The 929 area code sees many Social Security legal threats and fake student loan offers. Fraudsters promise to wipe out your debt in exchange for an upfront fee or your personal data.
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 929 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 929 scams based on user comments:
Residents in Brooklyn, Queens, and other NYC boroughs are receiving alarming robocalls. These automated messages falsely claim there are "four serious allegations" against you and threaten that you will be "taken under custody by local police" or "put behind bars" unless you call back immediately to resolve the issue.
The Social Security Administration and the IRS will never call to threaten you with arrest or demand immediate payment. They initiate contact through official mail, not with threatening robocalls.
"You will be taken under custody by local police as you have four (4) serious allegations against you unless you call 929-800-4207, again I repeat 929-800-4207."
Scammers are leaving voicemails claiming your student loan forgiveness application was approved or that your "pre-qualified status" is about to change. Callers use names like "Katie Mendez," "Emma Brown," or "Landry Wilson" and often ask you to call back a different 855 number to finalize the process, even if you've never had a student loan.
Legitimate information about federal student loan forgiveness programs is available for free from the Department of Education. Private companies cannot offer any special access to these programs.
"I'm not sure if you received a notice that went out recently regarding your student loans um but in any case we don't want anyone's prequalified status to change especially qualifications for forgiveness or possible discharge so if you have a few minutes I just wanted to go over the details with you..."
Callers are falsely claiming you've won millions of dollars and a new Mercedes Benz from Publishers Clearing House. To collect your winnings, they instruct you to first purchase hundreds of dollars in gift cards, often a "$500 vanilla gift card" from Walmart or Rite-Aid, and then provide them with the card number.
Publishers Clearing House has stated they will never call you to ask for money or fees to claim a prize. All major PCH prizes are awarded in person, by surprise, by their famous Prize Patrol.
"I won first place publishers clearing House... they want you to get a $500 vanilla gift card from Walmart and give it to them when they come to give you your $5 million in new car"
Scammers in the NYC area are impersonating Con Edison, the local utility company. They leave recorded messages claiming there is a "billing problem" or that they want to review the "supply charges" on your bill. Callers, sometimes identifying as "Mrs. Porter," will instruct you to have a copy of your bill ready when you call them back.
While Con Edison may contact you, they will never demand immediate payment over the phone using a gift card or wire transfer to avoid a service shutoff. Always verify a caller's identity by hanging up and calling the official number yourself.
"Recorded message saying they are from Con Edison about a billing problem and please have a copy of my bill..."
Scammers are targeting New Yorkers with fake job offers for maintenance or janitor positions, often offering an attractive "$20hr." After getting you interested, they schedule a fake interview with a "Mr. Cruz" and then demand a fee of "$150-300 for a fake osha" certification before you can start.
Legitimate employers will never ask you to pay for a job, training, or certification fees. These costs are part of the employer's responsibility, not the applicant's.
"This is a fake job scam for maintenance, The lady has an accent she will try to get you an interview with “mr.cruz”... Please do not go they are charging $150-300 for a fake osha. Everything this “company” does is fake !!"
These scammers pretend to be from well-known companies like Amazon, Capital One, Chase, or HP. They may claim your account has been hacked, that a fraudulent purchase was made (e.g., an "$800 cell phone sent out to California"), or that you need a "Quick Books Security Patch," all in an attempt to get your personal or financial information.
Banks and tech companies will not call you and ask for your password, full account number, or other sensitive login details. If they detect fraud, they may send an alert, but they will instruct you to log in to your account through their official app or website.
"I got a call from this number with the guys name as John Parks telling me someone just ordered a $800 cell phone sent out to California. The $800 was a RED flag..."
This is an aggressive and alarming scam where you receive a text message claiming spyware has been installed on your phone. The scammer falsely claims to have a "video call recording of you masturbating" and threatens to send it to your contacts unless you pay a ransom, typically "$1300 in BTC" (Bitcoin).
This is a widespread bluff. The scammers send these messages to thousands of people hoping to frighten a few into paying. They do not have any recordings of you; they are relying solely on intimidation and shame.
"My spyware infected your phone and recorded your video while you were masturbating. I have the entire recording... Get $1300 in BTC and send it to this address... If I do not get the payment, I will make your life a living nightmare."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 929 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 929 is a general purpose code that has been in service since April 16, 2011.
Most common 929 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 929 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: