The 956 area code is frequently used for Social Security legal threats and fake process servers. Scammers claim you are being sued and must pay immediately to stop the case.
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 956 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Texas (Laredo, Brownsville, McAllen) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 956 scams based on user comments:
Residents in the 956 area are receiving alarming robocalls claiming that a "legal enforcement action has been filed on your social security number for fraudulent activity." The recorded message threatens you with legal proceedings and demands you call back a hotline number immediately to avoid severe consequences.
The Social Security Administration will never call you to threaten legal action or suspend your number. They communicate official business primarily through U.S. mail, not through threatening robocalls.
"You have received the phone call from our department is to inform you that there is a legal enforcement action has been filed on your social security number for fraudulent activity. So when you get this message speak to our office or or kindly call us back on our hotline number... disregard this notice and to return the call before we begin with the legal proceedings against you."
This scam involves a live caller or voicemail threatening that legal documents are being served against you at your home or workplace. Callers, sometimes using names like "Sara Berklet," will claim you must sign for legal documents to intimidate you into calling them back and providing personal information or payment.
Real process servers do not call ahead to warn you; their job is to show up unannounced to deliver documents. A phone call warning you is almost always a scare tactic for a scam.
"I received a call from 956-368-0167 threatening legal action and being tracked here at work or at home."
Scammers are using robocalls and voicemails to offer fake data entry jobs with Amazon. The message, often from a woman, claims you can work from home for a starting pay of "$27.50 an hour" and directs you to sign up at a non-Amazon website like "dataentrywork.org." These calls frequently happen at inappropriate hours, like 5 AM or 11 PM.
Amazon and other major companies list all legitimate job openings on their official websites. They do not recruit new employees through unsolicited robocalls offering specific pay rates.
"They called me at night and left a voicemail. It was a woman who said she was with 'dataentrywork.org' and 'needed people in my area to work with Amazon from home' She mentioned the starting pay was $27.50 and I could sign up at their website."
This scam involves threatening calls from people pretending to be debt collectors. They may have some of your personal information but provide no specifics about the supposed debt. The goal is to scare you with threats of calling the FBI or having you arrested if you don't pay immediately.
Legitimate debt collectors cannot legally threaten you with arrest or involve the FBI for an unpaid consumer debt. You have the right to receive written verification of any debt they claim you owe.
"Two weeks later this number called me 4 times in straight row. On the fifth call I answered it. They said I owed them money and if I didn’t pay they would call the FBI!"
Scammers are calling 956 numbers pretending to be agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) or a "sergeant of the police." In one detailed account, a fake agent named "Sara Melendez" accused the victim of being involved in money laundering and drug crimes to create panic and extract personal information.
The DEA, police, and other law enforcement agencies do not phone people to accuse them of crimes or demand information. This is a severe intimidation tactic designed to frighten you into cooperating.
"The 'agent' was Sara Melendez with a badge number of CBP3349, a case number of DMC701085 and the call back number of (956) 764-3349."
These are persistent robocalls claiming your car's warranty is about to expire and that you must act now to extend it. The calls are high-pressure sales pitches designed to sell you an often overpriced and unnecessary service contract, not a real warranty extension from your car's manufacturer.
These calls are from third-party sellers, not your car's manufacturer or dealership. Your real warranty information is in the documents you received when you purchased your vehicle.
"Robot call saying they want to renew my car warranty"
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 956 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Texas, United States. Area code 956 is a general purpose code that has been in service since July 7, 1997.
Most common 956 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 956 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: