Residents with 909 numbers report fake process servers and IRS arrest warrant threats. Scammers say they are coming to your home or work to serve legal papers unless you send 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 909 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof California (San Bernardino, Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 909 scams based on user comments:
Scammers from the 909 area code are calling residents claiming to be from a "Process Service Dispatch" or a fake law firm like "Malliken & Associates." They will threaten to serve you with legal documents at your home or work for a supposed complaint filed against you, often using an aggressive tone to scare you into providing personal information or payment.
Real process servers do not call ahead to warn you; their job is to serve you papers in person without prior notice. Legitimate debt collectors must send you a written notice within five days of first contacting you.
"The caller left a partial record message on my answering machine. Listen closely to this message. This is a notification from Process Service Dispatch. This call is to notify the residence at this location. And an attempt will be made to serve legal documents...a signature is required for proper service and delivery."
You may receive an urgent robocall claiming to be from the IRS. The automated message often states there are "4 serious allegations" filed against you and warns that if you don't call back immediately, "local cops" will be sent to your home to arrest you.
The IRS's first form of contact will always be an official letter sent through the U.S. Mail, not a threatening phone call or email. They never demand payment over the phone or threaten to have you arrested by local police.
"Voicemail said something about being taken under custody by local cops as there are 4 serious allegations pressed on my name at this moment. Request you get back to us so we can discuss about this case before taking legal action."
Scammers are using robocalls and emails to falsely claim there is a suspicious charge on your Amazon account, often for an iPhone costing exactly "$349.99." The message instructs you to call a provided number to cancel the order, but it's a trick to steal your account or credit card details.
Amazon will never ask you to provide payment or personal information over the phone to cancel an order. All account activity is managed securely through your official account dashboard on their website or app.
"Call came on our house phone, man with accent from Anti-Fraud Amazon. They made a STOP on my Amazon account(I dont have one! ). They say there is a charge of $349.90 & if that was me or anyone using my account."
Residents in the 909 area are dealing with persistent robocalls about their vehicle's extended warranty. These calls falsely claim your warranty is expiring and use high-pressure tactics, sometimes offering fake perks like a "VIP maintenance package" or "$1,000 towards the plan," to sell you an unnecessary and overpriced service contract.
These calls are almost always from third-party telemarketers, not your car's manufacturer. Pressing a number to opt out often just confirms your number is active, which can lead to even more spam calls.
"Call on my GMC Warranty, says I won a free oil change and VIP maintenance package and they'll even give me $1,000 towards the plan! Garbage my GMC is '07 warranty long gone."
Callers are aggressively trying to collect on debts that are over a decade old, were already paid, or never existed. They often impersonate collectors for major banks like Wells Fargo and use threats of being sued to frighten you into paying for a "zombie debt" that is not legally enforceable.
There is a statute of limitations for collecting most debts. Scammers buy lists of these old, expired debts for pennies and illegally harass people into paying them. A legitimate bank will not suddenly call and threaten to sue you over a decade-old closed account.
"Someone called me from this phone number. They said Wells Fargo bank was sueing for unpaid overdraft. I haven't had an account with wells fargo for at least 10 years so it seemed strange. I called wells fargo collections and they said i have no debt and the call wasn't from them."
Scammers are calling residents pretending to be from "MICROSOFT TECH," claiming your computer has been hacked or infected. They will demand hundreds of dollars (e.g., "$399" or "$500") or ask for remote access to your computer to "fix" the fake problem, which they then use to steal your personal and financial information.
Legitimate tech companies like Microsoft will never cold-call you about a virus or security breach on your personal device. This is a well-known tactic designed to gain access to your computer and steal your money.
"Scammed my grandmother pretending to be Microsoft. Had her send them $500 and then when they got into her computer they stole her credit card info and ordered thousands of dollars of gift cards with her credit cards."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 909 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in California, United States. Area code 909 is a general purpose code that has been in service since November 14, 1992.
Most common 909 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 California, or have a 909 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 California area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: