Area code 708 is plagued by fake debt collector threats and car warranty robocalls. These callers insist you owe money or need to renew a policy to get your credit card details.
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.
Scammers calling 708 residents claim you have "two pending matters" or an outstanding debt from years ago. They identify themselves as mediation firms like "Ovation Communications" or use names like "Tom McCoy" or "Amy Schaffer" to sound official. They threaten to send an "escort service" or process server to your home or work, mention a "case file" or "claim number" like PGT 876-7315, refuse to provide written proof of the debt they claim you owe, and become aggressive or yell when questioned. They use your fear to pressure you into paying money for debts that don't exist or have already been settled. Real process servers do not call to warn you in advance. They show up.
"This message is intended for (my name) contacting you from our clients process of the vision. We received an order for you in reference to two pending matters now, unfortunately, since I'm unable to reach you by phone, we may attempt to reach you at your home or your place of employment."
You receive constant robocalls about your car's "factory warranty expiring." They open with a recorded message saying "we've been trying to reach you concerning your cars extended warranty," often reference specific vehicles like a "2015 Hyundai" to sound credible even if you never owned it, ignore Do Not Call list registrations, call multiple times a day from various 708 numbers, don't know your actual warranty status, become pushy or hang up when you say you're not interested. They use any response from you to confirm your number is active and sell it to more scammers. Your vehicle's manufacturer will not solicit you with aggressive robocalls. Warranty information comes via official mail.
"I'm so tired of getting calls from people calling about my car warranty. This call came from a women name Page, she said that she was calling on my 2015 Hyundai venicle, and she was from a company named Motor Vehicle Services... I told her that I didn't want any more calls... She hung up on me."
Robocallers claim your Social Security Number has been "blocked" or used for "suspicious activities." Others threaten that the "IRS and police were on their way to my house" to collect unpaid taxes. They spoof local 708 numbers or display "Police Department" on caller ID to appear legitimate, claim your Social Security Number has been suspended or compromised, threaten you with arrest or legal consequences if you don't act immediately, ask you to confirm your SSN or provide banking information over the phone. They use your personal information to open credit accounts and take out loans in your name. The Social Security Administration will never call to threaten you or suspend your number. The IRS does not call about overdue taxes without first sending multiple notices by mail.
"I received a robo call from 708-274-2133 say the IRS and police were on their way to my house"
This scam starts with an email or call claiming you've made a large purchase like an "iPad Pro" or "iPhone 11" on your Amazon account. The message provides a 708 number to call if you want to cancel the order. When you call, a scammer with a foreign accent will try to gain remote access to your computer to "help" you. They provide specific and high purchase amounts like $1,153.95 or $1,750, ask you to download software like AnyDesk or Splashtop to give them remote computer access. They use that access to steal your banking information and drain your accounts. Amazon will never ask you to install third-party software to resolve a billing issue.
"Definitely the same scammer here, he claimed to be from Amazon, unfortunately he managed to get my mother to transfer $10,000 to his account, thankfully however the bank stopped that payment. My mother also gave him control of her computer with remoting tools called AnyDesk and Splashtop Streamer..."
Callers identifying themselves as being from "Budget Energy" or another provider claim your agreement with ComEd has expired. They use scare tactics, warning that your "bills are so High AND Fluctulating" and will "keep going up month after month" unless you act now. They claim your existing utility contract has expired, pressure you to act immediately to avoid skyrocketing rates, ask you to have a previous bill ready to read them your account information, use caller ID that may not match the company they claim to represent. They use your utility account number to switch your energy supplier without your permission. Your utility company will not call you to pressure you into switching providers.
"Caller left a voice message that did not sound like it was a robocall. Said she was from a different electricity provider (not ComEd) and said that our previous agreement with them had expired and that I MAY have noticed my electrical rates have gone up. She uses scare tactics like 'your electric bill will keep going up month after month'."
This robocall features someone often identifying as "Tom" or calling from "Trip Advisor" who immediately asks, "Can you hear me okay?" Their first question is "Can you hear me?" or a similar "yes/no" question, they hang up immediately after you respond, they call from an unknown 708 number and speak on a "recorded line." They record your "yes" response and use that voice signature to authorize fraudulent charges on your phone bill or credit cards. Legitimate companies do not need to trick you into saying "yes" to conduct business. If a caller's opening line is a simple question designed to get a "yes" answer, it's a scam.
"Received call from 1-708-428-9897 this afternoon. He identified himself as Tom and said he's calling from a recorded line. He asked if I could hear him, not thinking, I said I could. The caller than hung up the phone. I'm now concerned I'm going to to be charged for something I don't want."
No, area code 708 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Illinois, United States. Area code 708 is a general purpose code that has been in service since November 11, 1989.
You're likely experiencing "Neighbor Spoofing." Scammers fake their caller ID to display local or familiar numbers. If you live in or near Illinois (Cicero, Orland Park, Berwyn), or have a 708 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: