The 859 area code is being used for Social Security identity theft scams and auto warranty calls. Callers claim your social security number is compromised to panic you into sharing private information.
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 859 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Kentucky (Covington, Richmond) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 859 scams based on user comments:
This is a particularly aggressive scam targeting Kentuckians where a robotic voice claims "criminal activity" has been tied to your Social Security Number. Callers often threaten you with immediate arrest or legal action, sometimes claiming your SSN was used fraudulently at the "southern border of Texas," to scare you into calling back and speaking with a fake "officer" or "agent."
The Social Security Administration primarily communicates through U.S. Mail. They will never call to threaten you with arrest, and they do not suspend Social Security numbers over the phone.
"Left a voicemail message saying that there was criminal activity tied to my social security number and to call them back before I was arrested."
You'll receive frequent, often daily, robocalls warning that your vehicle's warranty is "about to expire." These calls are designed to sound urgent and often come from numbers that look local to Kentucky towns like Warsaw or Florence, tricking you into answering what you think is a local call.
These calls are not from your car's manufacturer. They are from third-party sellers using high-pressure tactics to sell expensive and often worthless extended service contracts that are not true warranties.
"Spam “car warranty is about to expire”. Called 4 times in a row, would not leave a voicemail, when I answered it’s a recorded message about trying to reach me about my car warranty."
Scammers call claiming a "claim has been filed" or that "papers have been filed in court against me." They create a sense of panic by threatening to serve you with papers at your "resident or place of employment" unless you immediately verify your name, address, and Social Security number.
Official process servers do not call ahead to warn you; they are paid to show up unannounced. Furthermore, legitimate debt collectors are required by federal law to provide you with written validation of a debt if you request it.
"Said I had 2 pending issues with them and threatened to come to my house and my place of employment. Pretty sure this is terroristic threatening."
This scam starts with a robocall claiming your "computer support has expired" and that your credit card will be automatically charged, often a specific amount like "$199" or "$299," to renew the service. Their goal is to panic you into pressing 1 to cancel, which connects you to a scammer who will attempt to gain remote access to your computer.
Legitimate tech companies like Microsoft will not cold-call you about an expiring subscription. They do not monitor your computer for viruses and then call you to offer help; you must initiate contact with them.
"Received a robocall saying my computer support is being automatically renewed for $199."
You may get a call about a suspicious, high-value purchase made with your Amazon account, such as an "Apple iPhone 11 pro." The automated message instructs you to press 1 to cancel the order, connecting you with a scammer who will then try to steal your account login or credit card details.
Amazon does not call customers to confirm orders or security issues. Official notifications are sent via email and through their secure app and website, never through an unsolicited, threatening phone call.
"Left a message stating the following: 'Order placed for Apple iPhone 11 pro using your Amazon account if you do not authorize this order press one or press two to authorize this order.'"
Callers using names like "Karen Anderson" or "Becky from student services" will contact you about your "federal student loan." They falsely claim that "guidelines have changed" and that you are eligible for a special loan forgiveness program, all in an effort to get your personal information or charge you bogus fees.
The Department of Education and its official loan servicers do not make unsolicited calls with special offers. All legitimate federal loan forgiveness programs are free to apply for through official government channels.
"SCAM 'urgently need to speak about options for repayment of your federal student loan since guidelines have changed'. I do not now nor have I ever had a federal student loan!"
Scammers in the 859 area code are calling residents asking for donations to fake police or firefighter funds, sometimes using names like the "America Police Officer's Alliance." They may ask for specific tiered donations, such as a "$1000 (gold), a $500 (silver) or a $250 (bronze) donation," and pressure you for your debit card number over the phone.
Reputable law enforcement and firefighter organizations do not solicit donations through cold calls. Scammers often use names that sound official to trick you into believing they are a legitimate charity.
"They say they are part of the US police force... and want a $1000 (gold), a $500 (silver) or a $250 (bronze) donation to the police force and wanted my companies debit card or my personal debit card."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 859 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Kentucky, United States. Area code 859 is a general purpose code that has been in service since April 1, 2000.
Most common 859 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 Kentucky, or have a 859 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 Kentucky area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: