Bakersfield's 661 area code is a common source for fake process server calls and Social Security impersonation. Scammers threaten legal action or claim your identity has been stolen to panic you into paying.
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.
Callers claiming to be process servers like "Andrea Norris" or representing fake firms like "HR Dean & Assoc" threaten to serve legal papers at your home or workplace. They reference vague complaints filed against you and provide bogus case numbers like "10782121078212" to appear official. They pressure you to call back immediately to avoid legal action. They use your fear of public embarrassment at work to trick you into calling them back and providing personal information.
"Got a call from this number regarding a complaint against me and that they will come to my work or home to serve me. And to call back with a reference number. What the heck is that about?"
Scammers spoof their caller ID to display "SSI" and call residents late in the evening, well after government office hours like 6:30 p.m. or 8:30 p.m. They falsely claim fraudulent activity has been detected on your Social Security number and threaten to suspend it. An automated recording mentions a lawsuit filed against you for disability fraud and demands you call back immediately. They use your Social Security number to open credit accounts and steal your benefits. The real SSA communicates through U.S. Mail and never calls with threats.
"Claims to be informing you of fraud on your SS number, and that it is being suspended. It appears to be some sort of recording. Doesn't sound right, gives you numbers to phone them on. I hung up, of course."
A robocaller identifying herself as "Kelsey Adams" claims your student loan forgiveness application is incomplete and must be submitted before an urgent forbearance deadline. She provides a fake approval code like 21081 and states benefits are offered on a first come first serve basis. She instructs you to call a different number to speak with an eligibility counselor. They use your loan information to redirect your payments to themselves or charge upfront fees for forgiveness programs that are actually free. Real forgiveness programs never use unsolicited robocalls with urgent deadlines.
"Hi this is Kelsey Adams I'm following up regarding your eligibility for loan forgiveness it looks like your application is incomplete and needs to be submitted before the end of the forbearance deadline it's urgent that you return the call to complete your application..."
Callers pretending to be from Amazon, Apple, or Norton claim fraudulent purchases of $349 or $491 for items like iPhones on your account or that your iCloud has been hacked. A caller named "Sam" from "Norton 360" asks you to install remote access software like Any Desk to process a refund. They ask you to log into your bank account while they have remote access to your computer. They use this access to drain your bank accounts or install malware to steal your passwords. Amazon, Apple, and Norton never make unsolicited calls about account security or ask for remote computer access.
"said they were from amazon and that someone had placed an order using my account to purchase an iphone and gift card using my saved payment card, I checked my account an nothing was charged to my card."
Scammers pose as employees of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and claim your power is scheduled to be disconnected that day due to a pending balance. They create urgency by stating your power will be cut off "for today" and tell you to call back a direct billing department number different from the one on your actual bill. They use your payment information to steal money or identity details. Real utility companies like LADWP provide multiple written notices by mail over weeks before disconnecting service. They never demand immediate payment via gift cards or wire transfers.
"Call claimed to be from Los Angeles Department of Water and Power that my service was being disconnected. It's a scam of some kind. I know that is not the case for my service."
Scammers send unsolicited group text messages at unusual hours like 3:15 AM offering to pay around $500 to put Dr. Pepper or Bud Light decals on your personal vehicle. This is the setup for a fake check scam where they send you a fraudulent check and ask you to wire back a portion of the money. They keep whatever money you send while their check bounces. Legitimate corporate advertising campaigns are not run through random group texts. Real companies show up, not checks first.
"Revived a group text message at *3:15am* asking if I wanted to make $500 putting Bud Light decals on my car"
No, area code 661 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in California, United States. Area code 661 is a general purpose code that has been in service since February 13, 1999.
You're likely experiencing "Neighbor Spoofing." Scammers fake their caller ID to display local or familiar numbers. If you live in or near California (Bakersfield, Santa Clarita, Lancaster), or have a 661 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: