The 928 area code is being used for terrifying FBI arrest threats and fake legal warnings. Callers claim federal agents are on their way to arrest you unless you pay a fine.
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 928 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Arizona (Yuma, Flagstaff, Lake Havasu City) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 928 scams based on user comments:
Residents in Arizona's 928 area code are receiving terrifying calls from scammers impersonating the Social Security Administration or the FBI. These robocalls falsely claim your SSN has been used in a crime, often involving a car rented in your name found in Texas with "blood and gun residue," and threaten you with immediate arrest for money laundering or drug trafficking.
The Social Security Administration and the FBI will never call you to threaten arrest or demand immediate payment. These agencies initiate contact through official U.S. Mail, not with aggressive, threatening phone calls.
"Called me 3 times today. Said someone rented a car with my ss# and left it in Texas with blood and gun residue and that I had several bank accounts with thousands of dollars. Apparently I'm going to jail for money laundering and human trafficking. Scam/fraud"
This scam involves a robocall leaving an urgent message that a "complaint" or "case file" has been filed against you. The message creates panic by stating that the next step is to verify your address and place of employment, implying a process server or law enforcement is on their way.
Legitimate legal actions are served in person by a process server or through certified mail. You will not receive a warning via a robocall. Debt collectors are required by law to provide you with written validation of a debt upon request.
"Stated it’s regarding a case file that is going to be submitted against me and the next step is address and employment verification. I have blocked all #s and they change it to call again. I 100% know I do not have any debt to be collected."
These are relentless robocalls about an "expiring warranty" for your vehicle. Scammers often call multiple times a day from different 928 numbers, and in many cases, they reference a car you sold years ago or never owned, including trying to sell a warranty for a 15-year-old car.
Your vehicle manufacturer will not contact you through unsolicited robocalls to sell an extended warranty. These calls are from third-party companies with no affiliation to your car's brand, and their "warranties" are often worthless.
"Caller acted like it was a routine renewal of bumper to bumper warranty on my 76 year old mother’s two cars. A 2006 and 2009! He asked for the mileage which I did not give. Instead I grilled him... Then I told him one car had been totaled, and he hung up on me."
A friendly-sounding robocall from a woman named "Michelle" at the "Tax Relief Group" is targeting Arizonans. She claims to be looking at your "file" regarding a tax issue and promises she can significantly reduce or eliminate tax debt you probably don't even have.
The IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers via phone calls about tax debts; their first point of contact is always through U.S. Mail. Third-party "tax relief" companies cannot see your private IRS file and have no special ability to eliminate legitimate tax debt.
"Hey just thought I'd reach out to you again this is Michelle with tax relief group I was looking at your file that we have on your tax issue and I know I can help you get all of this sorted out... your tax debt actually qualifies you for several programs that can help reduce the amount you owe significantly if not eliminated completely..."
This scam uses robocalls or texts to trick you into thinking a large purchase was made on your account. Victims report calls about a "$499 charge to your Amazon Prime account" or texts about a "$968 transaction to National Bitcoin" via "Paypall" (misspelled), trying to get you to call a fraudulent number to "dispute" the charge.
While companies may send fraud alerts, they will not ask you to call a phone number in the message itself to provide personal or account information. The goal of this scam is to get you on the phone with a fake agent to steal your financial details.
"I got a recorded message phone call from 928 233 8232 saying it was confirmation of a $499 charge to my Amazon Prime account. I don't have an Amazon Prime account - I cancelled it months ago."
Scammers are calling 928 residents pretending to be from "Medicare" or a health screening company. Callers named "Nancy" or "Lorie" may ask personal health questions, try to sell you a "Medicare back brace," or push you to get a "cheek swab cancer screening" that you don't need, all in an attempt to bill Medicare fraudulently or steal your identity.
Medicare will never call you to sell products or ask for your personal information unless you have given them specific permission in advance. Offers of "free" supplies are a huge red flag for Medicare fraud.
"Said she was Lorie calling from United Health Screening. She started asking health questions and I told her I answer no questions... She wanted to help me make a Medicare claim for a cheek swab cancer screening, which I know is a scam. When I asked my questions about who she works for, she hung up."
A common scam in the Sedona area and beyond involves a man with a deep voice calling to solicit donations for a fake organization, such as the "Fraternal Order of Sedona Police." These callers are aggressive and will quickly hang up if you question them or ask for information to be mailed to you.
Most legitimate police and fire departments do not solicit donations via cold calls from third-party telemarketers. The callers are often from for-profit companies that keep a vast majority of the money collected.
"Says they are fraternal order of police looking for donations. I ask them to mail the information and he just hangs up quickly. This same deep voiced male has called numerous times."
A robocall or text message will arrive from a person, often named "John," claiming to be a real estate investor who "just bought a property in your area." They offer to buy your home for cash, "as is," and even pay closing costs. This is a high-pressure tactic to get you to sell your home for far below its market value.
While some investors buy properties for cash, they rarely use illegal robocalls that violate the Do Not Call Registry. These callers are often wholesalers looking to lock you into a lowball contract they can then sell to another buyer for a profit, leaving you with less money for your home.
"Hey this is John so sorry to call you all the blue actually bought a property in your area and I looked up your number online and I was looking to see if you'd be open to consider an offer on your property. You know I pay cash by as is I'd even consider paying the closing cost."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 928 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Arizona, United States. Area code 928 is a general purpose code that has been in service since June 23, 2001.
Most common 928 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 Arizona, or have a 928 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 Arizona area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: