Fake business development calls and lawsuit threats are common with the 831 area code. Fraudsters try to trick business owners or scare individuals with claims of legal action.
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 831 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof California (Salinas, Santa Cruz, Watsonville) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 831 scams based on user comments:
Scammers call local businesses claiming to be from a government agency like the "State of Pennsylvania Business Development" or the "New Zealand Business Economic development office." Using names like "Tanya" or "Tyler Johnson," they aggressively ask if your company has found a new office, when you plan to move, and how many employees you have.
Official state or city economic development agencies do not cold-call businesses using out-of-state numbers to ask for sensitive information. They communicate through official channels and will never get hostile or hang up when asked for verification.
"I first had a man call asking all about our company moving offices. He claimed to be from the Arizona Economic Development division. He had chickens going off in the background. He was asking pushy questions and how many people worked in the office and when we were moving. I said call me back from your office, there are chickens in the background like a farm yard."
These callers use fear tactics, claiming you are being sued or that there's a case against you. They threaten that your bank account and property will be seized, you'll go to jail for years, and will be responsible for lawyer's fees unless you comply. In some cases, they demand you get an online loan for thousands of dollars immediately.
You will never be first notified of a legitimate lawsuit, arrest warrant, or legal action through an aggressive phone call. Official notifications are delivered through mail or by an in-person process server, not by a stranger yelling over the phone.
"They claim they are a law firm for a bank and u have to pay thousands of dollars to keep from going to jail. Then got into a screaming match so I hung up and she had the nerve to call back and say I was going to jail for 5 years for not paying a bank that I never had in the first place."
You'll receive a robocall or live call stating your Social Security Number has been "frozen" or used in fraudulent activity. The caller, often speaking broken English, will then pressure you to provide your SSN, name, and address to "prevent a lawsuit and arrest."
The Social Security Administration will never call you to threaten your benefits or tell you to wire money, send cash, or put money on gift cards. They communicate through official, mailed correspondence.
"Said my social security number was frozen. Scammer!!!"
A recorded message informs you that a subscription for a service like Microsoft, Norton 360, or Geek Squad is being renewed. The message claims a charge, often for "$299," will be automatically deducted from your account and instructs you to call a number to unsubscribe or get a refund.
Legitimate companies like Microsoft or Norton do not use threatening robocalls for subscription renewals. The goal of this scam is to get you on the phone with a fake "refund department" to steal your financial information.
"It is a scam they state your acct. with Microsoft is going to be charged $299.00 for services if you don't call them back ! keep calling constantly !!!!!!"
This is a persistent robocall, sometimes from "Vanessa calling from dealer services," warning that your car's warranty is about to expire. The message creates a sense of urgency, telling you not to make the "costly mistake" of driving without coverage and to press a number to speak with a "warranty specialist."
These calls are from third-party sellers, not your car's manufacturer or dealer. They often use inaccurate information and high-pressure tactics to sell overpriced and often useless service contracts.
"Hi. This is Vanessa calling from dealer services.... Is there no way to stop these a-holes from calling the house, the cell, the office and the office cell not to mention the shop - 5-6 times daily?"
Callers like "Jordan" will claim you are part of a PG&E rebate program or that the state has set aside billions for "clean energy upgrades." They will try to get your bank account information for a direct deposit rebate or pressure you into signing up for services like solar, exterior paint, or new windows.
While energy rebates are real, PG&E will not cold-call you to ask for your bank account information. These programs have a formal application process that you must initiate through official, secure websites.
"The person who called me declared himself Jordan and said I'm a part of a PG&E rebate program. He was gonna have to get my bank account information (to get the rebate deposit?) but I DON'T have a PG&E account (my roommate does) so I know it's a scam right away."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 831 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in California, United States. Area code 831 is a general purpose code that has been in service since July 11, 1998.
Most common 831 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 831 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: