The 872 area code is heavily used for Social Security threats and IRS tax fraud scams. Callers claim you owe back taxes or your number is linked to a crime to get your money.
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.
An automated robocall claims there is fraudulent activity linked to your Social Security Number and threatens you with an arrest warrant or lawsuit if you don't press 1 to speak with an officer immediately. The pre-recorded voice warns it will "issue an arrest warrant under your name" and claims your SSN will be suspended due to suspicious activity. They use your personal information to steal your identity and open accounts in your name. The Social Security Administration never calls to threaten you or suspend your number. They contact you through official U.S. mail.
"Call back and verify your Social Security number....If we don't hear a call from you will will issue an arrest warant under your name..."
Scammers leave automated voicemails claiming to be from the IRS or a "Magistrate," providing a fake case number and stating that a tax lien has been filed against you. The message warns that ignoring the call "will result in my arrest" for tax fraud. Callers who answer often have strong Indian accents and identify themselves as the IRS, sometimes asking for money to remove you from their call list. They use this information to steal money or identity details. The IRS's first contact is always a letter in the mail, never a threatening phone call. They do not demand immediate payment over the phone.
"I was given a court case number and told that ignoring the message would result in tax fraud or a federal felony."
A robocall warns that your "computer services" subscription is about to renew and your account will be "auto debited with $299.99" unless you call back to cancel and claim your refund. If you call, they may claim to be from Microsoft and say they need to "unlock" your computer. They use remote access to install malware on your computer and steal your financial information. Microsoft and other tech companies do not make unsolicited calls about subscription charges. They never ask for remote access to process refunds.
"I have been getting 15 to 20 of these calls per week. It's a robocall and it tells me that they want to refund my $299.99 and if I do not call the #, they will debit my account $299.99. I have blocked the # but they call from a different # and so on. I HATE IT!!!"
You receive a fraudulent text claiming your debit or credit card from a bank like "ChaseBank" or "Regions Bank" has been "locked." The message names a specific, well-known bank and directs you to call an unfamiliar 872 phone number instead of the official one on your card. They use your account details to drain your bank accounts or steal your identity. Your bank never sends texts asking you to call a new, unknown number to unlock your account. All legitimate communications direct you to their secure website or the official number on your card.
"Received message from ChaseBank Mobile App about a card lock and to call 872-777-8027. Scam. Blocked."
These are relentless robocalls and live calls about extending your car's warranty, often without knowing your vehicle's make or model. They call multiple times a day from different 872 numbers, starting with a recorded message before transferring you to a live agent. They continue calling even after you ask them to stop. They use high-pressure tactics to sell expensive, worthless service plans. These calls are almost never from your actual car manufacturer or dealership. They are from third-party sellers using aggressive tactics.
"Robot caller trying to get imaginary car insurance or warranty renewed."
Callers, sometimes identifying as "Alex" from "Lending Club," claim you are pre-approved for a loan you never applied for. They ask for your bank login information or credit card numbers, with multiple voices in the background suggesting a busy call center. They use your banking passwords and credit card details to drain your accounts. Legitimate financial institutions never ask for your banking password or login credentials over the phone. This is fraud.
"Got a call stating I was approved for a loan from lending club. Called back and they asked for sign on information for my bank. This they didn't need and I told them. They said i couldnt get loan then. This is a spam"
Scammers call claiming to raise money for fake law enforcement charities like the "Police Alliance" or "FOP." They become extremely rude or hostile if you question their legitimacy or ask to be removed from their call list, refusing to provide the name of their company when asked. You may recognize the same caller's voice from previous calls using different numbers. They keep most or all of your donation instead of giving it to police. Many calls are from for-profit telemarketers who keep large portions of donations. Legitimate charities do not use hostile tactics.
"Someone claiming to be raising money for FOP or some other Law Enforcement Organization. Won't provide name of company, extremely rude when you ask them not to call again."
No, area code 872 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Illinois, United States. Area code 872 is a general purpose code that has been in service since November 7, 2009.
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 872 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: