Fake business development calls and lawsuit threats are common with the 831 area code. Fraudsters try to trick business owners or scare individuals with claims of legal action.
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 calling themselves "Tanya" or "Tyler Johnson" claim to be from government agencies like the "State of Pennsylvania Business Development" or the "New Zealand Business Economic development office." They call from 831 numbers while claiming to represent agencies in Texas, Illinois, or New Zealand, and ask aggressive questions about when your company plans to move, how many employees you have, and whether you've found a new office. The calls often have unprofessional background noise like chickens crowing, and callers become pushy if you refuse to answer, then abruptly hang up when challenged. They use the information you give them to create fake business profiles or sell your data to other scammers. Real economic development agencies do not cold-call businesses from out-of-state numbers asking for sensitive information. They show up with credentials.
"I first had a man call asking all about our company moving offices. He claimed to be from the Arizona Economic Development division. He had chickens going off in the background. He was asking pushy questions and how many people worked in the office and when we were moving. I said call me back from your office, there are chickens in the background like a farm yard."
These callers threaten immediate arrest, claim you're being sued, or say there's a case against you. They yell, call you a "disgrace," get into screaming matches, and threaten that your bank account and property will be seized, you'll go to jail for years, and you'll be responsible for lawyer's fees unless you comply immediately. Some demand you get an online loan for thousands of dollars right away, and they call your workplace repeatedly after you hang up. They use any personal or financial information you give them to steal your identity or drain your accounts. Real lawsuits come through the mail or from a process server at your door. Police don't call to threaten you first.
"They claim they are a law firm for a bank and u have to pay thousands of dollars to keep from going to jail. Then got into a screaming match so I hung up and she had the nerve to call back and say I was going to jail for 5 years for not paying a bank that I never had in the first place."
You receive robocalls or live calls, often from someone speaking broken English, claiming your Social Security Number has been "frozen" or used in fraudulent activity. They pressure you to provide your SSN, name, and address to "prevent a lawsuit and arrest," threatening legal action if you don't confirm your full Social Security number over the phone. They use your Social Security number to open accounts, file fake tax returns, or steal government benefits in your name. The Social Security Administration never calls to threaten your benefits or demand wire transfers, cash, or gift cards. They communicate only through official mail.
"Said my social security number was frozen. Scammer!!!"
A recorded message announces that a subscription for Microsoft, Norton 360, or Geek Squad is being renewed and claims a charge, often for "$299," will be automatically deducted from your account unless you call a number to unsubscribe or get a refund. The message mentions services you don't remember subscribing to and creates urgency around large, unexpected charges. When you call the number, fake "refund department" representatives use the call to steal your banking information or gain remote access to your computer. Legitimate companies like Microsoft and Norton don't use threatening robocalls for renewals. They send emails or bills.
"It is a scam they state your acct. with Microsoft is going to be charged $299.00 for services if you don't call them back ! keep calling constantly !!!!!!"
Persistent robocalls from "Vanessa calling from dealer services" warn that your car's warranty is about to expire and create urgency by telling you not to make the "costly mistake" of driving without coverage. They offer "0% financing" for new warranty plans and prompt you to press a number to speak with a "warranty specialist" or be removed from their list. Pressing any number confirms your phone number is active and leads to high-pressure sales tactics for overpriced, often useless service contracts. These are third-party sellers, not your car's manufacturer or dealer. Real warranty notices come by mail with your VIN number.
"Hi. This is Vanessa calling from dealer services.... Is there no way to stop these a-holes from calling the house, the cell, the office and the office cell not to mention the shop - 5-6 times daily?"
Callers like "Jordan" claim you're part of a PG&E rebate program or that the state has set aside billions like "$1.3 billion dollars" for "clean energy upgrades." They ask for your bank account details over the phone for direct deposit rebates and pressure you to "press 1" to find out how much your home qualifies for, then push services like solar, exterior paint, or new windows. They use your utility account and banking information to switch your energy supplier without permission or steal money directly from your accounts. While energy rebates exist, PG&E never cold-calls asking for bank account information. Real programs require formal applications through official websites.
"The person who called me declared himself Jordan and said I'm a part of a PG&E rebate program. He was gonna have to get my bank account information (to get the rebate deposit?) but I DON'T have a PG&E account (my roommate does) so I know it's a scam right away."
No, area code 831 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in California, United States. Area code 831 is a general purpose code that has been in service since July 11, 1998.
You're likely experiencing "Neighbor Spoofing." Scammers fake their caller ID to display local or familiar numbers. If you live in or near California (Salinas, Santa Cruz, Watsonville), or have a 831 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: