Inland Empire residents with 951 numbers face Social Security suspension threats and fake lawsuit calls. Callers claim you are in legal trouble to trick you into paying to avoid arrest.
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.
Robocallers claim your Social Security Number has been suspended or used in a fraud case in a "border town." The automated message demands you press 1 to speak with an "officer" immediately to avoid arrest or legal action. The calls originate from Canada or another state but give a 951 number to call back. They use your personal information to access government services or open credit accounts in your name. Social Security Administration never calls to threaten you or tell you that your SSN is suspended. They communicate through official mail for important matters.
"Robocall from Banning, California claiming 'my Social Security number has been suspended'. As a Social Worker I know that the Social Security Administration (SSA) does not call unless they have scheduled a call in writing via USPS mail."
Scammers calling themselves "Natalie Wilson" or "Kathleen Gaines" from firms like "JDM Consulting" claim a civil complaint or lawsuit has been filed against you. They threaten to serve you with legal papers at your home or workplace within minutes or hours, refuse to provide written validation of the alleged debt, use extremely rude and insulting language, and finish messages with "you have been officially notified." They use any personal information you confirm to create fake debt accounts or steal your identity. Real process servers do not call to warn you in advance. They simply show up.
"951-324-4290 called, left message. Mentioned my name (sort of), cited a Claim #, and said she was calling regarding, 'An order submitted to my office this morning.' She wanted to verify my home and work address for service of process."
An automated message claims to be from the IRS, stating you have been accused of tax fraud and an arrest warrant has been issued. The message creates false urgency, often saying you have only 24 hours to respond before you are taken to jail. They use any financial information you provide to access your bank accounts or file fraudulent tax returns. The IRS's first point of contact is always through official mail. They never call to demand immediate payment or threaten arrest.
"Female automated voice said they were IRS and I had 24 hours before going to jail. Two days ago got similar message from different number. Still here-go figure!"
Telemarketers calling about solar panel tax incentives and home repair services refuse to remove you from their list, become verbally abusive if you decline their offer, claim to be from generic entities like "California Savings Center," and use spoofed numbers that appear as "not in service" when you try to call them back. They use your address and home details to sign you up for expensive services without your permission or sell your information to other scam operations. Legitimate companies honor Do Not Call requests and use working callback numbers.
"I am going INSANE from the amount of calls I get from this ridiculous company... I finally called back to tell them to take my name out of the dialer. The guy said 'ok' then nothing else so I repeated my request to be removed. He said, 'I said OK!' then hung up on me."
Scammers using names like "William" from "Student Loan Services" call about federal student loan forgiveness programs, claiming your account has been "flagged" for eligibility and using incorrect terminology like saying your account is "illegible." They ask for your FSA ID, password, or other login credentials. They use your login information to access your real student loan accounts and redirect payments to themselves. The U.S. Department of Education and official loan servicers never call to ask for your FSA ID or password.
"'William' from 'Student Loan Services' calling because my account has been flagged as 'illegible' (not ineligible. LOL!) Imperative that I call... re: Student loan forgiveness. Don't have any student loans, but 'William' needs to go back to elementary school..."
Callers falsely claiming to be from Readers Digest or Publishers Clearing House inform residents they have won millions of dollars and a new Mercedes, instruct you to contact someone like "Mr. Will Jamison" to arrange delivery, and may include sexually explicit or perverted language. They use your contact information and any fees you pay to steal money and set up additional scams targeting you. The real Publishers Clearing House Prize Patrol shows up at winners' doors unannounced. They never call ahead or ask for money.
"Got a call from this number just now, was someone pretending to be from publishers clearinghouse. I've won millions! and a new Mercedes! Blah blah, all a scam."
No, area code 951 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in California, United States. Area code 951 is a general purpose code that has been in service since July 17, 2004.
You're likely experiencing "Neighbor Spoofing." Scammers fake their caller ID to display local or familiar numbers. If you live in or near California (Riverside, Moreno Valley, Corona), or have a 951 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: