Residents with 985 numbers report fake process server calls and final notice car warranty scams. Fraudsters claim they are trying to deliver legal papers to frighten you into paying a settlement.
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 985 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Louisiana (Houma, Laplace, Slidell) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 985 scams based on user comments:
Scammers from local 985 numbers are calling residents and employees, falsely claiming a legal complaint has been filed against you. They use scare tactics like threatening to contact your HR department or serve papers at your home, often using old information like a maiden name to appear legitimate before stating "you have been officially notified."
Real process servers do not call ahead to warn you or ask to verify your address. Their job is to locate you and deliver legal documents in person without prior notice, as a phone call would give you a chance to avoid them.
"Got a voicemail from this number stating he was 'reassigned' to deliver me a formal claim documentation and he needs a valid address on my file so he can present the order to me. something about a claim filed against me... then he tells me I am officially notified."
You'll get frequent robocalls from 985 numbers with an urgent recorded message about your car's warranty expiring. They push this as your "last chance" to extend coverage, even for older cars like a 2005 model, hoping to pressure you into buying an unnecessary or overpriced service plan.
Legitimate companies connected to your vehicle will send official notices via U.S. Mail, which include your car's specific information (like the VIN). They do not rely on high-pressure, generic robocalls.
"I repeatedly get calls from this number about my car warranty. This is a scam as one of my cars is a 2005. The other is still under warranty."
Callers are posing as agents from the IRS, Social Security Administration, or even the DEA, using a 985 number to look local. They make serious threats, claiming you owe back taxes and will have your wages garnished or that you are involved in a criminal case, all to scare you into sending money or giving up personal information.
Federal agencies like the IRS and Social Security Administration initiate most contact through official U.S. Mail. They do not call to threaten you, demand payment via gift cards, or ask for sensitive personal information over the phone.
"The lady advised she was from the IRS and I owed taxes."
You may get a voicemail about a suspicious, high-dollar purchase on your account, often for an "iPhone 16" for around $999. The message instructs you to call back immediately. When you do, a scammer answers with a simple "hello Amazon" in a noisy room, hoping to trick you into giving them your account login or credit card details to "cancel" the fake order.
Amazon's customer service operates through its official website and app. You will not get an unsolicited call that connects you directly to a live person who just says the company's name.
"Left a recorded message about approving $999 charge for an iPhone 16 on my account so I call the number and some lady answers immediately with noise in the background says 'hello Amazon' I repeated 'Amazon' and she hung up."
Local Louisiana businesses are getting pestered by callers who aggressively demand to speak with the owner. Callers, sometimes named "Tom Richardson," are extremely pushy about business loans or merchant accounts. If you ask questions or refuse to transfer them, they often become rude, call you names, and hang up.
Legitimate business callers are professional, respectful of your staff's time, and are always willing to leave a detailed message. Rude and evasive behavior is a clear sign of a high-pressure telemarketer or scammer.
"She didn't like that I was questioning why she was calling and what it was regarding and she called me a weirdo and hung up on me."
These scammers target our elderly neighbors and those seeking medical assistance. They call from 985 numbers claiming to be from "National Disability" or saying you inquired about Medicaid insurance. Their goal is to get you to "confirm" personal details like your age, Social Security number, or Medicare information to commit identity theft or insurance fraud.
Medicare and the Social Security Administration will almost never call you unless you have already contacted them and requested a callback. They send official information through the U.S. Mail and do not call to sell you products or verify your number.
"Called the number back and they answered saying I was inquiring online about Medicaid insurance which I did no such thing.. I called them liars and scammers and they should be ashamed of themselves for targeting the elderly!"
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 985 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Louisiana, United States. Area code 985 is a general purpose code that has been in service since February 12, 2001.
Most common 985 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 Louisiana, or have a 985 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 Louisiana area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: