The 818 area code is notorious for fake process server calls and Social Security suspension threats. Callers lie about court documents or government trouble to steal your money and information.
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 leave aggressive voicemails claiming a "complaint" or "case" is pending against you in LA county. They use official-sounding names like "Vanessa from LSI" or "Celeste Harris" and provide fake case numbers like 342504100 to seem legitimate. These callers threaten to "actively pursue your place of employment and your residence" if you do not respond immediately, making vague mentions of a "pending matter" without any specific details and urgent demands to call back to avoid "forfeiting your right." They use your callback to extract personal information or money. Real process servers do not call ahead to warn you. They show up.
"Female rep left a voice mail approximately 5 times within the last two months-stated she needs me to call to verify my home and business address due to a case pending against me (yeah right)."
A robocall claims your Social Security number has been linked to "illegal" or "fraudulent activity" and is about to be suspended. The recording urges you to call immediately to speak with a "federal agent" to avoid arrest or further legal action, using intimidating terms like "federal officer" and asking you to confirm your SSN over the phone. They use your Social Security number to open credit accounts and steal your identity. The Social Security Administration will never call you to threaten your benefits. The SSA contacts people through official U.S. Mail only.
"It's a robo call saying that your social security number is about to suspended for illegal activity. They want you to call immediately to 818-279-2467. Please don't call this number."
You receive an email or call pretending to be from Geek Squad, Norton, or Microsoft claiming you are being charged hundreds of dollars like "$439.99 for Norton Lifelock" or "$599 for Geek Squad" for an automatic subscription renewal. When you call the provided number to cancel, they ask you to download software like "TeamViewer" or "Alpemix," with emails coming from personal addresses like gmail.com instead of official company domains and pressure to act immediately to get a "refund." They use the remote access to install malware, steal your banking information, or lock you out of your own device. Legitimate tech support companies do not need remote access to your computer to cancel a subscription.
"Got an email saying I've been charged $239.00 for Norton antivirus, called the number from the email and the person who answered tried to get me to allow him remote access to my computer."
This persistent robocall claims your vehicle's factory warranty is expiring, using the phrase "final courtesy call before we close out your file" and pressuring you to "press one to speak to a specialist." These calls are often spoofed to look like they come from local 818 numbers, mention you should have "received something in the mail," and use high-pressure tactics demanding immediate action, though the caller cannot tell you the make, model, or year of your car. They use your callback to sell you an expensive, often useless, extended service contract. These calls are not from your car's manufacturer. Your actual warranty information comes directly from the manufacturer.
"Now you should have received something in the mail about that warranty and since we've not gotten a response. We're giving you a final courtesy call before we close out your file. You can press one to speak with someone..."
Residents receive robocalls from a fake entity called the "Administration of Energy Saving" claiming California has set aside billions in funds to help homeowners pay for upgrades like new windows, solar panels, HVAC, and drought-tolerant landscaping. They pressure you to "press one" immediately before the "funds run out" and claim to be related to state propositions like Prop 39, promising free home upgrades with no cost to you. They use your callback to get a salesperson in your door to sell you expensive contracts. While California does offer real energy efficiency programs through energy.ca.gov, they do not use robocalls from fake "Administrations" to enroll residents.
"This message is provided by the administration of energy saving the state has now set aside 1.3 billion dollars your home is eligible for up ????? dollars to use for clean energy upgrades for exterior paint new windows..."
Callers identifying themselves as "Katherine Anderson" or "Brinteny" contact you claiming you won a huge prize like a new car or trip from a raffle you entered at a local spot like a nearby mall or the Orange County Fair. They offer a smaller prize like a gift card or tablet for attending a 45-minute Zoom call or meeting, using common names like "Katherine" or "Britney," and may ask you to pay a fee or provide financial information to claim your prize. They use your attendance to pressure you into buying a costly timeshare or travel club membership. There is no big prize. Legitimate sweepstakes notify winners via certified mail, not with a cold call.
"Someone named Katherine saying that I won an entry form at the mall (they named the mall) and it has been processed...i moved away from that area three years ago also that mall is gross and would never go there."
This robocall claims to be from the IRS, stating that an "arrest warrant has been issued against you" for tax fraud or evasion, saying your property is being "monitored" and demanding an immediate call back to prevent legal proceedings. The message is a pre-recorded, often poorly translated robocall threatening arrest for a tax issue. They use your callback to demand immediate payment through gift cards or wire transfers. The IRS's first form of contact is always through official U.S. Mail. The IRS will never threaten you with arrest by local police.
"'Notify you that IRS has issued an arrest warrant against you right now you and your physical property both are being monitored and it's very important that I do hear back from you as soon as possible before we proceed further in any legal matter.'"
A caller leaves a deliberately vague voicemail from someone named "Amy," "Monique," or "Corey," offering no details and simply saying they were "hoping to speak with you" or have a "project in your area." The voicemail does not address you by name, does not state their company or reason for calling, creates a false sense of familiarity or urgency, and tells you to call back and ask for a common first name. They use your callback to launch into a sales pitch for real estate or business lending. This is a clever trick to get past call screening by creating a mystery.
"Yesterday a girl left voicemail saying she was really hoping to hear from me today and to call back Amy …. No clue who this person is."
No, area code 818 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in California, United States. Area code 818 is a general purpose code that has been in service since January 7, 1984.
You're likely experiencing "Neighbor Spoofing." Scammers fake their caller ID to display local or familiar numbers. If you live in or near California (Los Angeles, Glendale, Burbank), or have a 818 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: