Chicago's 312 area code is seeing a high volume of IRS arrest warrant threats and fake debt collection calls. The callers pretend to be law enforcement or government agents to intimidate you into paying non-existent fines.
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.
Automated robocalls claim to be from the IRS, stating that an arrest warrant has been issued against you and your "physical property" is being monitored. They demand you call back immediately to avoid further legal action. When victims call the number back, the person answering curses at them, with one reported response of "you mother fu*&^r." They use this fake emergency to trick you into providing personal information or payments. Real IRS officers never call first with arrest threats. They send official mail.
"This pre recorded message is to notify you that I RS has issued an arrest warrant against you right now you and your physical property both are being monitored, and it's very important that I do hear back from you as soon as possible before we proceed further in any legal matter."
Scammers claiming to be from a "mediation firm" or processing "legal documentation" tied to your Social Security number reference old, non-existent payday loans from companies like "My Cash Now" from as far back as 2012. They threaten to show up at your workplace to have a supervisor witness you signing documents, with callers identifying themselves as "Ms. Lopez" or "Allison" becoming aggressive when questioned. They use vague references to "personal business matters" without providing details to pressure you into confirming your identity or paying fake debts. Legitimate process servers do not call first. They show up.
"Got a voicemail from this number stating that they needed me to sign documents and have HR or my supervisor be a witness since they were coming to my place of work between 12 and 5 pm."
Robocalls warn that a subscription for "Microsoft" or "antivirus" services is about to be renewed, stating that $299 or $399 will be automatically deducted from your bank account unless you call back immediately to cancel. They pressure you to call back right away and may ask you to be in front of your computer when you call. They use your callback to gain remote access to your computer or steal your banking information during fake refund processing. Major companies do not use threatening robocalls for billing issues. All subscription management happens through your official online account.
"I keep getting robo calls which leaves messages on my phone saying they are going to deduct $399 from my bank account for renewal of subscription. I dont have any subscriptions."
Grubhub drivers using Chicago-based numbers steal food and mark orders as "delivered" when nothing has arrived, then become unresponsive or provide strange excuses. Drivers sometimes use names like "Mikail" or "Victoria" and don't answer calls or texts after the delivery notification. Some victims receive texts claiming their Grubhub order is at their door when they never placed an order. They steal your food and keep the money from completed orders marked as delivered. Grubhub uses masked phone numbers, which is why a Chicago 312 number may appear even for local drivers.
"This person picked up my GrubHub order and stole it. Instantly reported and fully refunded. Also from upstate NY, buyers beware."
Callers pretending to be from the "Chicago Narcotics team" or "Cook County Sheriff's Office" claim you bought drugs online or that they have an "ongoing investigation," with some identifying as "Rob Johnson" from the Sheriff's Office. They use intimidation tactics and offer to close the case if you pay them money. They steal your payment and use the fear of arrest to pressure you into quick decisions without thinking. Real officers do not call to inform you of narcotics investigations. Official legal matters go through courts with in-person document service.
"Called said they were Chicago Narcotics team , they stated I bought a Narcotic on line . No never . He said I have a clean record so I can just pay amount to close case .. Scam !"
Callers claim to be from the CDC or University of Chicago conducting a "National Immunization Survey," but call at extremely late hours like 11 PM, become abusive when questioned, and ask invasive questions about children in the home, claiming to know you recently visited a pediatrician's office. They use the information to build databases for unknown purposes or to target families with children for future scams. Professional surveyors do not call at unreasonable hours or use abusive language. Even legitimate surveys never require your participation.
"Asking about minor children at home, do not provide any information, possible pedophile database creation."
Text messages that seem to be mistakes start with someone named "Elena" or "Anna" texting you, thinking you are their friend "Amelia," talking about her boyfriend "Andrew" cheating and inviting you to get takeout or continue the conversation. They use your reply to confirm your number is active, then pivot to romance scams, phishing attempts, or other fraudulent schemes. Scammers blast these messages to thousands of random numbers hoping kind people will respond. Once you engage, you become a target.
"Hi Amelia. Are you busy this week? Let's order some take out and get together.. Seems that Andrew and I are over, I think he cheated on me -Elena"
No, area code 312 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Illinois, United States. Area code 312 is a general purpose code that has been in service since January 1, 1947.
You're likely experiencing "Neighbor Spoofing." Scammers fake their caller ID to display local or familiar numbers. If you live in or near Illinois (Chicago), or have a 312 phone number yourself, scammers know you're more likely to answer what appears to be a local call.
Other Illinois area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: