Residents with 985 numbers report fake process server calls and final notice car warranty scams. Fraudsters claim they are trying to deliver legal papers to frighten you into paying a settlement.
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 from local 985 numbers call claiming a legal complaint has been filed against you. They threaten to contact your HR department or serve papers at your home, use old information like maiden names to appear legitimate, provide fake reference numbers like "GRT36010," ask to verify your address before delivering documents, and leave voicemails stating "you have been officially notified." They use whatever personal details you confirm to make their threats seem more credible and pressure you into paying fake settlement fees. Real process servers do not call ahead to warn you or ask to verify your address. They show up.
"Got a voicemail from this number stating he was 'reassigned' to deliver me a formal claim documentation and he needs a valid address on my file so he can present the order to me. something about a claim filed against me... then he tells me I am officially notified."
You get frequent robocalls from 985 numbers with urgent recorded messages about your car's warranty expiring. They use phrases like "final notice" or "last chance to extend," call about very old vehicles or cars still under factory warranty, cannot provide specific details about your vehicle or current coverage, and start with automated recordings instead of live people. They use whatever vehicle information you provide to sell you overpriced or worthless extended warranty plans. Legitimate companies send official notices via U.S. Mail with your car's specific information. They do not rely on high-pressure robocalls.
"I repeatedly get calls from this number about my car warranty. This is a scam as one of my cars is a 2005. The other is still under warranty."
Callers pose as agents from the IRS, Social Security Administration, or DEA using 985 numbers to look local. They threaten wage garnishment or immediate arrest, claim you owe back taxes or are involved in a criminal case, and create urgency by saying your case will be closed if you don't act now. They use your fear to trick you into sending money via gift cards or giving up personal information like your Social Security number. Federal agencies initiate contact through official U.S. Mail. They do not call to threaten you or demand payment via gift cards.
"The lady advised she was from the IRS and I owed taxes."
You get voicemails about suspicious high-dollar purchases on your account, often for an "iPhone 16" for around $999. The message instructs you to call back immediately, and when you do, a scammer answers with a simple "hello Amazon" in a noisy room. They use your panic about the fake purchase to trick you into giving them your Amazon login or credit card details to "cancel" the fake order. Amazon's customer service operates through its official website and app. You will not get an unsolicited call that connects you directly to someone who just says the company's name.
"Left a recorded message about approving $999 charge for an iPhone 16 on my account so I call the number and some lady answers immediately with noise in the background says 'hello Amazon' I repeated 'Amazon' and she hung up."
Local Louisiana businesses get calls from people aggressively demanding to speak with the owner. Callers like "Tom Richardson" refuse to speak with anyone else, will not state a clear reason for the call or leave a message, become hostile when questioned by staff, and show generic caller ID names like "GPS." They use access to the owner to pitch high-pressure business loans or merchant accounts with terrible terms. Legitimate business callers are professional and willing to leave detailed messages. Rude and evasive behavior signals a high-pressure telemarketer.
"She didn't like that I was questioning why she was calling and what it was regarding and she called me a weirdo and hung up on me."
Scammers target elderly neighbors calling from 985 numbers claiming to be from "National Disability" or saying you inquired about Medicaid insurance. They ask you to provide or verify your Medicare or Social Security number over the phone, claim you submitted applications you never made, and identify themselves as being from the "Social Security office" in unsolicited calls. They use whatever personal details you confirm to commit identity theft or insurance fraud. Medicare and Social Security almost never call you unless you contacted them first and requested a callback. They send official information through U.S. Mail.
"Called the number back and they answered saying I was inquiring online about Medicaid insurance which I did no such thing.. I called them liars and scammers and they should be ashamed of themselves for targeting the elderly!"
No, area code 985 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Louisiana, United States. Area code 985 is a general purpose code that has been in service since February 12, 2001.
You're likely experiencing "Neighbor Spoofing." Scammers fake their caller ID to display local or familiar numbers. If you live in or near Louisiana (Houma, Laplace, Slidell), or have a 985 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: