The 424 area code is a hotspot for fake Apple Support calls and tax scams. Fraudsters pretend to be tech support to get remote access to your computer or bank account.
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 flood 424 area code lines claiming there is a security breach in your iCloud account. They call themselves "Mollie" or say they are from "Apple Inc." support. Some leave voicemails about a fraudulent $999 charge for an iPhone 16 Pro that you supposedly ordered. Caller ID shows "Apple Inc." but it is spoofed. Users report 6 to 17 calls in a single afternoon. They use your personal information to access your actual Apple accounts if you give them your login credentials. Apple support never calls you to report a breach or hack. Security alerts go to your trusted devices or email.
"Caller identifies herself as Mollie from Apple Support reporting fraudulent activity on Apple Cloud account. Pressed 1 and man with accent said apple support how can i help you... i replied you can help me you sob and the next time you call this number you will be speaking with the FBI."
A man calling himself "Nick Johnson" claims to be a tax resolution officer from the Tax Resolution Group or US Tax Consulting. He says you are pre-qualified for the IRS Fresh Start program to eliminate back tax debt, even if you filed on time and owe nothing. Calls appear from local 424 numbers but leave 855 or 866 callback numbers. They use your personal tax information to sign you up for expensive services you do not need. Check your actual tax status at IRS.gov/account. The IRS contacts taxpayers by physical mail only, never by phone.
"Hi, this is Nick Johnson. I'm a tax resolution officer. I'm contacting you because you're qualified for the fresh start program through the IRS get a limited reduced with you on your back taxes, possibly even get your money back in your pocket."
Scammers claim your Social Security number has been suspended due to suspicious activity at a raided house or activity at the south border of Texas. One caller named John Bennett used fake badge number 7426093. They threaten immediate legal proceedings and ask you to press 1 to speak to an investigator. They use any information you provide to steal your identity or access government benefits in your name. Social Security numbers cannot be suspended or terminated. The SSA never calls to threaten arrest.
"My mother got a phone call from a man named John Bennett with the badge # 7426093... Saying that her social security was being used to open loans with a few banks in Texas... The caller knew her full social security beforehand but asked her for her last four digits."
Robocallers named Kate Morgan, Emma Brown, or Ron Monroe claim your prequalified status is changing or they are from the Student Counseling Center. They promise to reduce payments or eliminate federal student loan debt with vague references to new programs or discharge deadlines. They target people who never took out student loans. They use your loan information to sign you up for expensive services that delay or complicate legitimate forgiveness programs. Visit StudentAid.gov for real forgiveness information. Private companies cannot speed up loan forgiveness.
"Got a call from Kate Morgan about a loan forgiveness program. I called to get more information and was hung up on. This is a SCAM... Strange since they are calling someone that DOES NOT HAVE ANY."
Callers like Tony claim to be from UPS or Universal Printing and offer Amazon gift cards or free toner. They ask for your printer model numbers. If you accept, they ship overpriced toner and aggressively invoice you, claiming you authorized the purchase. They use your equipment details and acceptance of the gift card to create fake purchase orders. UPS does not sell toner. Legitimate suppliers do not bribe customers with gift cards.
"Company says theyre sending you an amazon gift card for using thir printer and copier toner carts.. its a scam. if you accept the gift card your signing up for their program and they will send you tons of toner at a high price."
Callers claim to be from litigation departments or firms like Thompson and Associates or United Legal Group. They say you or a family member like Leonel Adams will be served with legal papers at work or home within 2 hours unless you call back. They use terms like civil complaint, magistrate judge, initial appearance, or second attempt. They refuse to mail proof of the debt or court filing. They use your fear and any payment information to steal money or access your accounts. Call the county court clerk directly to verify if a case exists. Real process servers do not call ahead to warn you.
"Brian called claiming he was a litigator from Thompson and Associates... so I called the other number that was given... and that's when Calvin Carter answered and when I said this is not Raymon he went totally crazy... These are scammers!!"
No, area code 424 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in California, United States. Area code 424 is a general purpose code that has been in service since August 26, 2006.
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, Torrance, Compton), or have a 424 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: