The 818 area code is notorious for fake process server calls and Social Security suspension threats. Callers lie about court documents or government trouble to steal your money and information.
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 818 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof California (Los Angeles, Glendale, Burbank) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 818 scams based on user comments:
Scammers are leaving aggressive voicemails claiming a "complaint" or "case" is pending against you in LA county. They often use official-sounding names like "Vanessa from LSI" or "Celeste Harris" and provide fake case numbers to seem legitimate. These callers threaten to "actively pursue your place of employment and your residence" if you do not respond immediately.
Real process servers do not call ahead to warn you; they are paid to locate you and serve documents in person without any prior notice. Phone calls that threaten legal action are a classic intimidation tactic used by scammers to create panic.
"Female rep left a voice mail approximately 5 times within the last two months-stated she needs me to call to verify my home and business address due to a case pending against me (yeah right)."
A robocall claims your Social Security number has been linked to "illegal" or "fraudulent activity" and is about to be suspended. The recording urges you to call a number immediately to speak with a "federal agent" to avoid arrest or further legal action.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) will never call you to threaten your benefits or demand payment. The SSA's primary method of contact is through official U.S. Mail. Any call demanding money or information to "reactivate" your SSN is a scam.
"It's a robo call saying that your social security number is about to suspended for illegal activity. They want you to call immediately to 818-279-2467. Please don't call this number."
You may receive an email or call pretending to be from a well-known tech company like Geek Squad, Norton, or Microsoft. The message falsely claims you are being charged hundreds of dollars (e.g., "$439.99 for Norton Lifelock" or "$599 for Geek Squad") for an automatic subscription renewal. When you call the provided number to cancel, they will attempt to gain remote access to your computer.
Legitimate tech support companies do not need remote access to your computer to cancel a subscription or process a refund. This is a well-known tactic used to install malware, steal your banking information, or lock you out of your own device.
"Got an email saying I've been charged $239.00 for Norton antivirus, called the number from the email and the person who answered tried to get me to allow him remote access to my computer."
This is a persistent robocall claiming your vehicle's factory warranty is expiring. The recording creates false urgency by stating this is your "final courtesy call before we close out your file" and pressures you to "press one to speak to a specialist." These calls are often spoofed to look like they are coming from a local 818 number.
These calls are not from your car's manufacturer or dealership. They are from third-party sellers trying to sell you an expensive, and often useless, extended service contract. Your actual warranty information comes directly from the manufacturer.
"Now you should have received something in the mail about that warranty and since we've not gotten a response. We're giving you a final courtesy call before we close out your file. You can press one to speak with someone..."
Residents are receiving robocalls from a fake entity called the "Administration of Energy Saving." The message claims California has set aside billions in funds to help homeowners pay for upgrades like new windows, solar panels, HVAC, and even drought-tolerant landscaping. They want you to press a number to see how much "free money" your home qualifies for.
While California does offer real energy efficiency programs, they do not use robocalls from fake "Administrations" to enroll residents. These calls are high-pressure sales pitches designed to get a salesperson in your door to sell you expensive contracts.
"This message is provided by the administration of energy saving the state has now set aside 1.3 billion dollars your home is eligible for up ????? dollars to use for clean energy upgrades for exterior paint new windows..."
Callers, often identifying themselves as "Katherine Anderson" or "Brinteny," will contact you claiming you've won a huge prize like a new car or a trip. To make the story believable, they say you won from a raffle you entered at a local spot, like a nearby mall or the Orange County Fair. The "prize" is just bait to get you to attend a sales presentation.
This is a classic lure for a timeshare or travel club sales pitch. There is no big prize. The goal is to get you into a high-pressure sales meeting where they will try to sell you a costly membership. Legitimate sweepstakes notify winners via certified mail, not with a cold call.
"Someone named Katherine saying that I won an entry form at the mall (they named the mall) and it has been processed...i moved away from that area three years ago also that mall is gross and would never go there."
This scam involves a robocall claiming to be from the IRS, stating that an "arrest warrant has been issued against you" for tax fraud or evasion. The message creates panic by saying your property is being "monitored" and demands an immediate call back to prevent legal proceedings.
The IRS's first form of contact is always through official U.S. Mail, not a phone call. The IRS will never demand immediate payment over the phone, require a specific payment method like a gift card, or threaten you with arrest by local police.
"'Notify you that IRS has issued an arrest warrant against you right now you and your physical property both are being monitored and it's very important that I do hear back from you as soon as possible before we proceed further in any legal matter.'"
A widespread tactic involves a caller leaving a deliberately vague voicemail from someone named "Amy," "Monique," or "Corey." The message offers no details, simply saying they were "hoping to speak with you" or have a "project in your area," and asks you to call back. The goal is to pique your curiosity so you return the call and engage with a telemarketer.
This is a clever trick used by sales teams, often in real estate or business lending, to get past call screening. By creating a mystery, they hope you will initiate the conversation, making it easier for them to launch into their sales pitch.
"Yesterday a girl left voicemail saying she was really hoping to hear from me today and to call back Amy …. No clue who this person is."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 818 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in California, United States. Area code 818 is a general purpose code that has been in service since January 7, 1984.
Most common 818 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 818 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: