Fake legal threats and auto warranty robocalls are frequent in the 858 area code. Callers claim you have an arrest warrant or an expired car policy to pressure you into paying.
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 858 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof California (San Diego, Chula Vista, El Cajon) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 858 scams based on user comments:
Residents are receiving alarming robocalls claiming to be from a "legal department." These automated messages threaten that if you don't immediately call back, they will be "forced to take legal action against you." In some cases, callers threaten arrest over supposed complaints or unpaid taxes.
Official legal notices are not delivered via robocall. You would be served papers in person by a process server or receive a formal summons through certified mail, never through a vague, threatening phone call.
"Hello this is an important call from the legal department the very second you receive this message you need to leave your work aside and dial us back at 858-492-0102 so that we can discuss about your case and take necessary action on this matter if we don't hear from you then we will be forced to take legal action against you."
This is one of the most frequent nuisance calls in the 858 area code. You'll get a robocall about an expiring or expired auto warranty, even if you've never owned a car. If you engage, the person who picks up may become hostile when you ask for details about which warranty they are calling about.
Your vehicle's manufacturer will not contact you using aggressive robocalls to sell you an extended warranty. These calls are from third-party sellers using scare tactics to sell often overpriced or worthless service contracts.
"She said she was from the warranty department and when I asked warranty for what she became hostile and yelled at me that I wasn't cooperating and then hung up on me."
Scammers are spoofing their caller ID to say "County of San Diego" or claim to be from the Social Security Administration. They will ask you to verify your Social Security Number and Date of Birth to discuss your "case," food stamp benefits, or a supposed problem with your SSN. Callers may use official-sounding names like "Deputy Hernandez" to seem legitimate.
Government agencies like the Social Security Administration or County offices will never call you to ask for your SSN. They typically communicate through official mail and will not threaten you over the phone.
"Said they were with the county of San Diego. Couldn't tell me what they were calling me for, they asked for my SS and Birthday which I didn't give."
A widespread robocall campaign features a message from "Casey Brooks," who claims to be a "student advisor" assigned to your "federal student loan." The message falsely claims you are not in the lowest possible repayment option and that this is a "time-sensitive matter." This scam targets individuals whether they have student loans or not.
The Department of Education does not assign "student advisors" who call you directly with urgent repayment notifications. All legitimate loan relief programs are available for free through official government websites.
"Hi, this is Casey Brooks. I'm a student advisor that was recently assigned to assist you. You actually have a notification on your federal student loan that you're not in the lowest possible repayment option... it's important that you call me back as soon as possible."
Scammers are calling and pretending to be debt collectors for fake or old, expired debts. They will be very aggressive, refuse to provide details about the supposed debt, and demand your credit card or bank account information to set up a "payment agreement." Some callers falsely identify themselves as being from firms like "Midland Credit Management."
Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you have the right to receive written verification of a debt. A legitimate collector will not refuse this request and will not solely rely on aggressive phone calls and threats.
"They called stating they were a debt collector regarding my son's delinquent account. they asked for my debt card number, my son's bank account number to set up a payment agreement."
If you're a local San Diego business owner, you may receive robocalls threatening to cancel or remove your Google Business listing. The recording claims you must "update your information" or "verify" your listing to prevent it from being marked as closed. This is a tactic to sell you unnecessary SEO services.
Google will not call you with robocalls threatening to remove your business listing. Managing your free Google Business Profile is something you do yourself, and these callers are unaffiliated scammers trying to create panic.
"Is a recording telling me to update my Google business listing and threatening to cancel my Google business listing if I don't comply."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 858 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in California, United States. Area code 858 is a general purpose code that has been in service since June 12, 1999.
Most common 858 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 858 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: