The 915 area code is linked to DEA impersonation calls and fake HR complaints. Scammers claim you are under investigation for drug crimes or workplace issues to steal 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 915 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Texas (El Paso, Socorro, Horizon City) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 915 scams based on user comments:
This is the most aggressive scam hitting the 915 area code. Callers, often with heavy accents, pretend to be from the Social Security Administration, DEA, or FBI. They claim your SSN was used for criminal acts like drug trafficking in Texas, mentioning details like an abandoned car in Houston, 22 pounds of cocaine, and fraudulent bank accounts. They threaten to suspend your Social Security Number, freeze your bank accounts, and issue an arrest warrant unless you cooperate immediately.
The Social Security Administration and DEA will never call you to demand immediate payment or ask you to put money on gift cards. They communicate via official U.S. mail for legitimate issues. They do not suspend SSNs over the phone or threaten immediate arrest for these matters.
"This man first states that he is speaking on behalf of the Social Security Administration, Treasury Department, Homeland Security and the DEA. He will try to befriend you by stating that he is going to help you because your social security number and name was used for renting a car in Texas. The rental car was abandoned and the police found blood residue and $223,000.00 in cash in this car."
Scammers are calling El Paso residents claiming a "complaint notice" has been filed against them. The caller, using a common name like "Lisa Smith" or "Ann Smith," will vaguely mention the complaint and then threaten to "direct further action to your HR or payroll department" if you don't call them back at a different number.
Legitimate debt collectors or legal firms must provide you with a written validation notice by mail. Threatening to contact your employer about a debt without prior legal judgment is an illegal and coercive tactic used by phantom debt scammers.
"Hello my name is Lisa _?_?_?_?_ you were not available today and this message is in regards to the complaint notice to your attention please give me a contact 833-781-5757... I'm required to direct further a chance to your HR or payroll department on file…"
This particularly cruel scam targets our community by impersonating local law enforcement. A caller will claim to be from the El Paso County Sheriff's office, using a fake name like "Deputy Isaac Peterson." They falsely state that you have a warrant for your arrest and demand you immediately go to your bank, withdraw all your money, and purchase "government vouchers" to avoid being arrested.
Law enforcement officials do not call citizens to demand money to clear up a warrant. Warrants are served in person by uniformed officers, and any fines are paid directly to the court, never through gift cards or "vouchers."
"Grandmother received a phone call from this number. They pretended to be a local sheriff, claimed my grandmother had a warrant out for arrest, and demanded she go and empty her bank account and buy government vouchers to leave for them."
Residents are reporting harassing calls from debt collectors, some real and some fake, for debts you may or may not owe. These callers, sometimes identifying as "Portfolio Recovery" or "Lake City Credit," call repeatedly, refuse to mail validation letters, and may threaten legal action without any grounds.
Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), you have the right to request written validation of a debt. A legitimate collector must provide this. Refusal to do so is a major red flag that the debt is not valid or that the caller is a scammer.
"Portfolio Recovery Services - debt collectors - trying to collect a debt that I don't have - calling for various persons - calling from various numbers - they won't stop, no matter how often you tell them not to call anymore - FTC complaint has not helped either."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 915 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Texas, United States. Area code 915 is a general purpose code that has been in service since January 1, 1947.
Most common 915 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 Texas, or have a 915 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 Texas area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: