Sacramento's 916 area code faces frequent Social Security arrest threats and fake legal notices. Callers say you will be arrested if you do not pay a settlement fee over the phone.
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 916 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof California (Sacramento, Elk Grove, Roseville) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 916 scams based on user comments:
Residents in the Sacramento area are receiving threatening calls from scammers impersonating the Social Security Administration. These callers, often with heavy accents, claim a "legal enforcement action" has been filed against your Social Security Number for fraudulent activity and that you will be arrested if you do not comply.
The Social Security Administration will never call you to threaten your benefits or demand immediate payment. They primarily communicate via official U.S. mail, not through aggressive phone calls threatening arrest.
"Message from the Department of Social Security Administration...to inform you that there is a legal enforcement action filed on your social security number for fraudulent activities so before this matter goes to the state courthouse and before you get arrested if you need any information or have any question kindly call us back..."
This scam involves urgent voicemails claiming a "formal complaint" has been filed against you and legal documents are scheduled to be served. Callers, sometimes identifying as being from the "Hicks Group" or another vague firm, threaten that action will be taken in court "without your consent" if you don't call back within 24-48 hours.
Real process servers do not call ahead to warn you; their job is to serve you papers in person unexpectedly. Legitimate legal notices are delivered by an official server or certified mail, not via a threatening robocall.
"Hello ----, This is an urgent message attended for ---- ----- (my mother), my name is Amber, I'm contacting you in reference to a complaint that has been recently forwarded to my office, if you have any questions or concerns, regarding these pending actions that may be filed against you, you will need to contact the firm immediately..."
Scammers with heavy accents are calling 916 residents claiming to be from Publishers Clearing House. They use names like "James Whitman," "Michael McCarty," or "Oliver Johnson" to inform you that you've won millions of dollars and a new car, but first you must send them money to "help defray costs."
The real Publishers Clearing House Prize Patrol never calls winners in advance and absolutely never asks for money to claim a prize. They famously show up at your doorstep unannounced with a giant check, balloons, and a camera crew.
"I received several calls... supposedly from Publishers Clearing House that I had won $5 million dollars, a new car, free gas card for a year and $5,000 gift card from Walmart. All they wanted was some money to be sent some where to help defray costs."
These scammers pretend to be from Comcast or Xfinity, often calling late in the evening. They may already know your name and some minor account details to sound legitimate, then pressure you into revealing passwords or account information under the guise of offering you a better deal or faster internet speeds.
Comcast will never call you and ask for your account password. Any legitimate changes to your account can be made by logging into their official website or by you initiating a call to their verified customer service number.
"This is a call center that is pretending to be Comcast and will falsely identify themselves as such, in reality they begin by asking fairly benign questions which then turn into phishing, such as asking for account information and passwords. It's very obvious what's happening here..."
Callers posing as debt collectors from firms like "Portfolio Recovery," "D.P. Morgan & Assoc," or "Viking Acquisitions" are harassing Sacramento residents. They use illegal and threatening tactics, such as yelling, threatening lawsuits, and giving you a "last warning" to scare you into paying alleged debts.
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) makes it illegal for debt collectors to harass, oppress, or abuse you. They cannot use obscene language, threaten legal action they don't intend to take, or refuse to provide you with written validation of the debt.
"The phone message left and the ID of the incoming call stated "Rothman Klein" Mediation. Threatening for refusal to pay and giving my 'last warning' extremely threatening voice and volume. Total Scam !!!"
A persistent and widespread scam is targeting 916 homeowners via text message. The sender, who always identifies as "Alice," uses your first name and correct home address and asks if you are interested in a cash offer for your property, even if it is not for sale.
This is a common tactic used by aggressive real estate wholesalers or data miners who purchase public records. While not always illegal, the persistence and use of multiple numbers constitute harassment. Legitimate real estate professionals typically use more verifiable and professional methods of contact.
"Receiving unwanted multiple texts with my name (after blocking numbers) from Alice saying she wants to buy my house at specified address (never listed for sale)."
This classic scam involves receiving a call from someone, usually with a heavy accent, claiming to be from Microsoft. The caller will state that your computer has been hacked or has a "Microsoft Intruder" and will try to gain remote access to "fix" the problem, which allows them to steal your personal information.
Microsoft does not proactively call customers about computer issues or viruses. Any legitimate security warnings will appear directly on your computer from your own installed security software, not through a random phone call.
"claimed he was from microsoft...and my computer was hacked so he got into my computer...luckily caught it..."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 916 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in California, United States. Area code 916 is a general purpose code that has been in service since January 1, 1947.
Most common 916 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 916 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: