These area the top 10 area code 219 phone numbers reported to the FTC in the last 30 days:
| Phone Number | Complaints | Last Reported |
|---|---|---|
| (219) 629-3558 | ||
| (219) 225-4196 | ||
| (219) 316-1752 | ||
| (219) 515-1597 | ||
| (219) 215-9254 | ||
| (219) 338-3802 | ||
| (219) 406-9401 | ||
| (219) 327-9255 | ||
| (219) 357-5111 | ||
| (219) 266-5551 |
Indiana's 219 area code is known for aggressive police fund harassment and fake prize giveaways. Scammers pressure you to donate or pay a fee to claim winnings that do not exist.
Aggressive, profane demands to local businesses to extort fake charitable checks.
"My boss has donated to this guy for around 10 years but enough is enough. This guy is the rudest, nastiest person I've ever encountered. He will lie and say he has talked to my boss and my boss left a check, when my boss hadn't even talked to him. If he doesn't get his way, he will be extremely rude."
Fake $25,000 giveaways used to lure victims into high-pressure 90-minute timeshare presentations.
"Message was left by a real person by the name of Thomas stating he was calling from the claims department (no company name provided) regarding an entry that was submitted within the last 18 months in hopes of winning their $25K cash giveaway and my name was selected."
Robocalls threatening legal action over compromised SSNs to steal identity data.
"02 Dec 2019 received a cell phone call from (219) 654-1958, left a recorded message stating they were from SSA and that legal action was being taken against me, and that if I should press '1' on my phone to speak to an agent to prevent this legal action from going forth."
Imposters offering free back braces and cancer tests to fraudulently bill the government.
"GOT A CALL AND SAID THEY WERE FROM MEDICARE AND WANTED TO KNOW WHERE TO SEND MY BACK BRACE. I HAVENT BEEN TO ANY DOCTOR FOR ANY BACK BRACE!!! FRAUD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! DONT GIVE THEM ANY INFO."
Vague legal threats of "loan fraud" and contacting employers to collect fake debts.
"Caller asks me to contact a different phone number and wants my personal information and claims they have a 'complaint' against me and will contact my HR dept. Complete SCAM!"
One-ring or 15-second dead air calls designed to verify active numbers for telemarketing lists.
"This number has called me everyday for the last week. When I answer the phone it is dead air for about 15-20 seconds and then they hang up."
Area code 219 serves Northwest Indiana, largely coextensive with the Indiana side of the Chicago metropolitan area.
Prior to October 2021, area code 219 had telephone numbers assigned for the central office code 988 . This area code was scheduled to transition to ten-digit dialing by October 24, 2021.
| Rate Center | Number of Prefixes |
|---|---|
| GARY | 53 |
| MERRILLVL | 23 |
| VALPARAISO | 21 |
| MICHIGANCY | 17 |
| CROWNPOINT | 16 |
| HAMMOND | 16 |
| PORTAGE | 16 |
| E CHICAGO | 13 |
| HIGHLAND | 12 |
| LA PORTE | 10 |
| CHESTERTON | 8 |
| DYER | 6 |
| CEDAR LAKE | 4 |
| HOBART | 4 |
| Other | 60 |
Northwestern Indiana's industrial corner - including Hammond, Gary, and Merrillville - is home to the 219 area code. Callers frequently include US Steel shift managers, BP refinery contractors, and Horseshoe Casino hosts.