Boston's 617 area code is often spoofed for fake arrest threats and phony debt collection calls. Fraudsters claim you owe money or have a warrant out for your arrest to scare you into paying.
Scam & Spam Phone Number Lookup:
Our database contains over 25 million Do Not Call and robocall complaints reported to the FTC.
A robotic female voice calls claiming there are "four serious allegations" against you and threatens you will be "taken under custody by the local cops" if you don't call back immediately to discuss the "case." The caller mentions vague "serious allegations" or a "formal complaint" with no specific details and demands you call back or face "legal action." They use your fear of arrest to trick you into calling back where they will try to collect money or personal information. Real police do not call ahead to warn you. They show up.
"Expired after that you will be taken under custody by the local cops as there are four serious allegations pressed on your name at this moment we would request you to get back to us so that we can discuss about this case before taking any legal action against you."
Scammers call from what sounds like a call center identifying themselves as "Jackie" or "Lisa" from the office of "Attorney Mike Kelly." They yell and use extremely rude language while claiming you owe debts from over a decade ago, like 2005 or 2011. They threaten to levy your bank account, put a lien on your house, or have you arrested, all by the end of the day. They may have your social security number and will talk over you when you ask questions. They refuse to provide written validation of the debt or name the original creditor. They use this aggressive behavior to scare you into paying money on fake or expired debts. Real debt collectors must send you written proof of any debt they claim you owe.
"A lady called me stating I owed an $800 debt from a credit card from 2011 and that the creditor was going to take me to court. When I questioned who the creditor was she rambled several retailers. She got ruded and kept saying that they didnt pull my info out of a hat... She hung up on me."
A recorded message from "Pete from National Disability" calls about a Social Security disability application you never filed, or callers claim your Social Security Number has been suspended for fraudulent activities. The call comes from a local 617 number but they ask you to call back a different number like 617-996-8876. They want you to confirm your SSN over the phone to "verify" your identity. They use this information to steal your identity and file fake benefit claims in your name. The Social Security Administration never calls to threaten suspension of your number.
"Pete from National Disability called regarding my application for monthly social security disability benefits. The callback# he left was 617-996-8876. I have not applied for these benefits - this appears to be a scam."
Callers pretend to be from "your health plan," BCBS, or MassHealth and often know your full name. Their very first question asks for your Social Security Number to "verify" or "check the correctness of your records." The call comes from a number that doesn't match the official number on your insurance card. They may offer a "special service" or "in-home health assessment" you never requested. They use your SSN and Medicare number to file fraudulent medical claims and steal your benefits. Your real insurance company already has your information and will never call asking you to verify your Social Security Number.
"Call from so called Mass Health. They tell your name and tell that call to ask about Mass health benefits. But first question they asked as if they want to check the correctness your records was : What is your Social Security Number."
Scammers impersonate National Grid and Eversource with urgent automated messages claiming your service will be disconnected in the next 30 minutes unless you speak to a supervisor immediately. Another version involves relentless calls about needing to replace your gas meter. They demand immediate payment over the phone and create panic to get your payment information, which they use to steal money from your account. Real utility companies send multiple written notices before any disconnection and never demand payment within 30 minutes.
"Recorded man's voice telling me that he was calling from Eversource and that my service would be disconnected in the next 30 minutes if if didn't speak to a supervisor immediately."
Callers spoof Comcast's name on caller ID while the display shows strange names like "Global Telsrcng." They offer fake promotions on internet packages that supposedly "expire in 15 minutes" if you don't sign up right away. They ask you to confirm your name, address, and email to send the "offer." They use this pressure and your personal information to sign you up for services you don't want or steal your identity. Real companies don't give you 15 minutes to decide on major purchases.
"Got called today and they claimed to be with Comcast. Caller ID says Global Telsrcng. They claim they want offer a new internet package and it will expire in 15 minutes if I don't signup. I hung up."
Area Code 617 phone numbers reported as unwanted calls to the FTC in the last 30 days.
(617) 440-2673
Other
4 reports ·
(617) 344-3439
Other
4 reports ·
(617) 262-7816
Other
3 reports ·
(617) 651-8137
Other
3 reports ·
(617) 857-5286
Reducing your debt (credit cards, mortgage, student loans)
2 reports ·
(617) 337-3042
No Subject Provided
2 reports ·
(617) 915-0459
Other
2 reports ·
(617) 381-8390
Other
2 reports ·
(617) 430-9660
Dropped call or no message
2 reports ·
(617) 921-7319
Reducing your debt (credit cards, mortgage, student loans)
2 reports ·
No, area code 617 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Massachusetts, United States. Area code 617 is a general purpose code that has been in service since January 1, 1947.
You're likely experiencing "Neighbor Spoofing." Scammers fake their caller ID to display local or familiar numbers. If you live in or near Massachusetts (Boston, Cambridge, Quincy), or have a 617 phone number yourself, scammers know you're more likely to answer what appears to be a local call.
Other Massachusetts area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: