The 816 area code is being used for fake legal threats and Evergy utility shut-off scams. Callers threaten to turn off your power or serve you court papers unless you pay them.
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 816 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Missouri (Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 816 scams based on user comments:
Scammers are calling Kansas City residents claiming to be from a "processing department" or associated with the courts. They use threatening language about filing legal action, mentioning they will actively pursue you at your home or place of employment, sometimes even referencing "Jackson County" to sound legitimate. These callers, sometimes using names like "Amy Henderson," will use your full name to sound official and pressure you into responding to resolve a fake case file.
Real process servers do not call ahead to warn you; their job is to serve you papers in person without prior notice. Courts communicate official business through the mail, not with threatening robocalls.
"This imperative message is for ************. I'm contacting you from the processing Department. I received an order for you pertaining to two pending matters. Unfortunately because I'm unable to reach you by phone. I may be actively pursuing you at your place of employment and your residence... (Name), You have been notified."
This scam targets Kansas City locals by spoofing the Caller ID to say "Evergy Energy." A robocall message claims your electricity bill is past due and your power will be shut off in 30 minutes. The goal is to create panic and rush you into making an immediate payment to the scammers before you have time to think.
Utility companies like Evergy are required to send multiple written notices by mail over a period of weeks before shutting off service. They will never call and threaten to cut your power in 30 minutes.
"2nd time he called we gave NO information to him, except that online it says our account was current. Caller said 'you look up too much online, you need to just let us scam you' and hung up."
Residents are being bombarded with unsolicited texts and calls from individuals claiming they want to buy your home for cash. These callers, often using names like "Raphael" or "Alex," may already have your address and will repeatedly contact you even if your property is not for sale. This tactic is used to pressure homeowners into selling at a low price or to gather personal information.
Legitimate real estate investors typically use more professional channels and do not harass homeowners with relentless, unsolicited text messages. These are often fishing attempts for information or predatory lowball offers.
"'Maybe: Raphael' has texted 4 days in a row wanting to buy my house and asking if it's still for sale (which it's not been). He puts our address in all text messages. I've ignored and blocked."
This widespread robocall scam claims your Social Security Number (SSN) has been "suspended" due to suspicious activity, sometimes mentioning drug trafficking or money laundering. Callers, who may use names like "Shannon Brown," will threaten you with arrest or legal action if you don't cooperate. The goal is to scare you into providing your SSN, bank account details, or other sensitive information.
The Social Security Administration will never call you to threaten your benefits or tell you that your SSN has been suspended. Government agencies primarily communicate through official U.S. mail, not threatening phone calls.
"A man called me from this number stating his name was Shannon Brown or something, and that I'm being investigated for drug trafficking and money laundering. He wanted my social. I refused to give him any info."
This scam arrives as a phishing email, not a call, claiming a free trial for a service like "Book Wonderland," "Book Paradise," or "Norton 360" is about to expire. The email states your credit card will be automatically charged a large amount, such as "$449.99." It then provides an 816 area code phone number for you to call if you wish to cancel the subscription you never signed up for.
This is a classic phishing scam. The goal is to get you to call the number in a panic, where a scammer will then try to extract your credit card number and personal information under the guise of "canceling" the fake charge.
"Received an email from [email protected]. Never heard of them. Says Dear Valuable user, but I never heard of them."
These robocalls frequently target residents with offers for "free healthcare," "senior benefits," or ways to enhance your Medicare plan. Callers may identify themselves as a "healthcare administrator" or simply launch into a sales pitch. The calls are often automated and designed to identify potential targets for more sophisticated insurance fraud.
Official Medicare representatives will never call you out of the blue to sell you products or ask for your personal information. These unsolicited calls are from private sellers or scammers, not the government.
"Always want to sign my husband up for Medicare. He already has it. Has had it for 7 years."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 816 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Missouri, United States. Area code 816 is a general purpose code that has been in service since January 1, 1947.
Most common 816 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 Missouri, or have a 816 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 Missouri area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: