Callers from the 813 area code often threaten fake lawsuits and claim to be process servers delivering papers. They use fear of the court system to pressure you into paying money immediately.
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Scammers are calling Tampa Bay residents with robocalls that show "OnStar Operations" on caller ID but threaten to file a legal complaint against you in your county. They claim they need to verify your address to serve you legal papers, may threaten to contact your HR department at work, and provide a fake case number with an out-of-state callback number like 302-444-0310. They use your address information to create realistic-looking fake legal documents to intimidate you into paying money. Real process servers do not call first. They show up.
"I received a call from OnStar Operations at (813) 210-9290. Caller threatens they are filing a complaint in my county and need to verify address and give a callback number. The caller ID comes up as OnStar Operations--I've never had OnStar in my life."
Scammers claiming to be from the Social Security Administration call with urgent claims that your Social Security Number has been "suspended" due to fraudulent activity and that legal action is being taken against you. They often have heavy accents and there is background noise on the call. They use your personal information to steal your identity or access your benefits. The Social Security Administration never calls to threaten legal action. They communicate through official mail.
"Left a voice mail saying that there is some legal proceeding against my SSN."
Robocallers tell 813 residents that $499.00 is about to be automatically deducted from their bank account to renew a computer or software subscription, often mentioning Microsoft. The recording pressures you to call back immediately to cancel the charge, and if you call back, a person identifying as "Jack Anderson" may answer. They use your banking information to steal money directly from your account or make unauthorized purchases. Legitimate companies like Microsoft handle renewals through your online account and email, not threatening robocalls.
"Robo-voice. Said they were deducted $499 from our account to renew a computer subscription. Never heard of this and did not return their call!"
Scammers pose as Tampa Electric (TECO) employees and call Tampa Bay residents claiming your electricity bill is past due and your power will be shut off in 30 to 60 minutes unless you make immediate payment over the phone. They pressure you for immediate payment to steal your banking information or credit card details. TECO is required to send multiple written notices through the mail before disconnecting service. They do not call demanding same-day payment to avoid shut-off.
"I received a robot call telling me that my TECO lights would be cut off in 30 minutes. Press 1 to speak to an advisor which I did not do. I hung up and went to the computer. I looked again after hanging up and it was paid weeks ago. Scam"
Tampa area homeowners receive unsolicited calls and texts from people using names like "Mary," "Alex," or "Jasmine" who claim to be real estate investors wanting to buy their property for cash. They claim they were "just in the neighborhood," ask invasive questions like how much you still owe on your mortgage, are persistent and sometimes rude if you decline, and may call your relatives trying to reach you. They use your financial details and property information for identity theft or fraudulent loan applications.
"A woman named Mary left a voicemail stating she was in my neighborhood earlier today and wants to make me an offer on my house. my house isn't for sale or never has been."
Callers identify themselves with names like "Grace, hearing administrator" and immediately ask "Can you hear me ok?" while stating the line is being recorded, then hang up right after you respond. They use your recorded voice saying "Yes" to fraudulently authorize charges or sign you up for services without your permission. No legitimate business needs to record you saying "yes" at the start of a call.
"Answered, they said they were a local electrician servicing the local area and I was on a recorded line could I hear them Ok, and I fell for it I said 'Yes' and they hung up! Now they have me sayin yes to use out of context."
Scammers pretend to be debt collectors for debts that are extremely old (from as far back as 2005), don't exist, or belong to someone else. They threaten to take you to court or garnish your wages if you don't pay immediately over the phone, become rude or hostile when you ask for proof in writing, and refuse to provide their company's name and mailing address. They use your payment information to steal money or access your bank accounts. Legitimate debt collectors are required by federal law to provide written validation notices upon request.
"Called advised I had outstanding debt from 2005. Threatened to have me brought to court"
No, area code 813 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Florida, United States. Area code 813 is a general purpose code that has been in service since January 1, 1953.
You're likely experiencing "Neighbor Spoofing." Scammers fake their caller ID to display local or familiar numbers. If you live in or near Florida (Tampa, Brandon, Town 'n' Country), or have a 813 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: