The 979 area code is being used for Social Security impersonation and fake lawsuit threats. Scammers pretend to be government agents to scare you into sharing your personal information.
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 979 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Texas (College Station, Bryan, Lake Jackson) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 979 scams based on user comments:
Callers from 979 numbers are falsely claiming your Social Security Number has been suspended or used in fraudulent activity. They often use intimidating language, saying they are from "homeland investigation" or that "legal inforcement action" has been filed against you to scare you into providing personal information.
The Social Security Administration's primary method of contact is official U.S. mail. They will never call you to threaten legal action or arrest, and they won't suspend your number over the phone.
"it says that there is a legal inforcement action that has been filed on my SS number for fraudulent activity"
Scammers are calling 979 residents claiming they have "certified documentation" or a summons to deliver because a lawsuit has been filed against you. They create false urgency by threatening to freeze your bank account, take your tax refund, or garnish 30% of your wages if you don't cooperate immediately.
Real process servers do not call ahead to warn you or ask you to schedule a delivery; they are legally required to make a valid attempt to serve you in person. Threats to freeze your assets over the phone are a classic intimidation tactic used by scammers.
"The woman said well your getting sued and your bank account will be frozen, if you are receiving an income tax refund, that will be taken from you. The court will allow us to take 30% of your wages."
You've likely received these persistent robocalls about an "expiring car warranty," even if you never had one or your car is paid off. Callers may know the year and model of your vehicle and claim to be from "Complete Auto Care" or your original warranty provider to sound more credible.
These calls are almost never from your car's manufacturer or a legitimate dealer. They are third-party companies using high-pressure tactics to sell expensive and often useless service contracts.
"Recieved robocall, but was connected to an overseas call center, possibly in India or Pakistan. Knew the year and model of my car and claimed to be the original warranty provider. Hung up when I asked too many questions."
This scam uses pure intimidation to try and get your money. A recorded message claims to be from the IRS, falsely stating that a lawsuit has been filed against you or that a warrant has been issued for your arrest. The calls are intentionally vague and do not mention a name to scare as many people as possible.
The IRS's first contact with you will always be an official notice sent through the U.S. mail. They do not call to demand immediate payment or threaten you with local law enforcement.
"Received a call from 979-200-7442 recorder left message stating it was from IRS and filed a warrant for my arrest but who are they talking about they don't say a name. This is Fraud"
A very specific and disturbing scam involves texts from someone claiming a mutual friend named "Rick" or "Tim" gave them your number. They use odd phrases like "you do more than your job" and aggressively push to meet up to "have fun," often sending sexually explicit and harassing messages, sometimes late at night.
This is a phishing or harassment tactic. There is no "Rick." The scammer's goal is to verify your phone number for future scams, attempt to extort you, or simply to harass and intimidate you.
"A guy named Rick schander gave me your number because he said you like to have fun. If I come over now what would happen"
Scammers are sending texts and placing robocalls about pre-approved personal loans for amounts like "$10,000" or offering debt reduction services. They may identify the caller as "Loan Officer Daniel Andrews" or claim to be from "credit assistance" regarding a loan you supposedly applied for online, all in an effort to get your financial information.
Unsolicited offers that "guarantee" loan approval are almost always scams. They are designed to steal your identity or trick you into paying an advance "fee" for a loan that will never materialize.
"Claims to be from credit assistance regarding the loan that I applied for online. I have never applied for a loan online. These people call multiple times per day from various but similar numbers even though I block the calls."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 979 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Texas, United States. Area code 979 is a general purpose code that has been in service since February 19, 2000.
Most common 979 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 979 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: