Scammers using the 817 area code frequently threaten Social Security arrests and fake lawsuits. They claim your bank account is frozen or court papers are on the way to panic you.
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 817 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Texas (Fort Worth, Arlington, Grand Prairie) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 817 scams based on user comments:
Scammers pretending to be from the Social Security Administration call with urgent, terrifying news. They claim there's "criminal activity" or "fraudulent use" linked to your SSN and threaten you with immediate arrest by the "local county sheriff," freezing your bank accounts, and suspending your Social Security number unless you call them back. Some callers identify themselves with common names like "Ryan Smith" to sound more official.
The Social Security Administration will never call you to threaten arrest or demand immediate payment. They primarily communicate via U.S. mail and will not suspend your number over the phone.
"I just got a call that they are going to freeze my bank accounts, social security number and that the local sheriff is going to come arrest me for serious allegations."
Callers aggressively claim to be process servers, compliance officers, or from a mediation firm, threatening to serve you with legal documents at your home or workplace. They often use fake case numbers and mention Tarrant or Johnson County to sound local. To appear credible, they may mention the names of your relatives and end the call abruptly with the phrase, "You have officially been notified."
Real process servers are paid to find you and serve documents in person without prior notice or threats. They do not call ahead to warn you, discuss case details, or demand payment over the phone.
"My wife just got several threatening calls from this person too. He said his name was Kevin Lee, and that he was coming to take our kids, and take my wife into custody. I rushed home from work, and when he called again, he demanded I put my wife on the phone."
You'll receive frequent robocalls and calls from live agents from the "Auto Warranty Department" or "Vehicle Service Department" claiming your car's warranty is expiring. They use high-pressure tactics to sell you an expensive and often useless extended service plan, sometimes for a car you don't even own anymore.
These calls are not from your car's manufacturer (like Kia or Nissan) or your dealership. They are from unrelated third-party telemarketers who often have no information about your actual vehicle or its warranty status.
"They call night and day no matter how many times I tell them no. They want me to extend the warranty on our Kia. I will never buy another one after all this. Car is fine, these people are nuts!"
This scam arrives via text message, falsely claiming "THE DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY" or "TWC" (Texas Workforce Commission) is giving a one-time payment of $4,800 to all Texas or American families. To get the money, you're instructed to text a specific "paying agent" like "Kevan Hill" or "Curtiss Breeding" to verify your identity.
The U.S. Treasury and the Texas Workforce Commission do not send random text messages to distribute funds or benefits. All official government aid is handled through official government websites and established, secure procedures, not by texting an agent named Kevan.
"THE DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY IS PAYING OUT A ONE-TIME PAYMENT OF $4,800 TO ALL AMERICA CITIZENS. VERIFY YOU IDENTITY TO QUALIFY FOR THE AMERICAN RESUE PLAN ACT OF 2021. TEXT YOUR PAYING AGENT KEVAN HILL. ( 817-242-3821 ) TEXT ONLY !!!"
You get a robocall claiming to be from Microsoft Support, Amazon, or Apple, warning that your subscription is about to auto-renew for a large amount, such as $299 or $395. The recording threatens that this amount will be deducted from your bank account unless you call them back immediately to cancel the service.
Companies like Microsoft and Amazon do not use threatening robocalls to notify you of renewals. All billing and subscription information is managed through your secure online account portal, and they will not call to demand payment or cancellation.
"Caller ID showed 'Alvarado', but the recording said that they were from Microsoft Support Team. The robot message said that my MS subscription will be renewed and $299 will be deducted from my bank account unless I call this number."
You receive persistent, unsolicited calls and texts from individuals claiming to be a "DFW Investor" often using names like "Mike," "Kenzie," or "Stephanie Dallas." They state they want to buy your house, sometimes mentioning your specific address or zip code, and promise to pay all cash and close quickly.
While some investors do buy homes for cash, reputable ones typically do not rely on aggressive cold-calling and texting campaigns that border on harassment. These calls are often from wholesalers looking to get your property under contract for a low price before selling that contract to another buyer.
"Spamming texts that read 'I'm Kenzie a DFW Investor and I am looking to buy 2 more homes in this zip. Have you thought about selling? How soon would you want to close?'"
These robocalls claim that due to new government programs or the end of pandemic relief, you are now eligible for student loan forgiveness or cancellation. They create a false sense of urgency, warning that failure to act could lead to "wage garnishment and tax offset," and direct you to call them back to complete your application.
The Department of Education does not use third-party companies to call you about loan forgiveness. Legitimate programs are available for free through your loan servicer and official government websites, and they will never call to threaten you.
"Hi this is Amanda Connor calling from student loan services I'm calling to go over the forgiveness program being offered by the Department of education repayment of student loans will begin soon so we need to hear from you as soon as possible delaying this process may cause wage garnishment and tax all set you can reach us at 817-345-0891 thank you…"
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 817 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Texas, United States. Area code 817 is a general purpose code that has been in service since January 1, 1953.
Most common 817 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 Texas, or have a 817 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 Texas area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: