The 618 area code is frequently used for fake Amazon or Apple purchase alerts and aggressive Medicare sales. Scammers try to steal your login details by claiming a fraudulent charge was made on your account.
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.
A robocall claims a large purchase has been charged to your account, often an iPhone costing $579.99 or $1,243. The message says your order is ready to ship and urges you to press 1 to cancel or speak with a fraud specialist. The call often comes from a local 618 number but asks you to call back a different area code. When you press 1, they use the call to steal your personal information and account details. Amazon and Apple do not call you to confirm orders or report suspicious activity.
"It was a spoofed number. I received a call from 618-559-5910 and a recorded message said that my Amazon account had an order for an Apple iPhone that costs $1,000+... Asked me if I recognized this purchase... I didn't say a word, I hung up and went to my Amazon account to check for myself. Nothing wrong with my account."
Callers from the East St. Louis or Alton area, often with heavy accents, claim to be senior medicare advisors or from Health IQ. They aggressively push unwanted Medicare add-ons, back braces, or other medical supplies. They refuse to remove you from their call list when asked and become verbally combative or hang up when you question them. They ask you to provide or confirm your Medicare ID over the phone. They use your Medicare ID to sign you up for products or services without your permission. Official Medicare representatives will never cold-call you to sell products.
"Claims to be my senior medicare advisor. I requested to be removed from their call list. He said, 'No I will not remove you from our list.' WHAT?!?!?!?!?!?"
A robocall urgently warns that your Social Security Number has been suspended due to fraudulent activity or that a legal enforcement action has been filed against you. The message threatens arrest if you don't immediately call them back and may claim to be from the Federal Crime Investigation Office. When you call back, they demand your SSN and personal information to steal your identity or access your accounts. The Social Security Administration does not suspend SSNs and will never call to threaten you.
"Stated 'there's a legal enforcement action filed on your Social Security number for fraudulent activity...before I am arrested I need to call this number.'"
Scammers leave alarming voicemails claiming a legal complaint has been filed against you and that they will serve documents to your home or business. They may use official-sounding names like Rebecca Jarvis or Core Mediation Group and mention a vague complaint or legal notice without specific details. They pressure you to call back with a reference code to stop the action and may threaten to contact your HR department. They use this pressure to trick you into paying money for a non-existent debt. Official process servers do not call ahead to warn you, they just show up.
"I have gotten 2 calls 2 days in a row telling me they have documents to serve me...they go on to say that they will bring the paperwork to my house or business. I've gotten these calls before and nothing ever happened."
A man, often identifying himself as Shawn, calls local businesses about their 401k or employee investment plans. He may claim to be from Retirement Outlook Consultants and acts like he has done business with you before. If questioned, challenged, or told you're not interested, he becomes extremely aggressive and uses profane, vulgar language before hanging up. They use high-pressure tactics to sell you overpriced or unnecessary financial products. Legitimate financial consultants do not use profanity or abusive tactics.
"Call from Shawn (618) 221-0413 attempting to set up an appointment to go over our 401K. When I asked to take a message he said 'F@$k you.'"
You'll receive frequent calls from someone, sometimes Linda from Dealer Processing, about an expiring or outdated car warranty. They often have incorrect information about your vehicle and use generic names like Dealer Processing or Vehicle processing center. When you call the number back, it is often disconnected or no longer in service. They hang up if you ask too many questions. They pressure you into buying overpriced service contracts that provide little value. These calls are not from your car's manufacturer or dealership.
"This number calls every day. Sometimes several times a day. This is Linda from Dealer Processing.... when I call the number back, it's disconnected or no longer in service. EVERY DAY!"
If you've listed a property for rent, you may receive a text or email from someone claiming to be renting for their daughter, Flocarelli Ginneane A. They claim to be overseas and unable to see the property, offering to pay with a certified check for more than the required amount. The story is elaborate, mentioning they were born in Paris and attended the American University of Paris, and they may use the email address [email protected]. They send a fraudulent check for more than the rent, ask you to deposit it, then request you wire back the extra money. After you send the money, the original check bounces, leaving you responsible for the full amount.
"Thanks so much for your quick reply I'm interested in renting the room. My name is Flocarelli Ginneane A... I'm currently in Guam (Sinajana) on a research work and will be coming soon... I will be paying via a Bank certified check, so please get back to me with the following details..."
No, area code 618 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Illinois, United States. Area code 618 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 (Belleville, Granite City, O'Fallon), or have a 618 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: