Pasadena's 626 area code is notorious for Social Security arrest threats and unwanted IT sales calls. Fraudsters claim you face jail time for identity crimes to panic you into paying them.
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.
Automated robocalls claim that legal enforcement action has been filed against your Social Security Number for fraudulent activity, sometimes specifically mentioning misuse in Texas. The recording threatens you'll be taken to the state courthouse or that an arrest warrant will be issued if you don't call them back immediately. They use your recorded "yes" to authorize fraudulent charges on your accounts. The Social Security Administration never calls to threaten arrest. They communicate by mail.
"The number for you to call the SSA back is 626-313-3667 the reason you have received this phone call from our department is to inform you that there's a legal enforcement action filed on your number for fraudulent activity so before this matter goes to the state courthouse and before you get arrested if you need any information or have any question kindly call us back..."
Callers with heavy accents claim to be from "IT Worlds" or "Comparative Business Solutions." They ask for employees by name, try to get you to verify email addresses to send a "white paper," refuse to take no for an answer, and call back repeatedly. When you decline or ask to be removed from their list, they become hostile, rude, or threatening, with loud call center noise in the background. They use the confirmed employee information to target your business with more scam calls or identity theft. Professional companies respect removal requests.
"you better watch who you are speaking to, I'll come to your house and beat you up."
Automated calls claim a fraudulent, high-dollar purchase has been made on your Amazon account, specifically mentioning "$999 for an Iphone11." The recording instructs you to press 1 to approve the charge or another number to cancel it, which connects you directly to a scammer. When you press a number, they steal your account information and payment details. Amazon never calls about orders.
"Multiple call scam of spoofed numbers. Message left '$999 for an Iphone11 has been charged to your Amazon account. Press 1 to verify, press 2 to deny.'"
Scammers leave voicemails threatening a "pending civil lawsuit" or "legal consequences" for an unspecified debt, using fake names like "Ms Easter." They create false urgency, demanding you or your lawyer call back within 24 hours to avoid having an action filed against you, and mention needing to "speak with a live representative who is handling your file." They use any information you provide to steal your identity or demand fake payments. Real process servers don't call first, they show up.
"Ms Easter calling about an urgent matter. Will be forced to file action if she doesn't here back from me within 24hrz"
Automated calls claim your vehicle's extended warranty is about to expire, often from a "specialist" or someone named "Rachel." The recording states "This is the final notice about your car's warranty" without mentioning your specific make, model, or year, and creates false urgency by pressuring you to "press 1 to speak to a specialist" immediately. They sell you expensive, worthless service contracts after getting your financial information. These calls target everyone, even people who don't own cars.
"fraud recorded message about 'Your vehicle warrantee expires or will expire, this is the final ....., press 1 to speck to a specialist'."
Callers start with a simple question like "Can you hear me okay?" to get you to say "Yes." They record your voice saying "Yes" and use that recording as a voice signature to authorize fraudulent charges to your phone bill or credit card, often hanging up immediately after you respond. No legitimate company opens calls this way.
"A woman asks, can you hear me ok. They are trying to get you to say yes!! Don't fall for this! If you say yes, or I can, they immediately hang up. They got what they wanted! Please be aware!"
No, area code 626 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in California, United States. Area code 626 is a general purpose code that has been in service since June 14, 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 (Pasadena, El Monte, West Covina), or have a 626 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: