Kansas's 785 area code is being used for Publishers Clearing House prize scams and Social Security fraud. Scammers say you won a prize but must pay a fee first to claim the 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.
Automated calls claim you are a "second place winner" in the Publishers Clearing House sweepstakes. The pre-recorded message arrives at odd hours like 2:00 AM and provides a callback number such as 876-290-6984 or 785-284-5914 to claim your prize. They use your callback to extract personal information and demand upfront fees for taxes or processing. Publishers Clearing House shows up at your door with a big check. They never call.
"Congratulations week stand a special welcome to you at the publishers clearing House sweepstakes and lotteries on behalf of our team we would like to bring to your noticed that you were selected as a second place winner here please give us a call for further information at 785-284-5914..."
Robocalls claim a "legal enforcement action" has been filed against your Social Security number for "fraudulent activities" in states like Texas. The message threatens appearance before a "magistrate, judge or grand jury" and calls itself your final warning to avoid a "federal criminal offense." They use your fear to steal personal information and money through fake fines or identity theft protection services. The Social Security Administration contacts people through U.S. mail. They never call with threats.
"Ignoring this will be an intentional second attempt to avoid initial appearance before magistrate, judge or grand jury for a federal criminal offense. This is our final attempt to reach you."
Scammers call claiming to be from "Judicial Service" or fake legal groups like "RSG Legal Group" with documents to serve you or an "order of location." They call your family members asking for your whereabouts and if you call back, the phone rings endlessly with no answer. They use your panic to collect fake debt payments or personal information for identity theft. Real process servers show up without warning. They do not call ahead.
"My daughter in law received a call from this number. They told her they were looking for me and had some sort of legal order to serve. When I called the number they left it just rang and rang."
Callers falsely claim to be from TV providers like Xfinity or Cox stating your cable box software needs an "update." They identify vaguely as "your TV provider" and demand a one-time payment of around $249 to lower your bill, threatening to send a truck to collect your equipment if you refuse. They use your payment information to steal money or open fraudulent accounts. Cable companies push software updates automatically and for free. They never demand large payments to lower your bill.
"He said there would be a charge of 249.00 for the update. She said she didn't authorize a charge. He said they would be sending a truck to her house to pick up all of the boxes, etc. if she didn't pay. She then realized something was not right and hung up."
Text messages claim a parcel with a specific "tracing code" is waiting and you must "check the shipment address" by clicking a link to suspicious websites like "corndisagree.com." The fake website steals your personal information, login credentials, and payment details when you enter them. Official delivery services use their own domains like usps.com, fedex.com, and ups.com. They never link to random websites.
"Package Tracking: Hi, your parcel with tracing number NEYY0MDT is waiting for you to check the shipping address: corndisagree.com/lY8kcDN"
Callers claiming to be from a "medical emergency facility" or calling about your home immediately ask "Can you hear me okay?" on a "recorded line." They hang up right after you respond with "Yes." They use your recorded "Yes" as a voice signature to authorize fraudulent charges on credit cards and utility bills. Legitimate callers state their purpose first. They do not fish for a simple yes.
"States they are calling from a medical emergency facility. Proceeds to say 'im calling from a recorded line, can you hear me okay?' Once Yes is replied they hang up."
No, area code 785 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Kansas, United States. Area code 785 is a general purpose code that has been in service since July 20, 1997.
You're likely experiencing "Neighbor Spoofing." Scammers fake their caller ID to display local or familiar numbers. If you live in or near Kansas (Topeka, Lawrence, Manhattan), or have a 785 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: