Westchester's 914 area code is frequently used for Social Security threats and the grandparent bail scam. Callers pretend a grandchild is in jail and needs cash immediately for bail.
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 914 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof New York (Yonkers, New Rochelle, Mount Vernon) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 914 scams based on user comments:
Residents in Westchester and surrounding areas are receiving alarming automated calls claiming your Social Security Number has been linked to "suspicious" or "illegal activities." The computer-generated voice threatens to suspend your SSN and seize your assets if you don't call them back immediately.
The Social Security Administration will never call you to threaten benefits or demand payment. They primarily communicate via U.S. Mail and will not suspend your number over the phone.
"Computer generated voice: 'because your social has been found suspicious for certain illegal activities. It is very time sensitive and urgent that I do hear back from you before we proceed further with suspension of your social and assets. My direct call back number is 914-206-4812...'"
This cruel scam targets seniors with a frantic call from someone pretending to be their grandson. The caller claims to be in jail after a car accident or DUI and desperately needs thousands of dollars for bail, often mentioning a specific amount like $8,000. They will give you a case number and tell you to call their "attorney" at a different 914 number to arrange payment.
This is a classic emotional manipulation tactic. A real attorney or law enforcement official would not pressure you for immediate payment over the phone for a family member's bail.
"I got this same phone call, same number saying my grandson was in an accident and it was his fault so he needed $8,000. to bail him out. Said his name was Dennis and from India. Said his case number was 8322391."
Scammers are calling 914 residents claiming to be from "Publishers Clearing House" or "Reader's Digest." Callers using names like "Bill Forbes" or "John White" will tell you that you've won a massive cash prize, such as "$4.8 million" or "$10,000 a week for life." The catch is you must first pay a fee or buy a gift card for several hundred dollars to cover taxes or processing before they can deliver your winnings.
It is illegal to require a payment to claim a prize. If you truly won, taxes would be paid to the IRS directly after you receive the money, not to the company giving the prize.
"Hello this is Bill Forbes from the Reader's Digest sweepstakes. I am calling you pertaining to a cash prize of $4.8 million that you've won from our senior citizens monthly draw. For further information about your prize please contact us..."
You may receive a robocall or a message from someone named "Jessica Watson" claiming to be from the IRS. The message aggressively states that the IRS is filing a lawsuit against you and that if you or your attorney don't call back, the "situation will badly unfold on you." This is a high-pressure tactic designed to scare you into calling back and providing money or personal information.
The IRS's first form of contact is always through the U.S. Mail. They will not initiate a lawsuit over the phone or threaten you with arrest via a robocall.
"This is Jessica Watson with the IRS. Don’t try to disregard this message and do return the call at 914-488-4565, if I don’t hear from your retained attorney, all I can do is wish you a good luck as the situation will badly unfold on you, goodbye and take care."
Callers are targeting local homes and businesses, falsely claiming to be from Con Edison. They create a false sense of urgency, stating your "services were expiring" or that they can save you money on your utility bill. Some callers, like "Ms. Ginger Bunn," are very rude and will repeatedly call back even after you hang up. These calls are actually from third-party energy suppliers like "America Power & Gas" using deceptive tactics.
While New York allows you to choose your energy supplier, Con Edison will not call you with urgent threats about your service expiring. These high-pressure sales calls are from different companies trying to trick you into switching.
"Said they were utility company. Told me that my services were expiring??? That Doesn't even make sense. And continued to call me 4 more times after."
Many 914 residents report receiving frequent robocalls from "Suzie" at the "vehicle service department." The recording claims they have sent you "several notices in the mail" about your car's manufacturer's warranty expiring. This is a "courtesy call" before they "close the file," pressuring you to press a button to extend your warranty.
These calls are not from your car's manufacturer or dealer. They are from third-party companies selling often overpriced or unnecessary service contracts. Your dealer will not use robocalls to contact you about your warranty.
"Hi, this is Suzie calling with the vehicle service department. We are calling about your vehicles manufacturer's warranty. We sent you several notices in the mail that you have yet to extend your warranty pass the factory cut off, and this is a courtesy call to renew your warranty before we close the file."
Scammers are calling and claiming to be from Apple, Microsoft, or Google, warning that your account has been compromised. One common script involves claims that your Apple devices have been targeted by "Russian hackers." They may also call about a "Geek Squad" renewal you never signed up for. Their goal is to create panic so you will give them remote access to your computer or provide personal financial information.
Real tech companies will not cold-call you about a virus or security problem. Any legitimate security warnings would appear on your device itself or be sent via email from an official address.
"Got 4 calls today from this number. They tell me that ‘you apple devices have been compromised. There have been at least 30 attempts by Russian hackers to break into your devices’ when I started questioning them on which devices they are talking about specifically they kept saying ‘your apple devices’ until they finally hung up."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 914 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in New York, United States. Area code 914 is a general purpose code that has been in service since January 1, 1947.
Most common 914 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 York, or have a 914 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 York area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: