The 832 area code is heavily used for Social Security arrest hoaxes and fake process server threats. Callers pretend to be law enforcement or court officials to intimidate you into paying a fee.
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 832 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Texas (Houston, Pasadena, Pearland) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 832 scams based on user comments:
Residents in the Houston area are receiving threatening robocalls claiming that "legal enforcement action" has been filed against their Social Security Number for fraudulent activity. These callers, sometimes answering the phone as the "Social Security Administration," falsely warn that your SSN and driver's license will be suspended and an arrest warrant will be issued if you don't call them back immediately.
The Social Security Administration will never call and threaten you with arrest or demand immediate payment. They primarily communicate through U.S. mail and will not suspend your number over the phone.
"My husband rcv’d a call and now I did. Claiming suspicious activity on my social security number. To call back that number. If I don’t call back they will issue an arrest warrant. Such a scam!"
This aggressive scam involves callers pretending to be process servers or investigators, using names like "Adrian" or "Investigator Winters." They claim they are about to serve you with legal documents at your home or work, often between specific hours like 3-5 PM. They threaten lawsuits and wage garnishment over old or fictitious debts, providing a fake "case number" (often starting with "AB") to make the threat seem official.
Legitimate process servers do not call you in advance to warn you. Their job is to deliver legal documents in person, and giving a warning would allow you to avoid them. Furthermore, they cannot "settle" a case over the phone.
"She stated that she was a process server, provided a case number starting with AB, and told me that she would come to my house or job around 3-5pm on Monday to serve the subpoena. She explained if I was not there to receive the documents, she would document it as a direct refusal and my court case would go on with me."
Scammers are sending texts and leaving voicemails claiming to be from Apple, McAfee, or Dell. They use scare tactics, such as stating your "iCloud account has been breached" or that you were charged "$499.99 for antivirus subscription." The goal is to trick you into clicking a malicious link or calling a fraudulent support number to steal your personal and financial information.
Major tech companies like Apple will not use robocalls or unsolicited texts to inform you of account issues. Legitimate security alerts are sent via email to your address on file or through secure notifications within their official apps.
"SCAM-Dear customer this is Olivia from Apple support we have found some suspicious activities in your i Cloud account that your i Cloud account has been breached before using any Apple device please contact Apple Support advisor..."
Houston residents are being targeted with unsolicited texts and calls from people claiming to be local investors. Using names like "Travis & Mayra," "Kayla," or "Mark Alexander," they often know your name and address and push for a "quick AS-IS sale" or a "Cashh" offer, continuing to harass you even after you've declined.
While some legitimate investors use cold-calling, scammers use this tactic to gather personal information or pressure homeowners into selling their property for far less than its market value. A reputable professional will respect your request to be removed from their contact list.
"Hi, Alexis, your place at ____ __ ___ __ is in an area my wife and I were l00king in. Would you be open to a quick AS-IS sale? Cashh of course. We will take care of any repairs needed if any. No fees>>>>>> Let me know when you can. ???? ....Travis & Mayra"
Local real estate agents are receiving voicemails from individuals named "James," "Rob Benton," or "Alex" claiming to be from "Police Dot News." They state they are looking for a real estate professional to whom they can refer local police officers who are looking to buy or sell homes. This is a tactic to sell expensive and low-quality leads.
This is not an official law enforcement referral service. It is a widely reported national scam that targets real estate agents, attempting to sell them leads under the guise of supporting local police.
"Had a missed call and voice message from yesterday 2/24/2021 at 959am HST. Sounded like a young man. He said his name is James and calling from Police Dot News and looking for a real estate professional that he could send some police officers to if they are looking to buy or sell in my area."
This scam involves receiving an unsolicited text message that includes a picture of a "new prescription card" or "pharmacy card." The message instructs you to take the image to your pharmacy for immediate use. This is a phishing attempt to steal your personal health and insurance information.
Your health insurance provider or pharmacy will send official new cards via U.S. mail or make them accessible through their secure, official website or mobile app. They do not send legitimate insurance cards via unsolicited text messages.
"Received text from (832) 286-6282 saying I had a new prescription card as of a certain date and needed to take it to my pharmacy."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 832 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Texas, United States. Area code 832 is a general purpose code that has been in service since January 16, 1999.
Most common 832 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 832 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: