Maryland's 240 area code is being used for Social Security suspension threats and IRS arrest scams. Callers pretend to be federal agents to scare you into handing over money or personal details.
Scam & Spam Phone Number Lookup:
Our database contains over 25 million Do Not Call and robocall complaints reported to the FTC.
Robocallers claim your Social Security Number has been compromised or used in suspicious activities in states like Texas or California. A recorded voice claims a legal affidavit has been filed to suspend your number and threatens arrest or frozen assets if you don't call back immediately. Callers with strong foreign accents claim to be from the Social Security Administration and demand you verify the last four digits of your SSN to better assist you. They use your confirmed SSN digits to steal your identity and open accounts in your name. The Social Security Administration will never call you to threaten suspension. They communicate through official U.S. Mail.
"we have received a legal affidavit to suspend your Social Security number on the media basis to get more information about this case file give us a call back on our number..."
Callers pretending to be from the IRS leave voicemails claiming a lawsuit has been filed against you and an arrest warrant will be issued if you don't comply. One caller identifying himself as William Martin demanded a Maryland resident go to CVS or Walgreens and pay $1,000 with a prepay card to avoid arrest. Fake agents like Jack Miller with foreign accents create extreme urgency, sometimes demanding payment within 45 minutes via prepay cards, gift cards, or wire transfers. They use the gift card numbers to drain the funds immediately. The IRS's first contact is always via U.S. Mail, never phone calls demanding gift cards.
"Person called wife saying he was with the IRS and threatened an arrest warrant would be issued if she didn't go the nearest CVS or Walgreens and get a $1000 prepay card."
Scammers calling 240 numbers pose as debt collectors or process servers, threatening legal action for old or entirely fake debts. They use fake names like Sarah Smith, claim a case has been filed against you, mention case numbers but refuse to mail official debt validation, and threaten to serve papers at your job or home. They claim you're forfeiting your rights if you don't cooperate and collect on debts you never had or debts from over 20 years ago. They use any personal information you confirm to create fake collection accounts and harass you further. Real process servers do not call ahead to warn you. They show up.
"They called me and told me a lender I never heard of is looking to garnish my wages. They had my full name and social security number."
Callers claim you've been selected for a government grant for specific amounts like $9,000 or $14,566 from agencies like the US Treasury or National Institute of Health. They provide fake credentials like badge numbers for agents named Marlin Scott and demand you pay a registration fee of around $200 using wire transfer, MoneyGram, or eBay gift cards before receiving your money. They instruct you to make payments using gift cards or by going to Walmart. They steal your upfront payment and never send grant money. Real government agencies do not call citizens to award unsolicited grants or require processing fees via gift cards.
"Said they were calling from the National Institute of Health to tell me I have a $14,600 grant from the government. Wanted me to pay $200 registration fee."
Someone pretending to be a grandchild makes frantic calls claiming to have been in a car accident and arrested, desperately needing money for bail. They beg you not to tell their parents or anyone else, demand you send money via gift cards, and claim police will get involved if you don't pay. They use any money you send to fund their scam operation and never return it. Law enforcement agencies and courts do not accept bail money in gift cards. Real emergencies involve official paperwork and verified contact through proper channels.
"Called my father-in-law twice and told him my daughter had been in an accident and he needed to send money to take care of it or they would get the cops involved."
Pre-recorded messages warn that your vehicle's warranty is expiring and urge you to press 1 to speak with a specialist to avoid costly repairs. The automated recording starts with "We've noticed that your car's extended warranty..." and may offer a $1000 rebate to get you to renew. Callers don't know the specific make, model, or year of your car. They sell you overpriced and unnecessary service contracts that provide little to no actual coverage. These calls confirm your line is active when you press numbers, leading to more spam calls. Real warranty companies know your car details and contact you through official mail.
"Harassing Auto Warranty Scam call. I get about 30 of these a month, all from different numbers."
No, area code 240 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Maryland, United States. Area code 240 is a general purpose code that has been in service since June 1, 1997.
You're likely experiencing "Neighbor Spoofing." Scammers fake their caller ID to display local or familiar numbers. If you live in or near Maryland (Germantown, Silver Spring, Waldorf), or have a 240 phone number yourself, scammers know you're more likely to answer what appears to be a local call.
Other Maryland area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: