Chicago's 773 area code is a hotspot for fake government arrest warrants and bogus lawsuit threats. Criminals pose as police or the IRS to demand payment to keep you out of jail.
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.
Robocalls claiming to be from the IRS or Social Security Administration threaten immediate arrest for a "federal criminal offense" or claim your Social Security Number was found with drugs or involved in illegal activities. The message starts before your voicemail greeting finishes, cutting off the introduction, and demands you press 1 to speak with an "officer" or "agent" to avoid appearing before a "magistrate judge." They use your desperation to avoid arrest to trick you into giving them personal information or money. Government agencies never call to threaten arrest. They send official letters through U.S. mail.
"message says avoiding this call will result in appearance before the magistrate judge or exempt jury for a federal criminal offense."
A caller with a friendly voice warns that summons or civil lawsuit papers will be served at your home or workplace within 48 hours, saying a supervisor will need to sign as witness and you'll need two forms of ID, probably for embarrassment factor. They stay vague about the nature of the complaint against you but provide a different callback number and case number. They use your fear of public humiliation and legal trouble to pressure you into calling back and paying a fake debt. Real process servers never call ahead. Their job is to surprise you.
"Male said he had a summons to serve me within 48 hours. If at work would need 2 forms of ID and a supervisor to sign as witness, probably for embarrassment factor."
Scammers spoof phone numbers to appear as Fifth Third Bank, with caller IDs showing "Fifth Thrd Bank" with the misspelling. They ask for your date of birth and full address to "verify" your account before discussing an urgent matter, becoming rude and evasive when questioned, refusing to explain the call's purpose until you provide personal information. They use whatever details you give them to access your real accounts or open new ones in your name. Your bank already has your information and never calls asking you to verify it.
"Fifth Third confirmed that this was a scam. They were trying to get information out of me to 'verify' my account and would not tell me the 'urgent' matter they had with my account until I gave them my information."
A robocall claims to be from Microsoft, stating your computer is infected or your Windows license is compromised, warning that someone is trying to steal your information and your computer will become "useless." The calls often come very early, around 6:00 or 7:00 AM, mentioning "MS Windows" and threatening to destroy your credentials. They use remote access software to install malware or steal files from your computer, then demand payment for fake repairs. Microsoft never makes unsolicited calls about computer problems.
"Answering machine recorded the last part of a robocall telling me to return the call, as MS Windows was going to destroy my credentials. Oh yikes! :)"
Robocalls from "Cash Advance USA" claim you've been pre-approved for a loan up to $15,000 with no upfront fees, no security deposit, or processing charges. When you call back, operators demand your banking information or the last four digits of your Social Security number, then hang up or use a loud horn sound when questioned about their legitimacy. They use multiple 773 numbers to bypass call blockers. They use your banking details to drain your accounts or open credit lines in your name. Legitimate lenders require formal applications and never pressure you for sensitive information over unsolicited calls.
"This call is from cash advance USA you have been approved for a loan up to $15000.00 no upfront fees no security deposit or processing charges so call us back on our Direct Line..."
Persistent robocalls about an expiring or expired car warranty continue multiple times daily from different numbers, even if you don't own a car or sold the vehicle years ago. They hang up if you tell them you know it's a scam and keep calling even if you're on the Do Not Call list. They use high-pressure tactics to sell you expensive, worthless extended service contracts. These are not from your car manufacturer or dealer but from third-party telemarketers using public records to target you.
"They keep calling about extending my warranty. I don't have a car."
No, area code 773 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Illinois, United States. Area code 773 is a general purpose code that has been in service since October 12, 1996.
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 773 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: