The 318 area code is heavily linked to Social Security arrest warrant scams and fake lawsuit threats. Fraudsters use aggressive language to convince you that police are on the way unless you make a payment.
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.
Callers claiming to be from the Social Security office or local law enforcement, sometimes using names like "Chris Smith," tell residents in Louisiana that their Social Security Number has been involved in "suspicious activity" or that they face arrest for IRS fraud with a Sheriff on the way. They create a false sense of urgency and ask you to confirm personal information over the phone. They use your personal information to open accounts in your name or steal your identity. The Social Security Administration and IRS never call to threaten arrest. They communicate through official mail.
"Called me and my mother pretending to be with Sheriff on way to arrest me for IRS fraud."
A caller claims you are being sued or need to be "serviced" with legal papers, often referencing old addresses to seem legitimate. They vaguely mention a lawsuit or crime without providing specific details and demand you call a different number to resolve the issue. They use your confirmation of personal details to verify they have the right target for identity theft or more sophisticated scams. Real process servers do not call ahead. Their job is to deliver legal documents in person without warning.
"This number just called me and said i was being sued and they were trying to service me at an address I have not been at in 11 years"
Scammers calling 318 numbers claim to be from Publisher's Clearing House, telling victims they've won millions of dollars and a car. They may use names like "Michael Headwards," instruct you to call a number to arrange collection, and tell you to ignore skeptical family members or keep your winnings secret. They use the fees you pay to "collect" your prize to steal your money, and any personal information you provide to steal your identity. Publisher's Clearing House surprises big winners in person with their Prize Patrol. They never call to announce wins or ask for money.
"Said from publisher clearinghouse and said I won a car but I had to call this number. My husband was listening and told me not to answer. The called told me not to listen to my husband."
Callers targeting Louisiana residents claim to fundraise for "American Vets," "Firemen," or "policemen," with a caller named "Fred" reported as being very persistent and not letting you speak. The caller ID shows "American Vets" but they might read scripts for different charities, there's a noticeable delay at the beginning indicating a robodialer, and they use high-pressure tactics refusing to take no for an answer. They pocket your donation money instead of sending it to any charity. Legitimate charities welcome scrutiny and never pressure for immediate donations.
"Have received many calls from this number claiming to be representing American Veterans... The problem is that the same number has called representing Firemen hurt in on the job and policemen injured as well. The catch is that they forget to change the caller ID from American Vets when they are reading the other scripts."
These robocalls and live calls falsely claim your car's warranty is expiring, with callers sometimes identifying as "Jackie from Dealers Service Center." The call begins with a recorded message about your "vehicle warranty," they don't know your car's make or model, and they become hostile or refuse to remove you from their calling list. They use aggressive tactics to sell you unnecessary and often worthless extended warranties that provide no real coverage. Your vehicle's manufacturer will not use aggressive robocalls to sell extended warranties.
"i'm sick and tired of getting calls to remove my warranty. When I ask to be removed they want me to justify a response. How about just do it because I said to."
Scammers send text messages claiming your bank account is frozen, you need to update Netflix payment info, an order is arriving that you didn't place, or providing an unsolicited "one-time access code" for services like United Healthcare. These texts contain urgent warnings about accounts you use, strange links like "vu.saveauto12.us," and access codes you did not request. They use the links to steal your login credentials and take over your accounts, or use unsolicited access codes to break into your existing accounts. Banks, streaming services, and healthcare companies never send security links through text messages.
"Fraud text claiming my bank acct has been frozen. Has a link that if you click on it would redirect your ph or possibly download virus. I have received multiple messages like this from various numbers."
An automated recording says you are receiving a free call from an inmate at a local facility, such as the "Saint Mary Parish, Louisiana" jail or "Harrison County Annex." The recording mentions a specific Louisiana parish jail by name and prompts you to press a number to accept the call or hear charges. They use your keypress to authorize fraudulent charges on your phone bill or connect you to a scammer who will try to trick you into sending money. Real inmate call systems require pre-funded accounts. Unsolicited calls like these are scams.
"Hello you have a free call from Jordan an inmate at the Harrison County Annex. This call may be monitored or recorded any attempt to connect to third party will result in the immediate termination of your call. Press one to accept the call..."
No, area code 318 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Louisiana, United States. Area code 318 is a general purpose code that has been in service since January 1, 1957.
You're likely experiencing "Neighbor Spoofing." Scammers fake their caller ID to display local or familiar numbers. If you live in or near Louisiana (Shreveport, Bossier City, Monroe), or have a 318 phone number yourself, scammers know you're more likely to answer what appears to be a local call.
Other Louisiana area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: