The 251 area code is frequently used for government impersonation and deceptive health insurance pitches. Callers try to steal your personal data by pretending to offer better medical coverage.
Scam & Spam Phone Number Lookup:
Our database contains over 25 million Do Not Call and robocall complaints reported to the FTC.
Scammers pretend to be from the Social Security Administration or the IRS and claim legal enforcement actions have been filed against your Social Security Number for fraudulent activities. They use robocalls or speak with foreign accents, demanding thousands of dollars or threatening that a warrant will be issued for your arrest today. They use automated messages that instruct you to press "1" to speak to an officer and repeat phrases like "legal enforcement actions filed on your social security number." They use your personal information to steal your identity or drain your bank accounts. Real government agencies send official letters through U.S. Mail. They never call to threaten arrest.
"Education call from the Department of Social Security Administration. The reason you have received this phone call from our department is to inform you that there's a legal enforcement actions filed on your social security number for fraudulent activities. So when you get this message kindly call back at the earliest possible on our number before we begin with the legal proceedings..."
Scammers call with your full name, birthdate, and health insurance member ID number already in hand. They claim you have cancer or another serious illness to shock you into giving more information, or offer "free" medical equipment like massagers by claiming to be associated with Medicare. When pressed for details, they give generic names like "Alex Jones." They use your insurance information to file fake medical claims or steal your identity. Your doctor never calls to reveal a cancer diagnosis for the first time over the phone.
"The caller shared knowledge of current phone number, name, birthdate, and health insurance member ID number. Very concerning. Said the patient had cancer and needed to follow up…even more concerning!!! The patient hung up."
Scammers send intimidating text messages with fake case IDs and legal-sounding phrases like "complaint in motion" or "notice of action." They call your friends, family, and even reference your "HR/Payroll Dept" even if you are unemployed. They refuse to provide official documentation of the debt but share personal details about your supposed debt with third parties. They use any information you confirm to open accounts in your name or demand payments for debts that do not exist. Real debt collectors cannot legally discuss your debt with friends or family.
"I have received calls from 251-338-2140 as well as friends and family. They are calling for me and leaving all detailed information about me and they are trying to collect and tell friends and family all of this information. Isn't that against the law...?"
Scammers pose as Alabama Power threatening to cut off your power in 30 minutes, or impersonate DirecTV, Xfinity, and DoorDash with fake order updates and service problems. They demand immediate payment or ask for account details to "fix" problems that do not exist. They use your account information to steal services in your name or drain your bank accounts. Alabama Power sends multiple written notices before any disconnection. Delivery services communicate through their official apps, not surprise phone calls.
"Claimed to be Alabama Power going to cut off my power in 30 minutes."
Automated messages or live callers claim your car warranty is expiring or has already expired. They do not know what kind of car you drive and ask you to confirm details while pressuring you to act immediately before your "coverage" runs out. These calls continue even if you are on the Do Not Call registry. They use your car information to sell you worthless extended service contracts or steal your identity. Your actual car manufacturer never contacts you with threatening robocalls.
"First the caller said they had previously tried getting in touch with me, that my card was fixing to expire. (Never ask for a name), I ask what card was she talking about, she said the card you are using... then she asked how many vehicles did I have, something about a warranty..."
Callers congratulate you on winning a free cruise or vacation package you never signed up for. They ask for personal and credit card information to "claim" your prize. When you refuse, they become aggressive and threaten to charge your bank account for an "offer" they claim you already bought. They use your financial information to make unauthorized charges or steal your identity. Real contests never demand payment or threaten you when you decline.
"This number is a scammer calling to say we bought a vacation pkg, we said no we didnt and hung up he called back 10 times, the last call he said well I have your bank info and you will be charged."
No, area code 251 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Alabama, United States. Area code 251 is a general purpose code that has been in service since June 18, 2001.
You're likely experiencing "Neighbor Spoofing." Scammers fake their caller ID to display local or familiar numbers. If you live in or near Alabama (Mobile, Prichard, Daphne), or have a 251 phone number yourself, scammers know you're more likely to answer what appears to be a local call.
Other Alabama area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: