Residents with 925 numbers often receive Social Security legal threats and text messages pretending to be friends. Scammers use these tactics to steal your identity or get you to click on dangerous links.
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 925 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof California (Concord, Antioch, Livermore) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 925 scams based on user comments:
This is the most frequently reported scam hitting 925 area code residents. A robocall, often using a computerized voice, claims that "legal enforcement action has been filed on your Social Security number" due to fraudulent activity. They threaten to disable your SSN or have you arrested if you don't call them back immediately to resolve the issue.
The Social Security Administration does not call people to threaten them or demand payment. They initiate contact through official U.S. Mail, not with aggressive, threatening robocalls.
"Received a robo call stating that my social security number was involved in a security breach. That I needed to call this number back or legal action would be taken."
This is a particularly disturbing scam circulating in the East Bay where a texter pretends to be an old friend from high school or college, using their real name. They start a casual conversation to gain your trust before asking for personal information like where you work. If you question them or refuse, the texter becomes extremely vulgar and threatening.
Scammers find names of your friends and acquaintances from public social media profiles or past data breaches to make their impersonation seem credible. Their goal is to gather personal data for identity theft or to intimidate you.
"When I called him out for fraud, he called me a c*nt and said he hopes I get raped. BLOCK IMMEDIATELY DO NOT ENGAGE."
Scammers are calling residents, particularly the elderly, claiming to be from Publishers Clearing House. Callers like "Tod Flone" use an automated voice to announce you've won a large prize, such as $1.5 million. They then try to get you to provide your Social Security number, bank account details, or even send a cash payment to cover supposed "taxes" on your winnings.
Publishers Clearing House famously surprises its major prize winners in person with a camera crew. They never call winners ahead of time and will never ask you to pay a fee or taxes to collect a prize.
"Tried to scam my elderly mother. Tried to get credit card numbers and PINs as well as a large cash payment for 'taxes' for the $2.5M she had won from Publisher's Clearinghouse"
These calls involve a recorded message stating a "claim has been filed against you" and that you must call back immediately. They may identify themselves vaguely as the "consumer processing division (SDC)" or claim to be from "Alameda County Location Services." They use high-pressure tactics, threatening to contact your payroll department or have you arrested over a non-existent debt.
Real process servers do not call ahead to warn you; they just show up. Legitimate debt collectors are required by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act to provide you with a written notice of the debt.
"Said they had tried to serve papers to the listed address this morning... Said they would try one more time to serve debt collection paper before it is out of their hands. Scam for sure."
You'll receive a robocall claiming a computer service or PC protection subscription is ending and you're owed a refund. In another version, they claim your account will be automatically debited for $299 or $499 for a renewal. To cancel or get the "refund," you must press 1 and get on your computer, which is a trick to get you to grant them remote access to your machine.
Legitimate companies process refunds directly to your original form of payment. They never need to access your computer or have you fill out a special "form" to send you your money back.
"Got robo call to hit #1 to get refund of money charged for subscription for computer protection which I never authorized. Said I had to get on my computer to get refund by filling out a form he would email to me."
Callers are targeting residents by pretending to be from PG&E or a "CA renewable energy program." They may offer a free "A/C tune up" or say they need to get into your home to "check your appliances heater and such." These are often high-pressure sales tactics designed to sell you solar panels or other services under the guise of an official utility program.
While PG&E does have authorized contractors, their representatives will not use high-pressure tactics. You can always verify a person's affiliation by calling the official PG&E phone number.
"Call came on caller ID as P.G. and E. (Pacific Gas and Electric). When I answered they asked for my husband by name. I told them he wasn't in...they hung up. This was not P.G.and E. calling...scam!"
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 925 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in California, United States. Area code 925 is a general purpose code that has been in service since March 14, 1998.
Most common 925 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 925 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: