The 845 area code is targeted by fake tech support scams involving Microsoft and Apple. Callers claim your computer has a virus or your iCloud is breached to gain remote access to your device.
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 845 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof New York (New City, Poughkeepsie, Spring Valley) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 845 scams based on user comments:
Residents in the 845 area are receiving fraudulent emails pretending to be from Microsoft. These emails falsely claim you have purchased or renewed a subscription for "Windows Defender" for amounts like $399.99 and that the charge will be auto-debited. The scam is designed to panic you into calling the provided 845 phone number to "cancel," where they will then attempt to gain remote access to your computer and steal your banking information.
Windows Defender is a free antivirus program that comes built-in with the Windows operating system. Microsoft does not sell it as a separate subscription for hundreds of dollars and will never use a Gmail account to send official invoices.
"I called the number in the email to cancel and the longer I was on the phone the more it sounded phoney and I told him so and he hung up on me. ... The guy on the phone was in a boiler room (you could hear in background all the voices) he had an Indian accent and kept telling me to 'listen' It was rude and he insisted on accessing my home computer."
This is a high-volume robocall campaign targeting New York residents, even those who don't own any Apple products. A recorded message, sometimes from a "Molly," repeatedly calls—often 10-15 times in just a few hours—claiming your iCloud account has a security breach. The goal is to scare you into pressing 1 to speak with a "technician" who will then try to phish for your personal information or convince you to buy gift cards.
Apple will never call you unsolicited to warn about a security breach. This type of notification would come directly on your device or via an official email, and they would never ask you to resolve a security issue by purchasing gift cards.
"Nine calls so far today with 5 minute to 25-30 minute intervals about my Apple account that has a security breach and or cloud. I have no Apple devices. These people can drive you crazy, don't let them and don't talk to them."
Scammers are leaving intimidating, pre-recorded voicemails claiming to be from the IRS or Department of Treasury. These messages falsely state that the government is filing a lawsuit against you for tax fraud or tax evasion and that an arrest warrant has been issued. They use threatening language, such as warning that the case will go into your "permanent records," to scare you into calling them back immediately.
The real IRS will never call you to demand immediate payment, nor will they call about taxes owed without first having mailed you multiple official bills. They absolutely do not threaten to bring in local police for your arrest over the phone.
"Left prerecorded message stating that I did not respond to something and it is being considered intentional fraud and a case will be filed against me... Recording made to sound intimidating but did not use proper grammer expected from an educated individual."
This robocall scam uses a recorded message to inform you that your Social Security Number (SSN) has been flagged for "suspicious fraudulent activities." The message threatens that your SSN will be suspended or permanently blocked unless you immediately press 1 to speak with an "officer" or call back the provided number. This is a tactic to steal your SSN and other personal information.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) does not suspend Social Security numbers, ever. The SSA will also never call you to demand payment or threaten you. They communicate through official, mailed correspondence.
"Robo call saying my social has been flagged as leaving a suspicious trail of fradulent activities, that its time sensitive and urgent and I shoudl call before my social security number is suspended. Bitch please...."
Scammers are calling 845 numbers, often late at night or in the pre-dawn hours, with a recorded message claiming you've won the Publishers Clearing House grand prize. They'll promise extravagant winnings like "$18.5 million," a "2020 Gee class Mercedes Benz SUV," and "$7,000 every week for life." The goal is to get you to call back, at which point they will demand a fee or tax payment to "release" your non-existent prize.
Publishers Clearing House never calls winners in advance to notify them of a major prize win; they famously show up on your doorstep with a big check. Furthermore, it is illegal to require a fee to collect winnings from a legitimate sweepstakes.
"Called at 3:00 a.m. I thought it was an emergency so I shot straight up out of bed. These scammers should be fined big time."
Callers are falsely claiming to be from local New York utility companies like Central Hudson, Orange & Rockland (O&R), or NYSEG. Scammers may try to get you to switch to a third-party energy supplier under false pretenses or claim you are owed a "refund check" to trick you into revealing information from your utility bill. Some callers are spoofing the official Central Hudson phone number to appear legitimate.
While third-party energy suppliers are real, they often use deceptive and high-pressure tactics. Your utility company will not call you to demand information from your bill in order to process a refund; refunds are typically applied as credits directly to your account.
"'Jasmine' from APG called... and asked for Accounts Payable. She said they are affiliated with NYSEG and claimed we had a refund check coming to us but we would have to give them info from page 2 of our utility bill. Fortunately, we declined."
These are relentless robocalls about your car's "extended warranty." The calls often begin with an automated message, and if you engage, you are transferred to a live agent who will use high-pressure tactics to sell you an unnecessary or overpriced service plan. They frequently call about cars you haven't owned in years and will ignore requests to be removed from their list, often hanging up when confronted.
These calls are from third-party sellers, not your car's manufacturer or dealer. The "factory warranty" they mention is often long expired, and they use public records to find phone numbers associated with past vehicle purchases.
"This says it's about car repair insurance. I waited on the line one day, when someone came on they asked my name because my information didn't come over with the phone call. When I told her I'd been getting all these calls 5-6 a day I wanted my number removed she hung up on me. I still continue to get the calls."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 845 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 845 is a general purpose code that has been in service since June 5, 2000.
Most common 845 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 845 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: