The 859 area code is being used for Social Security identity theft scams and auto warranty calls. Callers claim your social security number is compromised to panic you into sharing private information.
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Our database contains over 25 million Do Not Call and robocall complaints reported to the FTC.
A robotic voice claims criminal activity has been tied to your Social Security Number and threatens you with immediate arrest or legal action. The recorded message specifically mentions your SSN being used fraudulently at the "southern border of Texas" and demands you call back immediately to speak with a fake "agent" to avoid legal action. They hang up when you ask direct questions. They use whatever personal information you provide to steal your identity and open fraudulent accounts. The Social Security Administration primarily communicates through U.S. Mail and will never call to threaten you with arrest.
"Left a voicemail message saying that there was criminal activity tied to my social security number and to call them back before I was arrested."
Robocallers warning that your vehicle's warranty is "about to expire" call frequently, often daily, from numbers that look local to Kentucky towns like Warsaw or Florence. A recorded voice opens with an urgent message about your "car warranty," sometimes mentioning a car you've never owned like a "2010 Ford Escape," and instructs you to "press 1" to speak to a specialist or be removed from their list. They use high-pressure tactics to sell expensive and often worthless extended service contracts that are not true warranties. These calls are not from your car's manufacturer.
"Spam "car warranty is about to expire". Called 4 times in a row, would not leave a voicemail, when I answered it's a recorded message about trying to reach me about my car warranty."
Scammers call claiming a "claim has been filed" or that "papers have been filed in court against me" and threaten to serve you with papers at your "resident or place of employment" unless you immediately verify your name, address, and Social Security number. The caller is vague about who they are or what company they represent and becomes hostile or hangs up if you ask for proof in writing. They use your personal information to commit identity theft or create fake debt collection accounts. Official process servers do not call ahead to warn you, they show up unannounced.
"Said I had 2 pending issues with them and threatened to come to my house and my place of employment. Pretty sure this is terroristic threatening."
A robocall claims your "computer support has expired" and that your credit card will be automatically charged a specific amount like "$199" or "$299" to renew the service for a tech support service you never signed up for. They ask you to press a button to cancel the charge, connecting you to a "support agent" with a strong accent who needs to "log into your computer" to help. They gain remote access to your computer to install malware, steal files, or demand payment for fake repairs. Legitimate tech companies like Microsoft do not cold-call you about expiring subscriptions.
"Received a robocall saying my computer support is being automatically renewed for $199."
An automated message alerts you to a suspicious, high-value purchase made with your Amazon account, such as an "Apple iPhone 11 pro," and instructs you to press 1 to cancel the order. The message specifies a popular item like an "iPhone 11 pro" and prompts you to press a number to authorize or cancel the order. They steal your Amazon account login or credit card details when you call back. Amazon does not call customers to confirm orders or security issues.
"Left a message stating the following: 'Order placed for Apple iPhone 11 pro using your Amazon account if you do not authorize this order press one or press two to authorize this order.'"
Callers using names like "Karen Anderson" or "Becky from student services" contact you about your "federal student loan," falsely claiming that "guidelines have changed" and that you are eligible for a special loan forgiveness program. They use a generic name and do not represent a specific government agency, call even if you have never had a student loan, and ask for an upfront fee to process your "forgiveness." They steal your personal information and Federal Student Aid ID or charge bogus fees for free government programs. All legitimate federal loan forgiveness programs are free to apply for through official government channels at StudentAid.gov.
"SCAM 'urgently need to speak about options for repayment of your federal student loan since guidelines have changed'. I do not now nor have I ever had a federal student loan!"
Scammers in the 859 area code ask for donations to fake police or firefighter funds, sometimes using names like the "America Police Officer's Alliance," and pressure you for specific tiered donations such as a "$1000 (gold), a $500 (silver) or a $250 (bronze) donation." They request your debit or credit card number directly over the phone, and your caller ID may display "POLITICAL" during the call. They use your payment information to steal money from your accounts or sell your card details. Reputable law enforcement and firefighter organizations do not solicit donations through cold calls.
"They say they are part of the US police force... and want a $1000 (gold), a $500 (silver) or a $250 (bronze) donation to the police force and wanted my companies debit card or my personal debit card."
Area Code 859 phone numbers reported as unwanted calls to the FTC in the last 30 days.
(859) 659-1315
Calls pretending to be government, businesses, or family and friends
11 reports ·
(859) 222-9522
Dropped call or no message
6 reports ·
(859) 813-0153
Calls pretending to be government, businesses, or family and friends
4 reports ·
(859) 216-4720
Dropped call or no message
2 reports ·
(859) 955-8914
Other
2 reports ·
(859) 316-1156
Other
2 reports ·
(859) 978-8906
Reducing your debt (credit cards, mortgage, student loans)
2 reports ·
(859) 337-1237
Other
2 reports ·
(859) 440-2454
Other
2 reports ·
(859) 374-7151
Other
2 reports ·
No, area code 859 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Kentucky, United States. Area code 859 is a general purpose code that has been in service since April 1, 2000.
You're likely experiencing "Neighbor Spoofing." Scammers fake their caller ID to display local or familiar numbers. If you live in or near Kentucky (Covington, Richmond), or have a 859 phone number yourself, scammers know you're more likely to answer what appears to be a local call.
Other Kentucky area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: