Area code 479 is seeing a lot of Social Security imposters and Medicare screening scams. Callers try to get your health insurance details by offering free cancer screenings or medical devices.
Scam & Spam Phone Number Lookup:
Our database contains over 25 million Do Not Call and robocall complaints reported to the FTC.
Robocalls claim your Social Security Number has been involved in "fraudulent activities" or has been "compromised." The computerized voice threatens you with "legal enforcement actions" and "legal proceedings" if you do not call them back immediately. They use your fear of losing benefits to trick you into calling back and giving up personal information. Real Social Security Administration offices never call to threaten legal action. They communicate through U.S. Mail.
"Voicemail recording of computerized voice informing me that legal enforcement actions filed on my social security number for fraudulent activities."
A caller named "Becky" targets people over 50 and falsely claims you must get certain cancer screening tests immediately or Medicare will label you as "ineligible for coverage." She creates panic to trick you into giving up your Medicare information, which they use for fraudulent billing to Medicare. Medicare never calls to threaten the loss of your benefits. All legitimate medical tests are ordered by your personal doctor.
"'Becky' claims u need to have cancer screening done or u will loose ur Medicare benefits. There is complaint after complaint on this-WHY is nothing EVER done to these low life piece of craps??"
Frequent robocalls claim it's your "second notice" or "last chance" to extend your vehicle's factory warranty, even for 12-year-old cars. The caller doesn't know what kind of car you drive and claims it's a "final notice" about your warranty expiring. Some spoof Caller ID to show "Arkansas Forestry Commission" to build trust. They use your interest in car protection to sell you overpriced or unnecessary service contracts from third-party companies. These calls are not from your car's manufacturer.
"Called ID said Arkansas Forestry Commission, was indeed about my extended car warranty"
Robocalls claiming to be from Xfinity or Comcast state that your "50% discount for the year was being stopped" because you have not responded to them. They urge you to call back to keep your discount active, even calling people who don't have Xfinity or Comcast service. They use your callback to steal personal or account information through phishing. Cable companies do not use threatening robocalls to notify you of account changes. This "50% discount" is completely fabricated.
"called and left a message saying it was Xfinity and the 50% discount for the year was being stopped because we have not responded to them. I do not have any services so there is nothing to cancell....."
Callers contact residents about "outstanding federal student loan balances" and offer debt elimination or forgiveness programs. They send text messages claiming "I didn't receive your forms for student debt elimination" and warn that your application will expire. They target anyone, including people who have never had a student loan. They use your desperation about debt to collect upfront fees for fake forgiveness programs. Legitimate federal student loan forgiveness programs are managed through official government websites, never through unsolicited calls.
"I received a text that said 'I didn't receive your forms for student debt elimination. Call today at 479-279-8190 for an extension or your application will expire.' I don't have any student debt."
"Brent Bigs" leaves messages claiming to be from the "Walmart Corporate office in association with Amazon." He informs you that you are a 2nd place winner and have a "certified Bank of America check" waiting for you. He mentions well-known Arkansas companies like Walmart to sound legitimate. They use your excitement about winning to trick you into paying fees to collect your non-existent prize. Real sweepstakes never require winners to pay taxes or fees upfront.
"A man named something like 'Brent Bigs' left message. Said he was from Walmart Corporate office in association with Amazon. Had for me a certified Bank of America check as 2nd place winner randomly selected."
Area Code 479 phone numbers reported as unwanted calls to the FTC in the last 30 days.
(479) 533-0560
Calls pretending to be government, businesses, or family and friends
3 reports ·
(479) 307-0906
Reducing your debt (credit cards, mortgage, student loans)
2 reports ·
(479) 394-9399
Calls pretending to be government, businesses, or family and friends
2 reports ·
(479) 304-0460
Other
2 reports ·
(479) 789-4723
Other
2 reports ·
(479) 346-6140
Other
2 reports ·
(479) 465-6504
Calls pretending to be government, businesses, or family and friends
2 reports ·
(479) 981-7623
Dropped call or no message
1 report ·
(479) 307-3178
Dropped call or no message
1 report ·
(479) 324-5045
No Subject Provided
1 report ·
No, area code 479 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Arkansas, United States. Area code 479 is a general purpose code that has been in service since January 19, 2002.
You're likely experiencing "Neighbor Spoofing." Scammers fake their caller ID to display local or familiar numbers. If you live in or near Arkansas (Fort Smith, Fayetteville, Springdale), or have a 479 phone number yourself, scammers know you're more likely to answer what appears to be a local call.
Other Arkansas area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: