California's 279 area code is targeted by fake lawsuit threats and Social Security compromise scams. Callers want you to believe your identity is stolen so you will hand over your personal details.
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.
Scammers calling Sacramento area residents pose as debt collectors or legal officials and threaten court appearances, wage garnishments, and federal charges for fake debts like old payday loans. They threaten immediate legal action and claim you'll face a magistrate or grand jury. The caller refuses to state their company name, calling it a personal business matter. They mention wage garnishment or contacting your Human Resources department and become loud and aggressive when you ask questions. They use your personal information like the last four digits of your Social Security Number or a previous employer to steal more of your personal details and money for debts that don't exist. Official process servers do not call to warn you. They simply show up.
"They said it was about a payday loan that was taken out when I worked for my previous employer. I never took out a payday loan! They would not let me speak and just kept getting louder and before I ended the call she said 'We will see you in court!'"
A robocall or live caller claims your Social Security number has been breached or used in a crime. They have the last four digits of your actual SSN and read them back to you. The message pressures you to call a specific number back immediately to avoid legal consequences. They use your trust and the last four digits of your SSN to trick you into giving up your full Social Security number and other personal information. The Social Security Administration will not call you to threaten you. They conduct official business through the U.S. Mail.
"A woman called and said that there was a problem with my social security number and gave the last four digits of my number. At that point, I hung up."
Scammers send text messages claiming a shipment has been stopped due to insufficient funds or another delivery issue. The message includes a strange link like rpqq7.site to a fake website. The message demands a small payment or top up to complete delivery. Some callers use fake names like Robert Burke to report problems with packages you didn't order. They steal your financial information when you enter payment details on their fake website. Official delivery services never text you links to non-official websites. All tracking happens on their secure company websites.
"text saying shipment stopped due to insf funds top up do we can deliver rpqq7.site/x4m5vv who are these people?"
Callers falsely claim to be from Microsoft and tell you that you need to install software on your computer for a critical update or to fix a problem. They ask to install software or gain remote access to your computer and ask for money related to fixing your computer. They gain remote access to install malware, steal your personal information, or charge you for fake services. Microsoft never makes unsolicited support calls. All Windows updates are delivered through the official Windows Update service on your PC.
"Claims to be from Microsoft and needs to install software on your computer to update it. Sounds bad to me. Microsoft does not make personal calls when updates are available."
Robocallers try to sell you worthless or overpriced extended car warranties by making the calls sound urgent about your manufacturer's warranty expiring. The caller doesn't know the make or model of your vehicle and immediately calls back from different numbers after you hang up or block them. They use high-pressure sales tactics to get your personal information and sell services with little to no real coverage. Legitimate companies do not use illegal robocalls to sell auto warranties.
"My AT&T Call Block app stopped it from coming through but they immediately called from a 'different' number... which was the bogus car warranty scam."
Scammers calling 279 area code numbers claim to collect donations for police organizations like the National Council of Patrolman. They pressure you for immediate donations over the phone and ignore requests to be placed on Do Not Call lists. The organization names are vague and national-sounding, not tied to local Sacramento area departments. They keep most of the money you donate instead of giving it to first responders. Your local police and fire departments do not solicit donations by phone.
"This number has called me several times in the last few weeks a man answers the phone and claims to be part of some police department. They have completely ignored my demands to stop calling me."
No, area code 279 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in California, United States. Area code 279 is a general purpose code that has been in service since March 10, 2018.
You're likely experiencing "Neighbor Spoofing." Scammers fake their caller ID to display local or familiar numbers. If you live in or near California (Sacramento, Elk Grove, Roseville), or have a 279 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: