Long Beach's 562 area code is seeing a high volume of fake process server calls and IRS impersonation schemes. Callers threaten you with court documents or tax audits to bully you into handing over money.
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 from the 562 area code claim to be from "Legal Support Services." They use names like Jenna, Rachel, or Jesse and provide a fake case number. They threaten to serve you with legal documents at your home or work "tomorrow between 10 AM and 2 PM" if you don't call them back to resolve a phony civil complaint. They often use a maiden name or old information to seem legitimate. They use your personal details to trick you into calling back and paying fake court fees or fines. Real process servers do not call ahead to warn you. They show up.
"Hi good afternoon this is now a final notice intended for (name which was my maiden name) my name is Jenna I'm calling with the process servers office of legal support and this call is to notify you pertaining to a Civil complaint that has been filed in my office... the attorneys office will be moving forward now and finalizing your case if you are given a final opportunity to contact the filing firm..."
Robocallers claim to be from the IRS or state there is "a legal enforcement action filed on your social security number for fraudulent activities." An automated voice message says your Social Security Number has been suspended. The caller threatens you with arrest or "legal action" and claims to be from the Department of Treasury or the IRS about a legal case. The message demands you "leave your work aside" and call them back immediately. They use your fear of arrest to trick you into giving them your Social Security number and bank account information. The Social Security Administration and IRS never call you to threaten you. They send official mail.
"...this call is from your legal attorneys general office the very second you receive this message you need to leave your work aside and dial this number 562-419-7867 I repeat!"
Callers from "Auto Insurance Warranty Services" use automated messages about an expiring car warranty, even if you don't own a car. The call is a recorded message about your "car's extended warranty" that instructs you to press a number to speak to a "specialist." The caller doesn't know what kind of car you drive. Pressing a number to be "removed from the list" often leads to more calls. They use your response to sell you worthless or overpriced service plans. These calls are from unrelated third-party sellers, not your car's manufacturer.
"Continuously calling daily leaving a voicemail recorded message saying, my warranty is expiring then proceeds to leave a call back. (Newsflash I don't have a warranty!!.. buzz off!!)"
Scammers send emails or leave voicemails claiming a subscription, often for McAfee Antivirus, has been auto-renewed and your account will be charged $299 or a similar amount. You receive an unsolicited email or voicemail about a McAfee subscription renewal you never purchased. The message claims your account will be "auto-debited" for an amount like $299.99. The email contains grammatical errors and a suspicious invoice number. They may claim to be from Apple support regarding a breach of your iCloud account. They use your panic about fake charges to gain remote access to your computer or steal your financial information to "process a refund." Major tech companies never notify you of charges via robocall or poorly written emails.
"I received an email and in the email it said call this number to cancel my McAfee billing. I don't even have McAfee."
Callers falsely claim to be from the "US Disability department" or a health insurer like "Molina Health care." They say you qualify for benefits you never applied for. The caller asks for your Social Security Number to "confirm" your claim. They may claim to be from a health plan like Molina and ask for personal health information. They use your Social Security number and medical information to steal your identity or file fraudulent benefit claims. You can contact the California Employment Development Department (EDD) directly at their official number if you have questions about disability benefits. Government agencies do not cold-call people to offer benefits.
"I received a call saying they're from the state disability office and I recently applied for disability. I knew off the back it's was fraud. I started drilling the person on the phone and she hung up on me."
Homeowners in Long Beach, Downey, and surrounding areas receive robocalls from a person named "April." The recorded message claims she recently sold a house in your neighborhood and wants to buy your home "as is" for cash, promising a quick and easy sale. The call originates from one number but provides a different 562 number to call back. The caller may be rude or aggressive if you decline their offer. They use your property information to lock homeowners into unfavorable, lowball contracts or gather data for high-pressure sales pitches. Legitimate investors rarely use widespread, anonymous robocall campaigns.
"Like many others have reported, this 'April' person called and left a voicemail about wanting to buy my home. The number originated as 310-881-8426 but 'April's' callback number is 562-362-4472. Beware and do not pick up this call or call them back."
No, area code 562 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in California, United States. Area code 562 is a general purpose code that has been in service since January 25, 1997.
You're likely experiencing "Neighbor Spoofing." Scammers fake their caller ID to display local or familiar numbers. If you live in or near California (Long Beach, Downey, Norwalk), or have a 562 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: