The 970 area code is seeing a rise in fake legal threats and IRS impersonation calls. Fraudsters claim you owe back taxes or face arrest to frighten you into paying them.
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 970 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Colorado (Fort Collins, Greeley, Loveland) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 970 scams based on user comments:
Scammers are calling 970 residents claiming a "legal complaint" or "civil suit" has been filed against you in your district court. They may use official-sounding titles like "Elite Process Server" or falsely claim you have an "arrest warrant for tax lien" to scare you into complying or sending money.
Real process servers do not call ahead to warn you or ask for your address. They are paid to find you and serve official court papers in person without any prior phone notification.
"They left a voicemail. My name was automated. Said they are trying to obtain my address because a legal complaint has been filed in my district court. Said something about failure to comply consequences. This is a scam."
These callers impersonate government agents from the Social Security Administration (SSA) or the IRS. Callers may claim your Social Security Number was used in suspicious activity in Texas, you have a non-existent "941 tax issue," or they will threaten to immediately stop your Social Security benefits to create panic. One specific caller identified herself as "Sherry Parisian" from "Compass" regarding a fake tax matter.
The Social Security Administration and IRS will never call to threaten you, demand immediate payment, or ask for personal information to "verify" your identity over the phone. Any claim to the contrary is a scam.
"I received 2 calls... both threatening to stop my Soc. Sec. checks because of some sort of illegal activity regarding my benefit. If the source of these scam calls are known, why hasn't this business been put OUT OF BUSINESS?"
You may receive frequent robocalls, often from a person identified as "Jessica" or "Amy," claiming that your car's warranty is expiring. They aggressively demand to know the make, model, and year of your car in order to sell you a worthless or overpriced extended service plan.
Your vehicle's manufacturer or a legitimate warranty company already has your car's information. They do not rely on aggressive, generic robocalls to contact you about your warranty status.
"Just got a call from this number. Robo caller/female voice, claiming to know my car is no longer under warranty. I get this call ALL the time from Multiple numbers...they have been calling me since 2015 saying that it's the last attempt they are going to make to ensure my car warranty isn't canceled. It's a joke."
Scammers are sending text messages and leaving automated voicemails about fake problems with popular services. They may claim a fraudulent, high-value order for an "Apple Macbook Pro and Airpark Pro for a total of amout $1499" was placed on your Amazon account, or that your Netflix account is locked due to a "fraud payment." Their goal is to get you to click a malicious link or call them back to steal your financial information.
Amazon and Netflix will not send you a text with a link to resolve a payment problem. Official notifications about your account status will be found by logging in securely on their official platforms.
"Receive voicemail:::: 'Your order from Amazon for Apple Macbook Pro and Airpark Pro for a total of amout $1499 is confirmed it will be deducted from your account soon... If youi wish to cancel this order please hold the line...'"
A robocall specifically targeting Northern Colorado residents opens with, "Thank you for being a Colorado electric customer." The message falsely claims a new state policy allows you to get rebates up to $4,000 for switching to solar, that it "won't cost you a penny," and that they will even "pay you to do it" to support a fake "new mandate."
While real solar incentives exist, they are not offered through unsolicited robocalls. There is no state "mandate" that forces homeowners to switch to solar, and legitimate programs do not simply "pay you" to install panels at no cost.
"'Thank you for being a colorado electric customer. Since new policy is passed, local contractors are giving homeowners rebates of up to 4000 dollars to support Colorado's solar program...' Same voicemail I received about every 1 to 3 days from a different number each time."
Callers are targeting local businesses with a high-pressure sales pitch for office supplies, specifically printer "ink and toner." Callers, sometimes named "Kendall" or "Jason," may lie about having spoken to the owner before, become rude and condescending when questioned, and immediately hang up if you don't agree to their terms.
Legitimate business suppliers maintain professional communication and will always provide quotes and information via email. They do not rely on deception, aggression, or refusing to create a paper trail for their transactions.
"Woman name Kendall has called a few times claiming to have spoken with our our purchases, but he doesn't recall. When I told her the best way to reach him would be via email, she said, 'Well, that isn't how this works and I already emailed him and spoke with him. So why don't you go tell him he talked to me and I need to discuss things further hun!'"
Scammers are sending unsolicited text messages to 970 numbers claiming they "received your resume" and are interested in setting up an interview for a "leadership position" or "career upgrade." When asked for the company name or specific job details, they become evasive or refuse to answer, as their true goal is to trick you into giving up personal information.
Legitimate recruiters and hiring managers will always identify themselves and the company they work for at the start of any communication. They do not send vague, unsolicited texts and then refuse to provide basic details about the job.
"Recieved a text saying they got my resume and wanted to set up an interview call. Would not answer what company they were from."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 970 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Colorado, United States. Area code 970 is a general purpose code that has been in service since April 2, 1995.
Most common 970 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 Colorado, or have a 970 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 Colorado area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: