The 917 area code is often used for Social Security suspension calls and legal threats. Scammers claim your number is linked to a crime to pressure you into revealing your identity.
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 917 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof New York (New York, Bellerose Terrace, Bellerose) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 917 scams based on user comments:
This is an aggressive robocall campaign targeting New Yorkers. An automated voice, claiming to be from the "Department of Social Security Administration," informs you that your Social Security number has been suspended due to "fraudulent" or "suspicious activity." They threaten immediate legal proceedings or even an arrest warrant if you don't call them back or press 1 to speak with an agent.
The Social Security Administration does not call people to threaten them or suspend their number. They will never demand immediate payment or personal information over the phone. Official communication is almost always sent through U.S. mail.
"This message is from Depart of Social Security Administration the reason you have received this phone call from this department is to inform you we suspended your social security number because we found some suspicious activity so if you want to know about this case just press 1"
Scammers are calling from 917 numbers pretending to be process servers, bounty hunters, or agents from a vague "Judiciary Services." Using names like "Monica Jones" or "Clara Brown," they leave voicemails about a "complaint notice" filed against you and threaten to direct further attempts to your HR or payroll department if you don't call back to update your address. This is a tactic to scare you into paying for a non-existent debt or lawsuit.
Real process servers do not call ahead to warn you; they simply show up to serve papers. Legitimate debt collectors must provide you with a written validation notice detailing the debt and your rights. Threats to contact your employer about a lawsuit are a classic intimidation tactic used by scammers.
"Hello, my name is Monica Jones. You were not available today and this message is in regards to a complaint notice to your attention. Please immediately contact 844-613-3277...after the third filed attempt. I'm required to direct further attempts to your HR or payroll department on file."
This is a text-based scam where you'll receive a message pretending to be from FedEx, USPS, or AT&T. The message, often from a "Jane" or "Todd," claims there's a package for you, a failed delivery, or that you've won a prize. They include a strange-looking link (like "c2fmv.info" or "l5ssv.info") and urge you to click it to claim your item or schedule delivery. These links lead to malicious sites designed to steal your personal and financial information.
FedEx, USPS, and other carriers do not send unsolicited texts from random 10-digit phone numbers with strange links to schedule deliveries. Official notifications come via tracking numbers you already have, or through their secure websites and apps.
"Hey, this is Jane of USPS, we tried to deliver your package today but it is returned back to us. Please contact us here ASAP zm28v.com/LtrlyRk8AV"
Callers from New York numbers, using names like "John Nelson" or "Dave Sawyer," will tell you or an elderly family member that you've won millions of dollars (e.g., "$2.5M," "$7 million") and a new car from Publishers Clearing House. To collect your prize, they will instruct you to call another number or demand you pay "taxes" or "fees" upfront, sometimes by purchasing Amazon gift cards for amounts like $499 or $1325.
The real Publishers Clearing House Prize Patrol shows up at your door unannounced with a giant check. They never call to ask for money for taxes or fees. Any request for payment to unlock a prize is a guaranteed scam.
"They say you won Publishers Clearing House - but you have to pay $1325 in taxes. These people need to be found and shot - no one will miss them"
You may receive a robocall or live call from someone named "Mia Torres" or "Nadine Smith" from the "processing department" regarding your federal student loans. They claim your loans have been flagged or that your prequalified status for forgiveness is about to change. This is a phishing attempt to get your personal information or to charge you for free government programs, even if you don't have any student loans.
Official information about federal student loan forgiveness comes directly from the U.S. Department of Education or your loan servicer, not from unsolicited robocalls. You never have to pay for help accessing these federal programs.
"Hi this is Nadine Smith calling in from the processing department so sorry if you're busy I just had some fantastic news it looks like there has been some significant changes to your federal student loan repayment options..."
This scam targets physicians and attorneys in the NYC area. A caller, sometimes claiming to be from "Top Doctor" or "Top 100 Lawyers," will inform you that you've received a prestigious award. They try to stroke your ego, confirm your information, and then demand a payment, sometimes "$1k for membership and a plaque," to receive your award. Callers can become very aggressive and rude if you decline.
Legitimate professional honors and awards are typically bestowed by well-known professional organizations and do not require the recipient to pay hundreds or thousands of dollars for a plaque. These calls are a form of vanity scam designed to profit from a professional's desire for recognition.
"Called stating I was a member of top 100 doctors, wanted $1k for membership and a plaque. Asked other personal information. Wanted my credit card which I did not provide."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 917 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 917 is a general purpose code that has been in service since January 1, 1992.
Most common 917 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 917 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: