The 316 area code is frequently used for fake process server threats and phony Social Security Administration calls. The callers lie about court dates or suspended benefits to steal your money and identity.
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 pretending to be from a "processing division" or fake companies like "Consumer Recovery Associates." They threaten to garnish wages, show up at your workplace, and harass your family over phantom debts or accounts paid off years ago. Many mention "two charges pending" to create panic. They refuse to mail written proof, yell at you when you ask for validation, and hang up when questioned. They use your fear to pressure you into immediate payment over the phone. Real process servers do not call ahead. They show up.
"He was rambling on and on about the two charges pending against me and saying they will garnish my wages and I once again told him to stop calling my friends and family and to send proof. He said he doesn't need to send proof...He yelled at me wishing me good luck in court and hung up on me! About 10 seconds later I got an UNKNOWN call stating in 24-72 hours a case will be filed."
Callers claim to be from the Social Security Administration and threaten to freeze your assets and bank accounts within 20 minutes. They say federal officials will show up at your house for "drug trafficking" or that your Social Security will be stopped unless you press 1 to "reinstate" it. They demand your name, address, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. When questioned, they become aggressive and tell you to "shut up." They use your personal information to steal your identity and benefits. The Social Security Administration communicates through mail, not threatening phone calls.
"They asked for my name, address, and last four of my social. Then, they said that federal officials would be showing up to my house the next day and that my assets and bank accounts would be frozen within 20 minutes...Then the guy said 'Shut up,' and just hung up."
Robocalls claim to be from Amazon about suspicious account activity, mentioning specific high-value purchases like "$750 for an iPhone" or a "$399.99 credit card purchase." The automated message urges you to call a number back immediately to cancel the order you never made. When you call back, they collect your account information and payment details to steal from your real Amazon account or make actual fraudulent purchases. Amazon does not call customers to verify purchases.
"They claim to be Amazon & there's a charge for $750 for an Iphone."
These are relentless robocalls about your car's extended warranty that call repeatedly, sometimes five times in a single day from different numbers. The recorded message does not identify a specific company but uses urgent language suggesting your coverage is about to lapse. They use high-pressure tactics to sell questionable service plans to people who often don't even own the vehicle they're calling about. These calls are almost never from your actual car dealer or manufacturer.
"THEY KEEP CALLING ME PRETENDING TO BE AUTO WARRANTY SERVICE OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT ---- THEY CALLED ME 5 TIMES IN ONE DAY --- THIS IS RIDICULOUS"
Callers use names like "Amber" or "Stephanie McCormick" and claim to be from the "Federal Student Loan Assistance Center." They promise immediate loan forgiveness and say it's "imperative" to speak today, even calling people who have no student loans. They create false urgency to pressure you into paying upfront fees for help with federal student aid that is actually free. They use your payment information to steal money and never provide any real loan assistance. The U.S. Department of Education does not make unsolicited calls offering loan forgiveness.
"Amber with the Federal Student loan assistance center. States that I need to get up into a Federal Student Loan forgiveness program possible immediately. I have no student loans"
Callers offer "free" medical supplies like knee braces, diabetes supplies, or genetic testing they claim is covered by Medicare. Reports mention a caller named "Becky," a supposed "patient advocate," pushing for genetic cancer screenings. They claim Medicare will cover all costs and just need your Medicare number to proceed. They use your Medicare information to bill the government for equipment you never ordered or received, costing taxpayers money and potentially affecting your benefits. Medicare will not call you to sell products or services.
"Recorded message. Becky, organization not identified, stated patient advocate, wanted to have me sign up for genetic testing for cancer. Stated would be covered by Medicare."
No, area code 316 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Kansas, United States. Area code 316 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 Kansas (Wichita, Derby, Newton), or have a 316 phone number yourself, scammers know you're more likely to answer what appears to be a local call.
Other Kansas area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: