The 518 area code is a telephone area code serving eastern Upstate New York. Look up any phone number starting with 518 area code. Results may include:
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The 518 area code is seeing Social Security impostors and the emotional "grandson in jail" emergency scam. These callers manipulate your fear for a family member or your legal status to steal your cash.
Scammers calling from local 518 numbers claim to be from the Social Security Administration. A robotic voice threatens "legal enforcement action" and says your Social Security Number has been "suspended" due to "fraudulent" or "criminal activities," sometimes mentioning drug dealing. They demand you call back immediately "before we begin with the legal proceedings." They use your personal information to steal your identity and open accounts in your name. The real Social Security Administration never calls to threaten you or claim your number is suspended.
"This call is from 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..."
A scammer calls pretending to be your grandchild who is in jail after a car accident, claiming they have a "broken nose" to disguise their voice. They quickly pass the phone to a fake lawyer using names like "Robert Stevens" or "Angel White," who demands $6,000 to $10,000 in cash for bail money. The story often involves a DUI and hitting a pregnant woman. They tell you not to speak to other family members because the situation is "embarrassing." They use your cash to fund their criminal operations. Real lawyers don't demand cash over the phone for bail.
"My 'Grandson' called because in was in a car accident and arrested. Wants me to bail him out. He gave me this number (518 300 3676) for his lawyer Robert Stevens. Said lawyer would call from there to tell me how to pay."
Aggressive robocalls state a "complaint has been filed against you" or that you are in "non-compliance." Scammers using names like "Claire Brown" or "LAURIE CRANZ" threaten to serve you with legal papers at your home or work. They threaten to contact your HR or Payroll department and give you a fake case number, demanding you call back to avoid being served. They remain vague about their company or the exact complaint. They use your callback to extract personal information or money. Official process servers don't call to warn you in advance.
"We received a threatening phone call from 518-735-3538, same as others, deep voice male threathening to serve papers at home or work with a case file. This must be stopped."
Robocalls from automated voices named "Molly" or "Mandy" claim to be from "Apple Support." They warn that your iCloud account has been breached by suspicious activity from Russia or China. They tell you to stop using all Apple devices and press 1 or call a local 518 number immediately. If you connect, the fake "technician" may become rude or abusive if questioned. They use remote access to steal information from your devices or trick you into paying for fake repairs. Apple does not make unsolicited calls about security breaches.
"This is Molly from Apple support we have found some suspicious activities in your iCloud account that your iCloud account has been breached before using any Apple device please contact Apple support advisor press one to connect with Apple support advisor...or if you wish to contact us later please call us on our toll-free number .5187301561 thank you…."
Professional-sounding callers using names like "Todd Slone," "John Malone," or "Debra Holland" claim you've won millions of dollars and a new car from Publishers Clearing House. They insist you must first pay hundreds or thousands of dollars in "taxes and fees" by purchasing gift cards from Walmart or Home Depot. They may send fake checks by email to prove their legitimacy. They steal your gift card numbers and use them immediately for purchases. The real PCH notifies big winners in person with their Prize Patrol.
"Guy claimed to be Todd Slone from PCH claiming I won 5 million 500 thousand.. He even sent me a FAKE check via email and said I need to purchase Visa gift cards and Home Depot gift cards... 'which would be encrypted into my credit card for the purpose of paying taxes on the monies won'..."
Robocalls leave messages claiming your bank or credit card will be charged $299 or $399 for automatic renewal of services like "PC Tech Support," "anti-virus software," or a "security service license." They mention generic company names or no company at all. The message urges you to call immediately to cancel the charge. When you call back, they ask for your credit card information to "process a refund." They use your card details to make unauthorized purchases or steal your identity. Legitimate companies send clear renewal notices by email with specific company identification.
"Call said my card was charged $399 as my security service license was updated. If I wanted to cancel to call 518-329-9057 immediately"
Callers claiming to be from the "Criminal Investigative Department for the IRS" leave urgent messages about tax fraud. They threaten arrest and "prison time," stating it's their "last attempt to contact you." The message demands you call a specific number to "avoid prison time." They frighten you into paying fake tax bills over the phone using gift cards or wire transfers. The IRS initiates contact through U.S. Mail, never calls to demand immediate payment, and never threatens arrest for unpaid taxes.
"Stated 'Crimnal investigative department for the IRS This is the last attempt to contact you or criminal charges will be filed and prison time will follow. Contact 518-217-5564 to avoid prison time.' Knew it was a scam right away because the IRS does not call anyone..."
Area Code 518 phone numbers reported as unwanted calls to the FTC in the last 30 days.
(518) 375-1086
6 reports ·
(518) 247-6462
5 reports ·
(518) 777-2315
4 reports ·
(518) 219-6301
3 reports ·
(518) 919-6810
3 reports ·
(518) 777-3144
3 reports ·
(518) 819-3961
2 reports ·
(518) 990-1924
2 reports ·
(518) 984-4505
2 reports ·
(518) 871-7865
2 reports ·
No, 518 is New York's Capital Region area code, covering Albany, Schenectady, and Troy. Proximity to state government offices in Albany makes this prefix valuable to spoofers who want calls to feel official and authoritative.
The Capital Region's government-heavy economy gives authority-based scams a natural advantage when 518 is spoofed. Grandparent emergency scams are particularly active here, with callers impersonating grandchildren who claim a broken nose disguises their voice before handing the call to a fake attorney demanding cash for bail. PCH prize scams are also widely reported, with callers sending victims fraudulent checks by email as "proof" before demanding Home Depot and Visa gift cards to cover supposed taxes.
The 518 area code covers eastern Upstate New York, extending from the eastern Mohawk Valley to the Vermont border, and from the Canada–US border to south of Albany. The bulk of the population is in the Capital District, near Albany, Schenectady, and Troy. It also includes the Upper Hudson Valley counties, Greene and Columbia counties, and some northern parts of Dutchess County.
Area code 838 was added to the 518 numbering plan area in 2017. Both area codes 518 and 838 serve the same geographic region. Ten-digit dialing became mandatory on August 20, 2017.
Area code 518 is a general purpose code which was placed in service on January 1, 1947.
| Rate Center | Number of Prefixes |
|---|---|
| ALBANY | 182 |
| SCHENCTADY | 43 |
| GLENSFALLS | 35 |
| TROY | 30 |
| COLONIE | 28 |
| PLATTSBG | 26 |
| SARATOGSPG | 20 |
| AMSTERDAM | 11 |
| HUDSON | 11 |
| BALLSTNSPA | 8 |
| GLOVERSVL | 8 |
| LAKEPLACID | 8 |
| MALONE | 7 |
| CATSKILL | 6 |
| Other | 191 |
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