Inland Empire residents with 951 numbers face Social Security suspension threats and fake lawsuit calls. Callers claim you are in legal trouble to trick you into paying to avoid arrest.
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 951 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof California (Riverside, Moreno Valley, Corona) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 951 scams based on user comments:
Residents in the 951 area code are receiving robocalls claiming their Social Security Number (SSN) has been suspended or used in a fraud case in a "border town." The automated message demands you press 1 to speak with an "officer" immediately to avoid further legal action.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) will never call you to threaten you or tell you that your SSN is suspended. The SSA communicates through official U.S. mail for important matters.
"Robocall from Banning, California claiming 'my Social Security number has been suspended'. As a Social Worker I know that the Social Security Administration (SSA) does not call unless they have scheduled a call in writing via USPS mail."
Scammers are aggressively calling residents claiming a civil complaint or lawsuit has been filed against them. Callers using names like "Natalie Wilson" or "Kathleen Gaines" from firms like "JDM Consulting" threaten to have you served with legal papers at your home or workplace to create panic and extort money for a non-existent debt.
Real process servers do not call to warn you in advance; they simply show up. Furthermore, legitimate debt collectors must provide written proof of a debt if you request it and cannot legally use harassing or threatening language.
"951-324-4290 called, left message. Mentioned my name (sort of), cited a Claim #, and said she was calling regarding, 'An order submitted to my office this morning.' She wanted to verify my home and work address for service of process."
An automated message claims to be from the IRS, stating you have been accused of tax fraud and an arrest warrant has been issued. The message creates a false sense of urgency, often saying you have only 24 hours to respond before you are taken to jail.
The IRS's first point of contact is always through official U.S. mail. They will never call to demand immediate payment, threaten arrest, or ask for credit card numbers over the phone.
"Female automated voice said they were IRS and I had 24 hours before going to jail. Two days ago got similar message from different number. Still here-go figure!"
Relentless telemarketers are calling 951 residents about solar panel tax incentives and home repair services. Callers can become extremely belligerent and hostile if you refuse their offer, and many use spoofed numbers that appear as "not in service" when you try to call them back.
Legitimate companies are required to honor Do Not Call requests and will not harass or insult potential customers. Using a spoofed, non-working callback number is a clear sign of a scam operation trying to avoid accountability.
"I am going INSANE from the amount of calls I get from this ridiculous company... I finally called back to tell them to take my name out of the dialer. The guy said 'ok' then nothing else so I repeated my request to be removed. He said, 'I said OK!' then hung up on me."
Scammers are calling about federal student loan forgiveness programs, claiming your account has been "flagged" for eligibility. Using names like "William" from "Student Loan Services," they try to get you to share sensitive information to gain access to your official student loan accounts.
The U.S. Department of Education and its official loan servicers will never call or text you to ask for your FSA ID or password. Anyone who does is a scammer trying to steal your information.
"'William' from 'Student Loan Services' calling because my account has been flagged as 'illegible' (not ineligible. LOL!) Imperative that I call... re: Student loan forgiveness. Don't have any student loans, but 'William' needs to go back to elementary school..."
Callers are falsely claiming to be from Readers Digest or Publishers Clearing House, informing residents they have won millions of dollars and a new Mercedes. They will instruct you to contact someone like "Mr. Will Jamison" to arrange for delivery, which is a setup to get you to pay fake fees for your non-existent prize.
The real Publishers Clearing House Prize Patrol famously shows up at winners' doors unannounced. They never call ahead to arrange delivery or ask for money to claim a prize.
"Got a call from this number just now, was someone pretending to be from publishers clearinghouse. I've won millions! and a new Mercedes! Blah blah, all a scam."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 951 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in California, United States. Area code 951 is a general purpose code that has been in service since July 17, 2004.
Most common 951 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 California, or have a 951 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 California area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: