North Dakota's 701 area code is seeing a rise in art insurance fraud and vague legal threats. Scammers use these calls to demand money for fake insurance policies or nonexistent court cases.
Scam & Spam Phone Number Lookup:
Our database contains over 25 million Do Not Call and robocall complaints reported to the FTC.
A man calling himself "Art" phones North Dakota residents claiming to follow up on an insurance application you never filled out. He says he's offering "better options" but makes relentless calls from multiple numbers, sometimes twice daily. Victims report strange background noises during calls, including someone coaching others to give "high fives" with the phrase "High above, down below, now in the middle." He uses your personal information to sell you insurance policies you don't need. Real insurance agents don't cold-call about applications you never submitted.
"I got two calls from different local numbers claiming to be 'Art' and giving this number as a call back. Interestingly enough, at the start of one of the messages, another voice is heard coaching someone to give high fives. 'High above, down below, now in the middle.' Then there's a pause before 'Art' comes on..."
A robotic voice leaves intimidating voicemails threatening generic "legal action" against you without naming any specific case, agency, or details. The message, often with the beginning cut off, pressures you to call back immediately or face consequences by pressing 1 or calling their number. They use any callback to try selling you debt relief or legal services. Courts and federal agencies send official legal notices by mail, not threatening robocalls.
"Received a call from 701-997-2698. They left a voice message saying 'If we don't hear from you then we will be forced to take legal action against you. Kindly press 1 or call us back at 701-997-2698.'"
A robocall, typically a female voice, claims your Amazon account has been compromised and that someone made a fraudulent "$200 gift card" purchase. The caller from a random 701 number pressures you to call their specific phone number immediately to cancel the order and secure your account. If you call back, they try to get your Amazon login credentials or remote access to your computer to steal your banking information. Amazon never calls about compromised accounts and asks you to call a different number.
"I was told my Amazon account was compromised. They had ordered a $200 grift card and I needed to call this number to get the money refunded to my account. There's no such charge to my account."
A recorded call in poor English claims your bank account will be automatically debited "$599 for 3 years" for a computer service contract renewal you never signed up for. The caller with a strong accent operates from a very noisy background and pressures you to call back immediately to cancel. If you call, they demand you install screen sharing software on your computer so they can access your banking information or install ransomware. Legitimate tech companies don't threaten automatic debits for services you never requested.
"Recorded call said to call number to cancel a computer service contract or my bank account would be debited for $599 for 3 years. I called back and got a very noisy background and a person with an accent...He wanted me to get on my computer and bring up a screen share program. RED FLAG!!!"
A caller, sometimes named "Mike," phones North Dakota auto repair businesses demanding to speak to "the boss" or "boss man" about buying catalytic converters and scrap metal. When told the boss is unavailable, he becomes irate, refuses to accept no for an answer, and threatens to come to the business personally to ask someone else. He may claim to be from "Secondary Metals." They use any information about your inventory or management to case your business for potential theft. Professional scrap metal buyers don't make threats or use high-pressure tactics.
"This number has repeatedly called my auto repair business, demanding to speak to 'the boss' to buy catalytic converters. When I tell them the 'boss' is unavailable, they refuse to accept my answer...and tell me they will be coming to my business personally to ask someone else."
An automated call targets local businesses claiming your "Google listing has expired" and prompts you to press 1 to speak with a specialist. The caller asks if they're speaking to the business owner, and pressing the option to be removed often leads to more calls. They use your confirmation that you own the business to sell you unnecessary listing services or SEO packages. Google manages business profiles for free and never makes automated expiration calls.
"Call multiple times per day stating that our Google listing has expired. The call is a 'robot'. ...When I re-dialed the number it was a non-working phone number. Scam, scam and scam"
Area Code 701 phone numbers reported as unwanted calls to the FTC in the last 30 days.
(701) 645-1153
Other
2 reports ·
(701) 506-0851
No Subject Provided
2 reports ·
(701) 990-9520
Reducing your debt (credit cards, mortgage, student loans)
2 reports ·
(701) 705-9807
Other
2 reports ·
(701) 791-8138
Reducing your debt (credit cards, mortgage, student loans)
2 reports ·
(701) 851-1744
Other
2 reports ·
(701) 779-5806
Dropped call or no message
2 reports ·
(701) 990-9512
Reducing your debt (credit cards, mortgage, student loans)
2 reports ·
(701) 566-5911
Other
1 report ·
(701) 791-7805
Reducing your debt (credit cards, mortgage, student loans)
1 report ·
No, area code 701 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in North Dakota, United States. Area code 701 is a general purpose code that has been in service since January 1, 1947.
You're likely experiencing "Neighbor Spoofing." Scammers fake their caller ID to display local or familiar numbers. If you live in or near North Dakota (Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks), or have a 701 phone number yourself, scammers know you're more likely to answer what appears to be a local call.