Scammers use the 213 area code to pose as the Chinese Consulate or utility companies threatening shutoffs. They use fear and urgency to make you pay immediately to avoid trouble.
Look up any suspicious number using our scam and spam phone number lookup database. It includes over 29 million Do Not Call and robocall complaints reported to the Federal Trade Commission.
Robocalls in Mandarin Chinese or broken English claim to be from the "Consulate General of the People's Republic of China in Los Angeles." They spoof the real consulate number or downtown LA apartment buildings on caller ID and demand you "Press 9" for details. The scripts threaten that today is the "last notice" before legal action and claim you have an urgent package not picked up, an important document about your legal status, or that you're implicated in international money laundering. They use your connection to transfer money or steal personal information when you press 9. Foreign consulates do not use robocalls for legal notifications. Official legal notices come by certified mail.
"Hello this is a notice from consulate general of the peoples Republic of China in Untied States. You have an important document that has not yet been received. Today is the last notice. Please contact us..."
People calling themselves "Jessica Novak," "Martin Ravendale," or "Daniel Lewis" claim to be compliance officers or process servers who will serve you legal papers at home or work. They threaten to serve you at your workplace to embarrass you and insist you have exactly "2 hours" to respond before the court issues a warrant. They cite complaint numbers like #13490850 or #2019-11726 without written proof and demand phone payments to stop the "lawsuit." They use your payment to steal money while providing no actual legal relief. Real process servers do not call ahead because that would let you avoid them. Courts do not take payments over the phone to cancel warrants.
"This is compliance officer Jessica Novak from State of California. You were supposed to appear for a court hearing... If you were not properly served, please contact my office directly. If you fail to do so, you will be legally prosecuted in this case."
Scammers impersonating LADWP, PG&E, or "Just Energy" claim a technician is currently at your property or en route to disconnect water and power within 15 to 30 minutes. They demand immediate payment via Zelle or gift cards, often citing a specific "$499 security deposit" for a "smart meter." They use your payment information to steal money or drain your accounts. Utility companies send multiple written notices by mail before disconnecting service. They never demand immediate phone payments to stop technicians already dispatched.
"Call... stating the DWP technician was at my house and was going to shut off my water and power in 15 min if I didn't pay a $499.00 security deposit for the smart meter they installed."
Callers posing as the "Social Security Administration," "Inspector General," or "Department of Justice" claim your SSN has been "suspended" or "flagged for illegal activity." They threaten "intentional second attempt to avoid federal law" and mention "abandoned cars" with drugs near the Mexico border or claim "federal agents" and the "DEA" are involved. They demand personal information verification or payments to remove arrest warrants. They use your information for identity theft or steal your money through fake warrant payments. Your Social Security number cannot be suspended, locked, or cancelled. The SSA never calls to threaten arrest or demand money.
"This is a final reminder from the office of Inspector General of Social Security administration. Your social security number has been suspended and request you get back to us so that we can discuss about this case."
SMS texts from names like "Nick Nave," "Rafael Cox," or "Josh" promote a "CoinCircle" app with suspicious links like `l.coincircle.com` or `tinyurl` variants. They address you by name or claim a friend sent the invite and promise unrealistic returns like "8% APY" on Bitcoin or "earning $200 daily" just by joining. They use your clicks to install malware, steal financial information, or run Ponzi schemes that collapse with your money. Legitimate investment platforms do not solicit customers through random texts promising guaranteed daily income.
"Hey, check out this app - it lets you buy, sell, earn, and borrow crypto. We can also earn up to 8% APY on USD, BTC, and ETH. Join using my link - we can both earn $200 daily."
Callers from "VTech Solutions," "Geek Squad," or "technical support" leave voicemails stating you will be charged $299, $399, or $499 for an antivirus subscription you never ordered. Names like "James Marshall" from "Customer Relations" claim you have "48 hours" to cancel before the money is taken and instruct you to call back. They gain remote access to your computer to "process the refund" and use that access to steal files, install malware, or drain your bank accounts. If a charge were real, you would handle it through your bank, not by letting strangers access your computer.
"Robo type voice stated the company as VTec Solutions and that our account would be charged $399 for an anti-virus upgrade and that we had 48 hours to call to cancel."
Unknown numbers make unsolicited FaceTime video calls between midnight and 4:00 AM, often making repeated attempts if you decline. If answered, they immediately show graphic indecent exposure of men masturbating or exposing themselves. This is digital sexual harassment designed to shock and traumatize victims. No legitimate caller requests video calls from unknown numbers at night.
"Received a FT call around midnight of a boy/man with his face covered while masturbating. Very disturbing!!... No answering unknown FT calls!"
No, area code 213 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in California, United States. Area code 213 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 California (Los Angeles, East Los Angeles, South Gate), or have a 213 phone number yourself, scammers know you're more likely to answer what appears to be a local call.
Other California area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: