The 442 area code is known for fake utility shut-off threats and health insurance phishing. Callers pretend to be from the power company and demand payment to keep your lights on.
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 claiming to be from "Edison" or "SCE" call Southern California residents saying you have an overdue bill, sometimes over $900, and threaten to shut off your electricity within 30 to 40 minutes if you don't pay immediately. The caller may identify as "James Peters" and demand immediate payment using Zelle. They use your Zelle payment to steal money from your account while your power stays on because there was never a real disconnection threat. Real utility companies send multiple written notices through the mail long before any disconnection. They never demand immediate payment over the phone.
"Said His name was James Peters and that a technician was 40 minutes away to turn my power off- Had me Zelle him $200 and then said he made an error and said I needed to pay $600 to keep my services on. I found my bill and payment is not due until 6/9- I was scammed out of $200 - lesson learned..."
Callers spoof their caller ID to appear as well-known insurance providers like Aetna, WellCare, Ambetter, and Anthem BCBS, often knowing your name and claiming they need "important information" or need to "verify" personal details about your health plan, and they give you a different call-back number than the one on your insurance card. They use any personal information you provide to commit identity theft or sell your details to other criminals. Your health insurance provider already has your personal information on file and will not call you unexpectedly to ask for it.
"August 18 2020 received a call, did not answer. They left a message stating they were from WellCare and needed information from me and to call back the this same number. I contacted WellCare and they have NO RECORD of anyone calling me. Please be extremely careful."
Automated robocalls leave threatening voicemails claiming to be from the Social Security Administration, warning of "legal proceedings" or "criminal charges" being filed against you and claiming your Social Security Number is involved in a crime to create a false sense of urgency. When you call back scared, they trick you into revealing your personal information which they use to steal your identity or access your accounts. The Social Security Administration will never call to threaten you. They use U.S. Mail for official communications.
"Robo scam / fraudulent / leaves voice mail threatening criminal charges if number provided is not called. DO NOT ANSWER!"
A live caller, sometimes with a strong accent, asks for donations to a vague fund for injured firefighters or a "police officers ball," becomes hostile or aggressive when you ask for verifiable details about the charity or event, refuses to provide a mailing address or website for the charity, and pressures you for an immediate donation over the phone. They pocket your donation money instead of giving it to any real charity or first responders. Legitimate charitable organizations never use aggressive tactics or refuse to provide information.
"I answered. Man with strong NY accent asked if I'd donate to fund for helping injured firefighters... I replied that my spouse was a firefighter and that I make all such donations through our local firefighters union. Jeez, no thank you, no nothing. Just hung up."
A recorded call claims to be from AOL saying your account has been "compromised," instructs you to press "1" to speak with a technician, and the caller hangs up if you question their identity. The fake technician tries to gain your login credentials or remote access to your computer to steal your personal information and hack into your accounts. Tech companies like AOL do not make unsolicited phone calls about compromised accounts. These alerts are sent via email or displayed within your account portal.
"Call was a recorded call with pressing '1' for technician. Call claimed to be from AOL. I asked 'how do I know that this is AOL?' Technician hung up!"
Scammers call offering to reduce or completely cancel student loan debt, often contacting people who have no student loans or paid them off years ago, and promise special access to government programs for a fee. They use any personal information or upfront fees you provide to steal your identity or simply take your money without providing any loan help. All legitimate federal student loan forgiveness programs are available for free through official government channels at StudentAid.gov. No private company can offer you a better deal.
"Just received a call from this number that states I'm eligible for student loans forgiveness, but I don't have any student loans as I paid these off years ago."
No, area code 442 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in California, United States. Area code 442 is a general purpose code that has been in service since November 21, 2009.
You're likely experiencing "Neighbor Spoofing." Scammers fake their caller ID to display local or familiar numbers. If you live in or near California (Oceanside, Escondido, Victorville), or have a 442 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: