The 872 area code is heavily used for Social Security threats and IRS tax fraud scams. Callers claim you owe back taxes or your number is linked to a crime to get your money.
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 872 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Illinois (Chicago) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 872 scams based on user comments:
This is an aggressive robocall campaign targeting Chicago residents. An automated message claims there is fraudulent activity linked to your Social Security Number and threatens you with an arrest warrant or lawsuit if you don't "press 1" to speak with an "officer" immediately. Their goal is to scare you into providing personal information.
The Social Security Administration will never call to threaten you, demand payment, or suspend your number. They initiate most contact through official U.S. mail.
"Call back and verify your Social Security number....If we don't hear a call from you will will issue an arrest warant under your name..."
Scammers leave automated voicemails claiming to be from the IRS or a "Magistrate." They will provide a fake case number and state that a tax lien has been filed against you, warning that ignoring the call will result in your arrest for tax fraud. Callers who answer the phone often have strong Indian accents and identify themselves as the IRS.
The IRS's first contact with you will always be a letter in the mail, not a threatening phone call or voicemail. They do not demand immediate payment over the phone for taxes.
"I was given a court case number and told that ignoring the message would result in tax fraud or a federal felony."
Chicago residents are receiving robocalls that your "computer services" subscription is about to renew. The message warns that your account will be "auto debited with $299.99" unless you call back to cancel the subscription and claim your refund. This is a ploy to get you on the phone, gain remote access to your computer, and steal your financial information.
Legitimate tech companies like Microsoft do not make unsolicited calls about subscription charges and will never ask for remote access to your device to process a refund. This is a well-known tactic to install malware.
"I have been getting 15 to 20 of these calls per week. It's a robocall and it tells me that they want to refund my $299.99 and if I do not call the #, they will debit my account $299.99. I have blocked the # but they call from a different # and so on. I HATE IT!!!"
This scam targets you via text message. You'll receive a fraudulent text claiming that your debit or credit card from a bank like "ChaseBank" or "Regions Bank" has been "locked." To trick you into revealing your account details, the message instructs you to call an 872 number immediately.
Your bank will never send a text message asking you to call a new, unknown number to unlock your account. All legitimate communications will direct you to their secure website or the official number printed on your card.
"Received message from ChaseBank Mobile App about a card lock and to call 872-777-8027. Scam. Blocked."
These are relentless robocalls and live calls about extending your car's warranty. Scammers call repeatedly, often from different 872 numbers, trying to sell you an "imaginary" or unnecessary service contract. They will continue to call even after you ask them to stop.
These calls are almost never from your actual car manufacturer or dealership. They are from third-party sellers using high-pressure tactics to sell expensive, and often worthless, service plans.
"Robot caller trying to get imaginary car insurance or warranty renewed."
Callers, sometimes identifying as "Alex" from "Lending Club," will claim you are pre-approved for a loan you never applied for. To proceed, they will demand sensitive information like your online banking login details or full credit card numbers, which they use to drain your accounts.
Legitimate financial institutions will never ask for your banking password or other login credentials over the phone to process a loan application. This is a clear sign of fraud.
"Got a call stating I was approved for a loan from lending club. Called back and they asked for sign on information for my bank. This they didn't need and I told them. They said i couldnt get loan then. This is a spam"
Scammers are calling on behalf of fake law enforcement charities like the "Police Alliance" or "FOP" to solicit donations. These callers can become extremely rude or hostile if you question their legitimacy or ask to be removed from their call list.
While some police organizations do fundraise, many of these calls are from for-profit telemarketers who keep a large portion of the donation, or they are outright scams. Legitimate charities will not use hostile tactics.
"Someone claiming to be raising money for FOP or some other Law Enforcement Organization. Won't provide name of company, extremely rude when you ask them not to call again."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 872 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Illinois, United States. Area code 872 is a general purpose code that has been in service since November 7, 2009.
Most common 872 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 Illinois, or have a 872 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 Illinois area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: