The 986 area code is seeing a mix of fake auto warranty calls and high-pressure health insurance sales. Telemarketers use these numbers to push expensive and often useless policies on you.
Scam & Spam Phone Number Lookup:
Our database contains over 25 million Do Not Call and robocall complaints reported to the FTC.
Scammers from the 986 area code call identifying as "The Warranty Department" without naming a specific company, offer "$1000 discounts," and leave angry voicemails scolding you for not answering previous calls while claiming they sent "numerous written notices" you never received. They use your engagement to collect personal information and vehicle details to sell to third-party warranty companies or create fake accounts in your name. Real manufacturers send official branded mail correspondence, never robocalls with threats.
"Left a voicemail about my factory warranty. Chewed me out for not answering their calls & they had sent me numerous written notices. When I called back, they hung up on me each time."
Idaho residents get non-stop calls about health insurance where representatives rudely ask if you want "family or individual care" without identifying themselves, then immediately hang up when you ask to be placed on a no-call list or say you are not interested. They collect your responses to build lead profiles that get sold to other insurance marketers, creating an endless cycle of calls. Professional insurance agents are legally required to honor do-not-call requests.
"I chose to speak with a representative and she rudely asked me whether I was looking for family or individual care. When I told her that I was not looking for healthcare of any kind, and instead was seeking to be put on the no-call list. She immediately hung up on me."
A robocall claims you are facing "federal charges & identity theft" and instructs you to "Press #1 to speak to an officer" without naming specific charges or which agency is involved. When you press 1, they connect you to a scammer who demands personal information, Social Security numbers, or immediate payments to avoid arrest. Federal agencies never use robocalls to announce criminal charges. Real law enforcement shows up in person.
"Got a SCAM robo call from 986-800-4322...stating some sort of federal charges & identity theft. Press #1 to speak to an officer."
Scammers make unsolicited calls from 986 numbers offering student loan "forgiveness" programs, promising immediate or total loan forgiveness in exchange for upfront fees or personal information. They use your loan details to either steal your identity or charge you for services that are available free through the official Federal Student Aid website at StudentAid.gov. All legitimate forgiveness programs are managed by the U.S. Department of Education and cost nothing to apply for.
"Falsely claiming student loan 'forgiveness'."
No, area code 986 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Idaho, United States. Area code 986 is a general purpose code that has been in service since September 5, 2017.
You're likely experiencing "Neighbor Spoofing." Scammers fake their caller ID to display local or familiar numbers. If you live in or near Idaho (Nampa, Meridian), or have a 986 phone number yourself, scammers know you're more likely to answer what appears to be a local call.
Other Idaho area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: