The 657 area code is frequently used for threats of arrest and fake package delivery texts. Scammers claim you missed a delivery or have a warrant to trick you into clicking malicious links.
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.
Residents in Orange County receive automated calls claiming "four serious allegations" have been pressed against their name, threatening they will be "taken under custody by the local cops" if they do not call back immediately to discuss the case before legal action is taken. The recording provides only vague references to "serious allegations" without any specific details and creates a false sense of urgency with generic robocall messages rather than live contact from a legitimate agency. They use your callback to fish for personal information and money to supposedly resolve the fake charges. Real officers do not call first. They show up.
"Hours and once it get expired after that you will be taken under custody by the local cops as there are four serious allegations pressed on your name at this moment. We would request you to get back to us so that we can discuss about this case before taking any legal action against you. The number to reach us is 657-230-7516."
You receive text messages claiming to be from USPS, FedEx, or Amazon about a pending package delivery, often mentioning a "Parcel ID" like "SA8643" and urging you to click suspicious links like m3svc.info or mb14j.me to confirm delivery time or "avoid additional fees." The messages come from random 657 numbers instead of official company short codes, and they claim you must confirm to avoid charges even when you weren't expecting any packages. They use the link to steal your personal information and payment details when you try to "confirm" your fake delivery. Official delivery services never send texts from random personal phone numbers asking you to click unofficial links.
"Parcel ID-SA8643 is pending delivery in our warehouse. To avoid additional fees, please confirm delivery time: mb14j.me/qWVIt1mNm5"
Scammers use robocalls claiming "legal enforcement actions" have been filed against your Social Security number due to fraudulent activities, with callers identifying as being from the "SSI office" and demanding immediate callback to specific 657 numbers like 657-667-1562 "at the earliest possible" moment before they "begin with the legal proceedings." They use your callback to extract your Social Security number and personal information to commit identity theft. The Social Security Administration never calls people to warn them of legal action. They communicate through official mail only.
"There is a legal enforcement actions filed on your Social Security number for fraudulent activities so when you get this message kindly call back at the earliest possible on our number before we begin with the legal proceedings that is 657-667-1562 thank you…"
Repeated calls and voicemails come from "Cynthia" at "Student Enrollment Services" about a "final attempt" to reach you for a student loan forgiveness program, claiming you have until a specific day like Friday to respond and mentioning eligibility for a "Federal Assistance Program" for student loans. When you call back, it goes to a message saying all representatives are "busy," and they continue calling for weeks with the same "final notice" message. They use your callback to sell you fake loan forgiveness services or steal your federal student aid login information. Real federal loan servicers communicate through official website portals and U.S. mail. They never use high-pressure robocalls with fake names and deadlines.
"Blocked caller id so I didn't answer. Voicemail from 657-229-0172 appears. It's Cynthia saying this this the third and final attempt to contact me about some student loan forgiveness program."
Scammers cold-call residents, often at 6:39 AM, claiming you owe $299 for computer work done two years ago and insisting you must pay immediately to cancel the charge. The callers have heavy accents, cannot provide details about the alleged service, become defensive when questioned about what kind of computer you own, and quickly hang up when challenged. They use your payment information to steal money for nonexistent computer services. A real company would have detailed invoices, dates, and specifics about your device. These are cold-call tactics designed to scare you into paying for nothing.
"I called this number, as I was left a 'voice message' saying that I owed $299 for the work done on my computer 2yrs ago... I called and got someone with a very heavy 'accent' that said I had them work on my computer and wanted their money. I told them I never had any work needed on my computer and asked the person WHAT kind of computer do I have....and he hung up!!!"
You receive robocalls from "Mark" with an "important message about your automobile service contract," falsely claiming your service contract has expired or is about to expire and pressuring you to "press eight" to speak with an agent to extend coverage or "press the number 9" if declining coverage. They use your keypress responses to confirm your line is active and sell you overpriced or unnecessary warranties. Your vehicle manufacturer or dealership already has your contract information and contacts you via official mail with proper documentation. They never use generic robocalls from random numbers.
"hi this is Mark with an important message about your automobile service contract seems like the time to renew or extend your service contract has expired or will be expiring shortly if you would like to keep coverage or extend it press eight to speak to a customer service agent..."
Scammers send text messages pretending to be from AT&T, often using your first name, falsely claiming AT&T "accidentally overcharged your account last month" and providing suspicious links like k6hpw.info or m5cwu.info for you to claim your "compensation." The messages come from regular phone numbers instead of official AT&T short codes and may use your name even if you are not the primary account holder. They use the phishing link to steal your account login and personal information when you try to claim the fake refund. AT&T handles billing credits directly on your account. They never send texts with unofficial links requiring personal information entry.
"AT&T Free Msg: My Name, we accidentally overcharged your account last month. Kindly your compensation here: k6hpw.info/oq7ACrEmsm"
No, area code 657 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in California, United States. Area code 657 is a general purpose code that has been in service since September 23, 2008.
You're likely experiencing "Neighbor Spoofing." Scammers fake their caller ID to display local or familiar numbers. If you live in or near California (Anaheim, Santa Ana, Huntington Beach), or have a 657 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: