The 936 area code is seeing a rise in Social Security fraud alerts and fake legal process scams. Callers try to panic you by claiming your benefits are suspended due to criminal activity.
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 936 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Texas (Conroe, Huntsville, Lufkin) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 936 scams based on user comments:
Scammers are aggressively targeting 936 area code residents with calls threatening legal action over your Social Security Number (SSN). Using robocalls or live callers with strong accents, they claim your SSN has been suspended or used for fraudulent activity and that legal proceedings are about to begin against you. Their goal is to create panic so you'll give them your personal information.
The Social Security Administration will never call you to threaten you with arrest or legal action. They primarily communicate via U.S. Mail and will not ask you to send money via wire transfers, gift cards, or vouchers.
"A man with an accent called my mother-in-law. He told her that her SS had gotten compromised... They told her to take her debit card to the nearest store to get a voucher to get money from her bank account before they froze it. And that if they didn’t clear her name today, that someone would be here to arrest her tomorrow."
This scam involves a threatening call or voicemail claiming a legal complaint has been filed against you. The caller, sometimes identifying as "Ann Jones," will say legal papers are "on hold" and they need to verify your address or place of employment. They threaten to proceed to court without your input if you don't call back a separate 800-number, creating a false sense of urgency.
Real process servers do not call ahead to warn you; they simply show up to serve documents. Legitimate legal notices are delivered in person or by certified mail, not through a threatening voicemail from an unknown number.
"Ann Jones call said had legal papers on hold and if I don't call 844-647-0133 they would proceed to court without my input. I have gotten the same call before but different. Numbers all numbers I have checked come up unsafe, robo call and scam"
A widespread text message scam is hitting East Texas phones, often at very odd hours. You'll receive a text with a picture of a fake prescription benefits card, such as a "USRx Card," claiming it is your "Updated Prescription Benefits Information." This is a phishing attempt to get you to call back, register for a bogus plan, and steal your personal information.
Legitimate health insurance companies do not send out new benefit cards via unsolicited text messages. This is a phishing tactic designed to look official to trick you into revealing sensitive information.
"Received text from 936-218-6708 with a pic of a prescription card. No name, of course. Shows member # 12577199, Plan ID of MIMNE... I called the number and it says, 'we have been trying to reach you about your zero cost prescription plan.'"
Residents are reporting relentless calls from individuals claiming to be from "Portfolio Recovery Services." These callers are extremely persistent, calling multiple times a day from different 936 numbers to get around call blockers. They often demand you verify personal information like your date of birth or Social Security number for a supposed debt.
While Portfolio Recovery Associates is a real debt collection agency, their tactics as reported are often illegal. Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), you have the right to request they stop contacting you by phone and to receive written validation of the debt.
"PORTFOLIO RECOVERY SERVICES -- debt collector. I missed many calls from this number, and called it back (with *67 first), and a recorded voice said 'Thank you for calling Portfolio Recovery Services'. I hung up...They call MULTIPLE TIMES A DAY from a DIFFERENT NUMBER EVERY SINGLE DAY TO MY COMPANY WORK CELL!!"
This scam preys on the hope of winning big. Callers claiming to be from Publishers Clearing House (PCH) will tell you that you've won a major prize, like $1.8 million and a car. The catch is that to receive your winnings, you must first go to a store like Dollar General and purchase a card to pay for taxes or fees upfront.
Publishers Clearing House never calls winners to ask for money. Legitimate sweepstakes do not require you to pay any fees, taxes, or shipping costs to claim a prize. Taxes are paid directly to the IRS after you have received your winnings, never to the prize provider via a gift card.
"Stateing from publisher clearing house for 1.8 million , got to go to a dollar general store and purchase a card for the tax"
These are relentless robocalls trying to sell you an extended warranty for a car you may not even own anymore. Callers from "Dealer Services" or similar generic names create a sense of urgency about your car's warranty expiring. They are often aggressive and will hang up if you try to ask them to remove your number from their list.
These calls are rarely from your car's manufacturer or legitimate dealership. They are from third-party sellers using scare tactics and publicly available vehicle registration data to find potential targets.
"Dealer Services: trying to sell me an extended warranty on a car I have not owned in 5 years. EVERYDAY!!! they hang up on me when I try to get them to take my number out and just call back again...for months!"
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 936 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Texas, United States. Area code 936 is a general purpose code that has been in service since February 19, 2000.
Most common 936 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 Texas, or have a 936 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 Texas area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: