The 940 area code is frequently used for fake legal threats and Social Security impersonation. Callers try to intimidate you with jail time to steal your personal information or money.
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 940 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Texas (Denton, Wichita Falls, Corinth) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 940 scams based on user comments:
Scammers in the 940 area are aggressively posing as "process servers," "compliance officers" like a "Rick Thomas," or agents from a law firm. They use high-pressure tactics, threatening to have you served at work, file lawsuits, or even send a "unit to your location" in Denton over a bogus legal matter or debt.
Real process servers do not call ahead to warn or threaten you; they are legally required to deliver documents in person without prior notice. Any call threatening legal action to scare you into payment is the hallmark of a scam.
"They were very rude and threatened me saying they were calling from Denton for the State and This was an investigation. Told me I didn’t know who I was dealing with and if I didn’t comply they would send out a unit to my location. I told them go ahead because they had the wrong person."
You may receive a robocall or live call claiming your Social Security Number has been "suspended," "locked," or compromised by "bad criminal activity." They create a false sense of urgency, demanding you call back immediately to avoid "enforcement action" or to prevent the situation from getting "badly for you."
The Social Security Administration does not suspend Social Security numbers, ever. They communicate primarily by U.S. Mail and will never call to threaten you or demand personal information to avoid arrest.
"A woman with a HEAVY, middle eastern accent, very bad English left a vm to call me immediately about my social security number being 'suspended' for 'bad' 'criminal activity' and to call to fix it with her at her direct line..."
Scammers send text messages or call claiming you have been approved for a large loan, such as an "$8,000 loan," even if you only applied for a much smaller amount. A caller identifying as "Justin Green" may use your personal details to seem legitimate, then pressure you into setting up a new online banking account so they can "deposit" the money and gain access.
Legitimate lenders will never ask you to create a special bank account for them or demand your online login credentials to deposit funds. They use standard, secure methods that do not require compromising your account security.
"I applied for an online loan, I got a text from this number (940)-252-4090 saying they were Justin Green and I had been approved for an $8,000 loan when I only applied for a $1,500 loan... This man had every detail about me... and then was assisting I set. Up an online banking account so he could deposit my money."
This is a persistent robocall campaign pushing "extended car warranty" services. The calls are frequent and often continue even after being blocked, with some residents reporting that callers still harass them even after being told they don't own a car.
These calls are almost never from your car's manufacturer or a legitimate dealer. They are typically lead-generation schemes for third-party service contracts that are often overpriced and offer very poor coverage.
"This number and the other number-(940-304-8484 keeps constantly showing up on my phone!! Why isn't nothing being done about it?!! I even spoke to them telling them that I don't HAVE a car, and they're STILL bugging me!"
A prerecorded message is calling residents asking for donations to the "National Police and Trooper Association." This organization is not a traditional charity, and financial reviews show that less than 10% of donations actually go to supporting law enforcement.
Many sound-alike police "charities" are actually Political Action Committees (PACs). The vast majority of money they raise is used for fundraising and political lobbying, not for helping officers or their families as the name implies.
"This scam is from the National Police and Trooper Association with a prerecorded message requesting donations to their charity. Upon financial review of this 'charity', less than 10% of their donations go to law enforcement."
Scammers are calling residents with false claims of winning the lottery. Reports show they are relentless and often use the same fake name, "David King," to try and convince you of their legitimacy.
Real lotteries never call winners to notify them, nor do they ever require you to pay a fee or tax to collect your winnings. Any request for money upfront is a definitive sign of a scam.
"He says his name is David King and he tells you that you’ve won the lottery. In fact, got numerous calls from a few guys stating the same thing and they all use the same David King name. WATCH OUT-THESE GUYS ARE RELENTLESS SCAMMERS!!!!"
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 940 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Texas, United States. Area code 940 is a general purpose code that has been in service since May 25, 1997.
Most common 940 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 940 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: