The 973 area code is flooded with car warranty robocalls and IRS arrest threats. Scammers aggressively dial these numbers to sell fake services or demand tax payments.
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 973 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof New Jersey (Newark, Paterson, Clifton) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 973 scams based on user comments:
These are the most frequently reported nuisance calls in the 973 area. A robocall, often from "Auto Warranty Services" or the "automotive department," will claim your car's warranty has expired. They often have outdated information, trying to sell you a fraudulent extended warranty on a vehicle you sold six years ago or one that is already 10 years old with 230,000 miles on it.
Legitimate car manufacturers or dealers will contact you via mail for warranty extensions, not through aggressive, unsolicited robocalls. These callers are third-party scammers not authorized to sell manufacturer warranties.
"Calls once, twice a day, every day - calling to extend my vehicle warranty, same message: puts me on hold tells me 'I'm the next person, continue holding press #5 or request a call back blah blah blah.' My vehicle is 22 y/o! Fat lotta luck anyone is going to warranty anything on it."
This dangerous scam uses fear to trick you. A robocall or live caller will claim to be from the Social Security Administration or IRS, stating there are "4 serious allegations pressed on your name" or that your Social Security Number is being suspended due to "money laundering and selling cocaine." They threaten you with immediate arrest by a "Federal Marshal" or "local cops" if you don't comply.
Federal agencies like the SSA and IRS initiate contact through U.S. Mail, not with threatening phone calls. They will never demand immediate payment over the phone using gift cards or threaten to arrest you for tax or social security issues.
"I received a call from 9732971285 stating my social security number is going to be frozen and a sheriff will be at my house at 430 pm if I don’t take care of this judgement over the phone. I said great I work for the social security office and my daddy is the sheriff I started singing you are a scammer after the third round of singing he said F you bitch and hung up"
This cruel scam targets seniors by preying on their love for family. A caller will pretend to be your grandchild or nephew, often sounding hysterical or crying. They claim to have been in a car accident or arrested for "wreckless endangerment" and need you to wire "bail money" immediately. To make it believable, a second person may get on the phone posing as a public defender named "John Fisher" or an attorney.
Law enforcement and court officials will never ask you to wire bail money or pay with gift cards over the phone. Bail is a formal process that happens at a courthouse or jail, not through a random call and a Western Union transfer.
"this person called, hysterically crying, claiming to be a member of my family who had gotten arrested for 'wreckless endangerment' for using a cell phone while driving and causing and accident and then nearly convinced my parents by calling from other numbers to wire 'bail money'"
Scammers in our area are specifically impersonating PSE&G, New Jersey's largest utility provider. They will call you claiming your account is past due and that they are on their way to shut off your service immediately. Another version involves them wanting to come into your home to "change your electric meter," which is just a tactic to gain entry.
PSE&G sends multiple written notices before shutting off service and will never demand payment over the phone with a gift card or prepaid card. Their employees also carry photo ID, which you should always ask to see.
"PRETENDING TO BE PSE&G. THEY WANT TO COME INTO YOUR HOME AND CHANGE YOUR ELECRIC METER. DO NOT LET THEM IN! I CALLED PSE&G, THEY SAID THAT THIS IN NOT REAL. i CALLED POLICE AND FILED A COMPLAINT."
These callers pose as debt collectors or a legal firm to intimidate you into paying a debt that doesn't exist or is long past the statute of limitations. They use threatening language, claiming a "civil complaint" or "suit" has been filed against you. They may leave vague messages about "two pending matters" and threaten to contact your HR department at work if you don't call back.
Legitimate debt collectors must provide you with a written validation notice within five days of first contact. They are also prohibited by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act from using harassing or deceptive tactics, such as threatening to have you arrested or contacting your employer without a court order.
"New number, same scam message that 'I received an order for you, and now there are two pending matters.' I've been getting variations of the same message for about 2 years now, always threatening to send me papers, or a fax order...These people belong in jail."
This scam specifically targets New Jersey residents by impersonating Horizon NJ Health or a generic "Medicare advisor." A robocall from "Mary Beth" or a live agent will claim to be from your health plan. The goal is to get you to "verify" sensitive information like your date of birth, address, or Medicare ID number, which they then use for identity theft or fraudulent billing.
Your health insurance provider already has your personal information. They will not call you out of the blue and ask you to verify your full date of birth or policy number for no reason. Unsolicited calls requesting this information are always a scam.
"'Mary Beth' (recorded) claimed to be from Horizon NJ Health. They asked for my medical and personal information. THIS COMPANY IS PREYING UPON MEDICAID RECIPIENTS who are often in circumstances where they need to comply with requests to keep their care. They would be easy to scam."
Residents are reporting a high volume of unsolicited calls and texts from people claiming to be real estate agents or investors. They often know your name and address and ask if you would accept a "cash offer" for your property. These callers can be persistent and sometimes rude, calling multiple times a day even after being told you are not interested.
While some investors do use public records to find homeowners, the sheer volume and aggressive nature of these calls are hallmarks of data scraping operations. Many are fishing for information and are not serious buyers.
"Yes - a woman said she was working with a group of investors looking to buy properties in my town and asked if I would accept a cash offer for my property."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 973 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in New Jersey, United States. Area code 973 is a general purpose code that has been in service since June 1, 1997.
Most common 973 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 New Jersey, or have a 973 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 New Jersey area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: