The 812 area code is known for aggressive debt collection calls and fake purchase confirmations. Scammers shout about unpaid bills or claim you bought an expensive item to get your credit card number.
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 call 812 residents posing as debt collectors from companies like "United Collection Bureau Inc." or "Pen Credit." They claim you have outstanding debts and threaten to send police to your house or have someone show up at your home within 10 business days to collect payment in full if you don't pay immediately. They demand immediate payment over the phone, call about debts you don't recognize or that are years old, and refuse to provide a mailing address or official documentation of the debt. They use your personal information to make more believable threats and pressure you into making payments on fake debts. Real debt collectors cannot threaten you with arrest or police visits.
"Called and said i had a very large debt to pay and if I ignore this call then within 10 business days someone will come to my home to collect payment in full. I have no debts what so ever . I told them to send who ever they want but don't expect to see them ever again. She hung up on me."
You receive an email or text with a fake invoice from a personal email address like "[email protected]." The message thanks you for an order you never placed for items like an "Apple Mac" or for a PayPal purchase of "$547.00 for a wallet CRYP," and provides an 812 number to call within 24 hours to dispute the charge. The email comes from a generic address instead of an official company domain, creates urgency demanding you call within 24 hours, and the phone number provided goes to a scam call center. When you call the number, they collect your personal or financial information by pretending to help cancel the fake order. Real companies like Amazon and PayPal send confirmations from official email addresses and never ask you to call from a personal email.
"got a email from a Kendra Welston saying thank you for the purchase for 197 $ I did not purchase anything today . I clld the phn # Got a busy signal every time. 812 316 9836 the email Says if you have an issue with this purchase you have 24 hrs to cll this phn # to get this transaction fixed ."
These callers claim to be from the Social Security Administration or another government agency and tell you there has been "fraudulent use" of your Social Security Number or that there is a "criminal complaint" against you. They make unsolicited calls claiming your Social Security Number has been suspended, threaten arrest or legal action, demand payment via gift cards or wire transfer, and may show caller ID that says "SSI" to appear legitimate. They use your Social Security number and personal information to open accounts and commit identity theft. The Social Security Administration never calls to threaten you or demand immediate payment. Your Social Security number cannot be suspended.
"Claimed there was a criminal complaint against me; asked me to call back on the same number."
A caller, often identifying themselves as "Erin, a vacation specialist" or "Austin on a recorded line," immediately asks, "Can you hear me okay?" They mention they are on a "recorded line" right at the start and may hang up immediately after you say "Yes." They record your "yes" response and use it as a voice signature to authorize fraudulent charges on your credit card or phone bill, later claiming you agreed to a purchase. Legitimate businesses do not need to trick you into saying "Yes" to start a conversation.
"Caller said 'This is Erin. I'm a vacation specialist, calling on a recorded line, Can you hear me ok?' Without thinking, I replied 'Yes, but I don't take phone solicitation'. As soon as I said 'Yes' the caller hung up."
These scammers call claiming your "Microsoft license has expired" or that they need to process a "computer security software renewal" for $349. They make unsolicited calls about problems with your computer, ask you to go to a website or give them remote access to your device, leave recorded messages warning that your computer access will be cut off, and become aggressive when you question them. They gain remote access to your computer to install malware and steal your personal information. Microsoft, Apple, and other technology companies do not monitor your personal computer and call you about issues. They communicate through your device or official websites, not cold calls.
"this is regarding a computer security software renewal and they will be charging my account $349 unless i get on my computer and go to some website. this is a scam."
Scammers target Indiana job seekers by sending unsolicited text messages offering jobs, often using your name found on job search websites, and providing an 812 number to call. They send vague job offers via text from unknown numbers, can't or won't tell you their company name, ask for personal information before any formal interview, and hang up when you ask clarifying questions. They use your personal data for identity theft or sell you "college information" instead of providing actual jobs. Professional recruiters contact you through platforms like LinkedIn or corporate email addresses with specific company names and job details.
"Daughter got a text a day after she applied for a job online. Using her name they said they wanted to talk to her about work and gave this number to call. The first thing she did was show me and we looked it up and found other complaints of the same thing."
No, area code 812 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Indiana, United States. Area code 812 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 Indiana (Evansville, Bloomington, Terre Haute), or have a 812 phone number yourself, scammers know you're more likely to answer what appears to be a local call.
Other Indiana area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: