Orlando's 689 area code is being used for Publishers Clearing House sweepstakes scams and tax relief offers. Fraudsters tell you that you won a big prize but must pay a fee first to claim it.
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Scammers leave voicemails claiming to be a "secure phone call from the sweepstakes headquarters" in Raleigh, NC, saying you won a grand prize package of "$2.8 million and $7000 a week for life" plus a "brand new 2022 Mercedes-Benz." They give you a specific claim code like 702948 and tell you to call a different number like 929-458-0702 to arrange your "delivery schedule." They use these fake prizes and claim codes to get you to call back, then ask for personal information or upfront fees to "process" your winnings. Publishers Clearinghouse never notifies major prize winners by phone. They show up at your door with the Prize Patrol.
"Hello this is a secure phone call from the sweepstakes headquarters... you are a selected winner with publishers clearinghouse sweepstakes... your claim code is 702948... this represents the grand prize package of 2.8 million and $7000 a week for life and the most awesome bonus prize ever a brand new 2022 Mercedes-Benz..."
Residents in the 689 area receive unsolicited calls offering to reduce their tax debt, with vague promises to significantly lower what they owe to the IRS, often using spoofed local numbers to appear trustworthy. They use this fake service offer to steal your personal financial information or charge you for services that are never provided. The IRS first contacts taxpayers through U.S. Mail, not unexpected phone calls. They do not call to threaten you or offer special deals.
"Got a call from 689-207-8051 about reducing my tax debt. I wish these hackers could be caught."
Callers leave voicemails offering to help you "get rid of" payday loans, promising to eliminate your debt quickly and easily, and may ask for your bank account information or Social Security number. They use this fake debt relief service to collect fees for services they never provide or steal your sensitive financial information. Legitimate financial assistance organizations do not cold-call people. They do not promise instant debt elimination.
"Got a call and voicemail about getting rid of pay day loans"
You receive a robocall with a recorded message asking if you are interested in selling your property, without identifying a specific, licensed real estate company. These aggressive real estate investors or wholesalers use automated dialers to find homeowners willing to sell, often for below market value. Serious buyers do not use impersonal robocalls. They make personalized offers through licensed agents.
"This is a recorded message asking if I wanted to sell my property"
Callers identify themselves as being from a "Research Company" conducting a "Political Survey," explicitly stating "We are not selling anything." These are generally legitimate polling companies gathering public opinion, though they use your responses to build voter profiles and target future political messaging. Political calls are exempt from the National Do Not Call Registry. You are not required to participate.
"We are a Research Company that conducts in Political Surveys. We are not selling anything; We are only trying to get people's opinions which are very important to us"
No, area code 689 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Florida, United States. Area code 689 is a general purpose code that has been in service since June 4, 2019.
You're likely experiencing "Neighbor Spoofing." Scammers fake their caller ID to display local or familiar numbers. If you live in or near Florida (Orlando, Alafaya, Pine Hills), or have a 689 phone number yourself, scammers know you're more likely to answer what appears to be a local call.
Other Florida area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: