Area Code 863 Scams and Spam Calls

The 863 area code is targeted by Medicare genetic testing fraud and fake process servers. Callers try to bill your insurance for unneeded tests or scare you with fake court documents.

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.

Florida Phone Number Lookups

Most Common Area Code 863 Scams

Getting calls from 863 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Florida (Lakeland, Winter Haven, Poinciana) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 863 scams based on user comments:

Medicare Genetic Testing & Equipment Scam

This aggressive scam targets Florida seniors in the 863 area code. Callers, sometimes using names like "Richard Harkaway," push for "cardiac genetic testing" that requires a mouth swab. They may already have your personal information, including your Medicare number, and falsely claim a doctor like "Dr. Elie Hercule" ordered the test or medical equipment like back and knee braces.

Warning Signs

  • Receiving a call about a "mouth swab" for genetic testing you did not request.
  • Mention of an ordering doctor you have never met.
  • Pressure to sign forms and provide your Medicare card number over the phone.
  • Unsolicited delivery of medical equipment like braces you didn't order.

Protect Yourself

  • Never give your Medicare number to someone who calls you unexpectedly.
  • Do not accept medical equipment or testing kits you did not order.
  • Contact the Senior Medicare Patrol to report suspected fraud.
  • Check your Medicare statements for any services or equipment you don't recognize.

Your doctor will not have a third-party company call you to order genetic testing. These decisions are made during an in-person appointment. Medicare will never call you to sell products or verify your personal information.

Real Victim Quote

"prior to these calls he sent herFOUR BOXES OF TOP GRADe braces for knees, back, etc. 9 in all of which was billed to medicare. claims her Dr. ordered them. So I contacted her pcp. Knows nothing of it. My mother has no heart condition. she does have alzheimers, which is why she supplied him with her medicare number."

Fake Process Server & Debt Collection Threats

Residents are receiving alarming calls and voicemails from individuals claiming to be process servers or mediators. Using names like "Nicole" or "Sophia Taylor," they threaten immediate "legal reinforcement," "garnishment of wages," and serving papers at your home or workplace unless you call back to resolve a vague "formal complaint."

Warning Signs

  • A robocall threatening you with being "served" at work.
  • Mention of a "formal complaint" without any specific details.
  • Pressure to call back immediately to stop legal action in your county.
  • The caller is rude, aggressive, and refuses to provide their company's name.

Protect Yourself

  • Do not call the number back or provide any personal information.
  • Contact your local county court clerk's office directly if you are concerned about a real lawsuit.
  • Report the number to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Legitimate process servers do not call you in advance to warn you they are coming; they show up unannounced. All official court business is conducted via U.S. Mail, not through threatening phone calls.

Real Victim Quote

"My name's Nicole calling in regards to a formal complaint that to be processed and released out to the county for immediate reinforcement against you in order to stop action. I will need to speak with you or your attorney today before this case is forwarded out to Pasco County for a request for garnishment of wages..."

Social Security Number Suspension Scam

This scam uses robocalls to create panic. The recorded message warns that "legal enforcement action" has been filed against your Social Security Number (SSN) due to suspicious activity. To avoid arrest or the suspension of your benefits, you are instructed to call a number back immediately and verify your SSN.

Warning Signs

  • An automated message threatening to suspend your SSN.
  • Any caller who asks you to provide your SSN over the phone to avoid arrest.
  • The message threatens a warrant will be issued if you do not comply.

Protect Yourself

  • Hang up immediately. This is always a scam.
  • Report the scam call to the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General.
  • Never provide your SSN to an unsolicited caller.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) will never call you to threaten your benefits or tell you your SSN has been suspended. The SSA communicates through official mail, not by phone for these matters.

Real Victim Quote

"They left a message asking me to call back and identify myself by entering the last 4 digits of my SS# & if I didn't they would issue a warrant for my arrest."

Aggressive Vehicle Warranty Robocalls

One of the most frequent complaints in the 863 area involves persistent, daily calls about your car's extended warranty. These robocalls often give a "final warning" for a vehicle you may not even own anymore. If you engage with them, callers can become verbally abusive and use profane language.

Warning Signs

  • Receiving multiple calls a day, sometimes back-to-back.
  • They mention a car you sold years ago or have never owned.
  • The caller gets verbally abusive when you say you are not interested.
  • They call from a sequence of different numbers to evade call blockers.

Protect Yourself

  • Do not press "1" to speak to someone or "9" to be removed; this just confirms your number is active.
  • Block the number without answering.
  • File a complaint with the FTC's National Do Not Call Registry.

These calls are illegal robocalls and are not from your car's manufacturer. They are fishing for personal and financial information and have no actual knowledge of your vehicle's warranty status.

Real Victim Quote

"Tried to sell Toyota warranty and got verbally abusive when we said we owned Fords, not Toyotas."

Computer Service & Software Renewal Scam

This scam involves a recorded message claiming your computer support service, often mentioning "Geek Squad," has been automatically renewed for a fee like "$249" or "$399.99." The goal is to make you panic and call back to "cancel," at which point they will try to get your credit card info or gain remote access to your computer to "process a refund."

Warning Signs

  • An unexpected automated call about a charge for a service you don't recognize.
  • The caller asks for remote access to your computer.
  • The message states a large sum of money will be deducted from your account unless you call back.

Protect Yourself

  • Hang up and do not call the number back.
  • Check your bank or credit card statements directly to verify there are no fraudulent charges.
  • Never allow an unsolicited caller to gain remote access to your computer.

Legitimate companies like Microsoft or Geek Squad do not use threatening robocalls for billing. They will never need to access your computer remotely to process a cancellation or refund.

Real Victim Quote

"Received a phone message on my landline number on Saturday 08/03/2019 from an automated male voice indicating that my account had been rebilled for $399.99 for computer technical service and to call should I wish to cancel. I have never purchased computer technical services..."

Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls

Is area code 863 a scam?

No, area code 863 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Florida, United States. Area code 863 is a general purpose code that has been in service since September 20, 1999.

What are the most common area code 863 scams?

Most common 863 scam types are:

Why do I get spam calls from area code 863?

You're likely experiencing "Neighbor Spoofing." Scammers fake their caller ID to display local or familiar numbers. If you live in or near Florida, or have a 863 phone number yourself, scammers know you're more likely to answer what appears to be a local call.

What happens if I call back a spam number?

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.

How to stop spam calls from the same area code?

There are three main ways to reduce spam calls:

  1. The Do Not Call Registry: Register your number at donotcall.gov
  2. Carrier Tools: Contact your phone carrier about their spam blocking solutions
  3. Third-Party Apps: Install spam call blocking apps that identify and filter scam numbers

Can I block all calls from a specific area code?

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.

Scams and Spam in Other Florida Area Codes

Other Florida area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: