The 908 area code is heavily targeted by utility bill imposters and Social Security scams. Callers pretend to be from PSE&G threatening to shut off your power unless you pay right away.
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 908 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof New Jersey (Elizabeth, Plainfield, Linden) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 908 scams based on user comments:
Scammers targeting New Jersey residents in the 908 area code are aggressively posing as PSE&G employees. They often have your name and address, claiming you have an overdue bill and that your power will be shut off immediately if you don't pay. They create a sense of panic to rush you into making a payment before you can verify the claim.
PSE&G will not demand immediate payment over the phone or threaten to disconnect your service without multiple prior written notices. These high-pressure calls are a clear sign of a scam.
"Got a call from (908-577-1099) guy named John pretending to be PSEG telling me our business owes $980.00 for past due electric bills. It's been such a crazy year a family almost paid before we called the real PSEG."
This widespread scam involves robocalls and live agents claiming to be from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They allege there is "fraudulent activity" on your account or that your Social Security Number has been suspended, threatening you with arrest and "legal enforcement action" if you don't comply and call them back.
The Social Security Administration will never call to threaten you with arrest or legal action. Official and important communications from the SSA are sent through U.S. Mail, not intimidating phone calls.
"Left me a voicemail saying they were from SSA and that I had fraud charges against my social security number. To call them back before matters went to court and I got arrested."
Callers are pretending to be from an attorney's office or a legal firm about a supposed "civil matter" or old debt. They threaten to serve you with papers at your home or even contact your HR department at work to arrange being served, all in an attempt to scare you into paying a debt that doesn't exist.
Legitimate process servers do not call ahead to warn you; they simply show up. Furthermore, real debt collectors will not threaten to serve you at work as an intimidation tactic; they are required to mail you official notices.
"They called me and said they would b contacting my HR department to arrange a day to show up at my job to serve me papers… been getting these calls for at least 2 months now…"
This emotionally manipulative scam targets older residents. A scammer calls and says "Grandma?" or "Grandpa?", pretending to be your grandchild. They'll claim they've been in an accident or arrested and need money for bail, often saying their voice sounds different because they "broke their nose" to explain the disguise.
This is a classic scam that preys on your love for family. Scammers are counting on your panic to prevent you from taking a moment to verify the story with someone you trust.
"Kid called me grandma and said he was my grandson whose name he knew. When I said he didn’t sound like him he said he had broken his nose. I hung up and later blocked call."
Residents are being bombarded with robocalls stating it is a "final courtesy call" before they "close out your file" regarding your car's warranty. These high-pressure sales calls are designed to sound official and urgent, often referencing a vehicle you haven't owned in years to trick you into pressing a button to speak with a "warranty specialist."
These calls are not from your car's manufacturer or dealership. They are from unrelated third-party companies using deceptive tactics to sell overpriced and often worthless extended service contracts.
"Since we have not gotten a response we are giving you a final courtesy call before we close out your file press two to be removed and put on our do not call list press one to speak with someone..."
This scam involves a robocall claiming a subscription for a service, like computer antivirus protection, is set to automatically renew for hundreds of dollars. The message warns that your bank account will be debited $299 or $399 unless you immediately press a number to cancel, connecting you with a scammer who wants your financial details.
Legitimate companies do not use threatening robocalls to notify you of a subscription renewal. This tactic is designed to create panic and trick you into contacting the scammer directly for a fake "refund" process.
"Robocall stating my bank account will be debited $299.99 for payment for security on my PC. If I don't want it press 1 or 2"
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 908 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in New Jersey, United States. Area code 908 is a general purpose code that has been in service since November 1, 1990.
Most common 908 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 New Jersey, or have a 908 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 New Jersey area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: