Fake arrest warrants and aggressive debt collectors are the main issues with the 838 area code. Callers threaten you with jail time or financial ruin if you do not pay them immediately.
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 838 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof New York (Albany, Schenectady, Troy) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 838 scams based on user comments:
Residents in New York's Capital Region are receiving threatening robocalls and live calls from individuals pretending to be from the Social Security Administration. They falsely claim there is "suspicious activity" on your SSN, that it was used for fraudulent crimes in Texas, or that a warrant has been issued for your arrest. They will threaten that "social security deputy officers are waiting for my call back" and may even say they will come to your home to arrest you.
The Social Security Administration will never call you to threaten you with arrest or demand payment. They conduct official business via U.S. mail, not through menacing phone calls.
"I was actually standing in the bank... I get this phone call they claim to be the Social Security office that there was a warrant out for my arrest and that they were going to come to my home and arrest me. The teller at the bank I just said I don't get this she said I went to scam just hang up so I did."
Scammers are calling local numbers claiming you have an outstanding debt. These callers are described as extremely unprofessional and rude, using aggressive tactics to fish for your personal information. When questioned, they refuse to provide legitimate details about the supposed debt and will not mail you any documentation, instead threatening to "see you in court" before hanging up.
Under federal law (the FDCPA), legitimate debt collectors must provide you with a written validation notice upon your request. Threatening to take you to court without the intent or ability to do so is an illegal tactic.
"When I inquired on my so called debt I was treated by unprofessional and very rude people. I asked them to please send me something in the mail before I pay any money. She said she could email it to me but needed my email. I told her I don't give out my email and she said 'okay I'll see you in court' and she hung up on me."
This scam starts with a call or message claiming an unauthorized purchase has been made on one of your accounts. Specific examples include a charge for an "apple phone" or a "$299.00 for Norton Life Lock." The scammer's goal is to get you on the phone and convince you to grant them remote access to your computer to "process a refund," which allows them to steal your financial and personal information.
Legitimate companies do not need remote access to your computer to process a refund. All refunds are handled through their secure payment systems, usually by reversing the original transaction.
"received with this number attached 838-800-2509 with message i was being charged $299.00 for Norton Life Lock that i never purchased...They wanted to get into my computer to refund money. I knew then this was wrong .."
Scammers are calling from spoofed numbers but provide a real callback number (like 838-333-3734) to appear legitimate. They may claim to be from "Visa HQ" or "Discover" and offer to eliminate your credit card debt. When pressed for details like a company website, they make excuses and hang up.
Your credit card company will not call you from a random number to offer special debt elimination programs. These are almost always scams designed to get your card number and personal information.
"Definitely a scam re: debt elimination. Very well done, they gave me this phone number to call back, but told me they were calling from Visa HQ in Foster City, CA."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 838 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in New York, United States. Area code 838 is a general purpose code that has been in service since September 19, 2017.
Most common 838 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 New York, or have a 838 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 New York area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: