The 865 area code is frequently used for fake legal threats and annoying auto warranty robocalls. Callers claim you are being sued or that your car coverage is ending to get your credit card number.
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 865 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Tennessee (Knoxville, Oak Ridge, Maryville) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 865 scams based on user comments:
Residents in the Knoxville area are receiving intimidating calls from scammers pretending to be debt collectors or legal officials. They often threaten to serve you with papers at your home or work, mention a "complaint" filed against you, and may even contact your family members to create a sense of panic. Callers might use names like "Carrie McNeil" or "Brian Baker" and try to pressure you into paying for a non-existent debt, such as an old payday loan.
Real process servers do not call ahead to warn you; their job is to deliver legal documents in person without prior notice. Any call threatening to serve papers is almost certainly a scam tactic designed to scare you into paying.
"Keep getting calls from this number to call back with a case number. Also calls my family members trying to locate me, said they will come to my house and employment. Reporting to the police."
These are relentless robocalls and high-pressure sales calls about your car's extended warranty. Scammers frequently state it's a "final courtesy call" to create false urgency. Some callers, like one who identified herself as "Jackie" from a "warranty co." or "Toyota Underwriters," can become rude or hostile if you question them or ask to be removed from their list.
Your vehicle's manufacturer will not call you to sell you an extended warranty; they communicate through official mail. These callers are third-party companies with no affiliation to your car's brand, and they often use deceptive tactics to sell overpriced or worthless service plans.
"I have had 7 calls from this number in the last 3 days about my car warranty or credit card. Why can't the gov do something to stop these calls and Charter does not offer a way to block these calls."
This is a particularly dangerous scam targeting East Tennessee residents who may be customers of First Horizon Bank (formerly First Tennessee). Callers spoof a local 865 number and use employee names like "Rita," "Brandon," or "Heather." They claim to be from the bank and will ask for your account number or Social Security number to "look up your account," often regarding a fake overdue "business loan."
Your bank will never call you out of the blue and ask for your full account number or Social Security number. They already have this information. If they need to contact you, they will typically ask you to verify recent transactions or advise you to visit a local branch.
"Guy asked me if my number was xxx-xxx-xxxx I answered yes, he stated that he needed my 'account' information - I told him I did not have it and he asked for my social - I gave it (BIG MISTAKE DO NOT MAKE THIS MISTAKE) - tried to tell me I was 1100.00 behind on my 'business loan' - I don't have business loan...had to place credit freeze on all three credit bureaus."
These scams prey on fears about essential government benefits. One common robocall claims your "Social Security account has been suspended" due to misuse and instructs you to press 1. Another variation involves telemarketers trying to sell you Medicare-related items you didn't ask for, like a "back brace," or review your "Medicare Part A & B plan."
The Social Security Administration will never call to threaten you or suspend your number. They communicate through official, mailed correspondence. Similarly, Medicare will not call you to sell you products; unsolicited calls for medical equipment are a known fraud tactic.
"Automated call claiming to be from some unspecified police department claiming misuse of a Social Security number. Message had grammatical errors so I doubt it was from inside the U.S. and was spoofing caller ID."
Scammers are impersonating major companies like Apple, Amazon, Microsoft, and Norton to trick you. They may call claiming your Apple or Amazon account was hacked and used to purchase expensive items like an "iMac and Airpods" or a "Dell Inspiron Laptop." Others pose as Microsoft support claiming your computer is "infected," or send fake Norton renewal emails with a number to call for a refund.
Amazon and Apple will not call you about suspicious purchases; they will notify you via email or through their official app. Microsoft does not make unsolicited calls to tell you your computer has a virus. These are all tactics to gain access to your accounts or computer.
"Automated voice stated an iMac and Airpods were purchased on my Amazon account in the amount $1526. If you did not make this purchase please press 1 to dispute the charge. Very cleaver."
Many Knoxville-area residents are being bombarded with unwanted calls and texts from people claiming they want to buy their property for cash. These callers, sometimes using names like "Alec" or "Tyler," can be extremely persistent. One distressing report details how a caller named "Tyler" repeatedly harassed an elderly mother, causing her extreme distress by making her believe she was being forced to sell her home.
While some real estate investors do make cold calls, legitimate professionals will identify themselves and their company and will not harass you after you decline. The high volume and aggressive nature of these calls are hallmarks of a scam or a disreputable "house flipping" operation.
"Keeps calling my elderly mother and saying he wants to buy her home. She thinks we are making her sell her house and is hysterical after his call. Literally crying and wringing her hands... These people are scum."
A specific scam is targeting KUB customers in the Knoxville area. A caller, sometimes using the name "Jon Gonzales," will claim to be a KUB employee. They'll state you haven't paid your bill in months and that your power will be disconnected in under 30 minutes unless you make an immediate payment, often through a specific mobile app.
KUB provides multiple notices by mail before any service disconnection and will never demand immediate payment over the phone using a specific app or gift card to avoid a shut-off. The extreme urgency and specific payment method are classic signs of a utility scam.
"A Jon Gonzales claimed that he worked for KUB (Knoxville Utility Board) in Knoxville, TN. He claimed that I had not paid my electric bill in two months and as a result was going to cut off my power within 10 minutes if I didn't pay my bill using a special AP on an IPHONE."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 865 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Tennessee, United States. Area code 865 is a general purpose code that has been in service since November 1, 1999.
Most common 865 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 Tennessee, or have a 865 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 Tennessee area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: