM... These people take phone harassment to a new level. They call over and over again in rapid succession. I have an answering machine and they called a dozen times in a ten minute period and left no message."
These are frequent robocalls claiming it is your "final courtesy call" about your car's expiring warranty. The calls are designed to sound urgent to trick you into buying an expensive and often unnecessary extended service plan. They will call repeatedly from many different 814 numbers even after you've asked to be removed from their list.
These calls are not from your car's manufacturer or dealership. They are from third-party telemarketers who often use deceptive tactics to sell their service plans.
"repeat calls attempting to sell me additional warranty coverage for my vehicle, and I again said I am not interested and remove my name from your call list."
People across the area are receiving calls about student loan payments and forgiveness programs, often from a person identifying himself as "David Reynolds." The message claims an application is in "pending status" because required documents were never received, creating pressure to call back immediately before the "programs go away."
Official information about student loan forgiveness comes directly from the U.S. Department of Education or your loan servicer, not from unsolicited calls from a generic "student loan center."
"Hi it looks like I missed you again this is David Reynolds _?_ the student loan center and I'm really sorry to keep bothering you but we're really not sure how to handle your previous request regarding a student loan payments and forgiveness program... we never got the required documents so it's still in a pending status..."
Scammers are calling pretending to be "Medicare advisors" or from "Senior Care." They might claim your paper Medicare card is no longer valid or ask if they can "hear you" to record your voice saying "yes." The goal is often to get your Medicare number or other personal details to commit insurance fraud or sell you subpar insurance plans.
Medicare will never call you uninvited to ask for personal information or sell you anything. Official representatives will not threaten that your current card is expiring over the phone.
"I believe this was a Social Security Scam. Burns me up! Said our paper red, white, and blue Medicare card would no longer be good as of January 1. Wanted to send the 'new' one. Wanted to confirm my address. I told him I believed it was a scam and hung up."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 814 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Pennsylvania, United States. Area code 814 is a general purpose code that has been in service since January 1, 1947.
Most common 814 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 Pennsylvania, or have a 814 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 Pennsylvania area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: