The 947 area code is linked to aggressive debt collection calls and government impersonators. Scammers harass you about unpaid bills or pretend to be officials to demand payment.
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 947 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Michigan (Troy, Farmington Hills, Southfield) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 947 scams based on user comments:
Residents in Troy, Lake Orion, and surrounding Michigan areas are being relentlessly harassed by callers claiming to be from debt collection agencies like "Midland Credit Management," "Midwest Credit," or a "Debt Resolution Center." They frequently call about fraudulent debts, debts that are over a decade old and legally uncollectable, or debts belonging to a completely different person. These callers, sometimes identifying as "Mr. Ryan Bell," will call up to 10 times a day and even harass family members.
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) makes it illegal for collectors to harass you, lie, or use unfair practices. They cannot call you repeatedly to annoy you and must send a written validation notice within five days of first contacting you.
"The 'debt' these assholes are trying to collect is a FRAUDULENT charge that was generated by someone who had the same name as me but was using my SS#. The 'debt' was generated almost TWENTY YEARS ago and is LEGALLY not collectable! Yet these asshole credit agencies sell this FRAUD around and harass not only me by my children and their mates!"
This alarming scam involves callers falsely claiming to be from the IRS or the "Social Security Office." They create a sense of panic by threatening you with immediate arrest for vague "reasons" unless you provide your Social Security number or other sensitive information over the phone. One user reported the caller identified herself as "Nancy Smith."
Federal agencies like the IRS and Social Security Administration initiate contact through U.S. Mail, not with threatening phone calls. They will never demand personal information over the phone or threaten you with immediate arrest.
"These scumbags called me and left a message threatening to arrest me for 'reasons' if I didn't call back with my social. Unbelievable."
Scammers are calling 947 residents with vague but alarming messages about "documents" or an "urgent matter." In one case, a caller referenced the victim's deceased father whose estate had been settled a decade prior. This tactic is designed to cause confusion and fear, tricking you into calling back to provide personal information.
Official legal and estate matters are conducted through official, written correspondence from a law office or court. Process servers do not call ahead to warn you, and legitimate legal issues are never introduced via a vague, unsolicited phone call.
"Lft msg concerning documents in regards to my dead Father. Huh? No details, no identification offered. His estate was settled 10yrs ago, some kind of fraud, IMO."
Telemarketers are targeting Michigan residents with calls about "Medicare Assistance" and attempting to sell "discounted junk health plans." These plans are often useless, as medical providers will not accept them, leaving you with no real coverage.
Official Medicare representatives will never call you to sell products or plans. Legitimate health insurance providers must provide you with detailed written information about coverage and costs before you enroll.
"Selling discounted junk health plans that nobody accepts"
Many 947 residents report receiving unsolicited robocalls about their vehicle's warranty. These calls often create a false sense of urgency, trying to trick you into buying an expensive and often worthless service contract. They are not associated with your car's manufacturer or dealership.
Your car manufacturer will typically contact you via mail, not robocalls, regarding your warranty. These calls are from third-party sellers whose service contracts are often filled with exclusions and are notoriously difficult to use.
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 947 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Michigan, United States. Area code 947 is a general purpose code that has been in service since September 7, 2002.
Most common 947 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 Michigan, or have a 947 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 Michigan area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: