Aggressive debt collectors and Social Security phishing calls are common with the 878 area code. Scammers harass you about fake loans or try to trick you into verifying your social security 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 878 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Pennsylvania (Pittsburgh, Bethel Park, Monroeville) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 878 scams based on user comments:
Scammers are calling Western Pennsylvanians claiming to be from a "Lakeview Mediation Group" regarding a complaint or open case filed against you. They often use aggressive and belligerent tactics, provide a bogus file number, and may even have your personal information like your date of birth and social security number. One caller identified himself as "Shaw Davis" and became defensive when asked for details about the lawyer he supposedly represented.
Legitimate debt collectors are required by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) to provide you with a written validation notice within five days of first contact. They do not initiate contact with threats and cursing; these are intimidation tactics used by scammers.
"Got a call about me being sued... and the amount is 2210.88. So when I got to asking questions about who he is representing he said Lake Medation Group and a lawyer and when I asked for the name of the lawyer he got all defenses and rude... The guy name so he say is Shaw Davis. Please be aware that they have personal information name date of birth and ss number."
You may receive a text message or a robocall about your Social Security (SSI) or disability application. The message might be vague, simply asking to talk, or it could be a voicemail directly referencing a disability claim. When you call back, they will immediately begin asking for your personal SSI information.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) will never text you or use a robocall to ask for personal information. They typically communicate through official U.S. mail. Any unsolicited call or text asking for your Social Security details is a scam.
"got a text asking to talk . called back and the person started to ask about my SSI . Nope! I do not answer those questions!"
These are extremely common, repetitive robocalls trying to sell you an extended car warranty. Scammers will call from many different numbers, making it difficult to block them all. The calls are annoying and are often illegal if your number is on the Do Not Call Registry.
These calls are rarely from your car's manufacturer or legitimate dealer. They are typically from third-party telemarketers using high-pressure tactics to sell overpriced and often useless service contracts.
"Keep getting calls from this number in reference to getting car warranty and keep blocking and they keep calling back. Very annoying."
Scammers are using robocalls to target residents with fake offers related to Medicare or health insurance. They may claim to be from Medicare itself or a company like "Executive Health." They often hang up if they realize they've reached someone who isn't their target demographic, such as a younger person.
Medicare will not call you uninvited to sell you products or plans. This is a common tactic used by scammers to either bill for fraudulent services or steal your identity using your Medicare information.
"said they were from medicare & hung up when asked what they wanted from a 20 year old"
This scam involves a text message claiming a delivery service was unable to deliver a package, often for a high-value item you never ordered like iPods. The message includes a "tracking link" that you are prompted to click to resolve the issue.
The link in these texts leads to a phishing website designed to steal your personal information (like credit card numbers or account logins) or install malware on your device. Legitimate delivery companies do not operate this way.
"Got a text from this number stating that they could not deliver my ipods (never ordered any) asking me to click on a tracking link."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 878 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Pennsylvania, United States. Area code 878 is a general purpose code that has been in service since August 17, 2001.
Most common 878 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 Pennsylvania, or have a 878 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 Pennsylvania area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: