The 781 area code is seeing fake debt collector demands and Social Security compromise scams. Callers threaten legal action for debts you do not owe or claim your ID was stolen.
Scam & Spam Phone Number Lookup:
Our database contains over 25 million Do Not Call and robocall complaints reported to the FTC.
Callers claiming to be from "CCS Offices" or "Account Services" know your name and demand you verify your mailing address or the last four digits of your Social Security number before they will tell you why they are calling. They start with a recorded message saying "this is an account administrator on a recorded line," then quickly hang up if you refuse to share information or ask questions. They call relentlessly from multiple numbers including 781-796-6000, 781-566-8000, and 781-989-1000. They use your personal information to create fake debt files and pressure you into paying money you do not owe. Real debt collectors must identify themselves first and send you written validation when you ask.
"I got a call from this number on my cell and they asked for me to provide my mailing address and I asked what was this in regards to, they said until I verify my mailing address they could not release any info as to why they were calling... he then hung up."
A robocall or live person threatens you with arrest or legal action, claiming your Social Security number has been compromised or used in a crime. They may claim you filed for disability benefits when you have not. The caller uses a generic name like "Pete," pressures you to act immediately, and tells you to "press one to talk to an officer" or provide your SSN to "verify" it. They use any personal information you give them to steal your identity and open accounts in your name. The Social Security Administration will never call you to threaten arrest. They send official business through registered mail.
"Telling me my social security number was compromised and a hold out on it until I called to verify it with one of their agent's!! Total scam!! They didn't have my name or number! They wanted me to provide that to them!! Scam!!!"
Scammers call relentlessly claiming to be from "Apple Support" with a robocall warning that your iCloud account has been breached or shows "suspicious activity." They urge you to press 1 or call a specific number to speak with a security attendant. You receive multiple back-to-back calls from the same number, the caller ID may be spoofed to say "Apple, Inc.," and you get these calls even if you do not own any Apple products. They use remote access to your devices or any login information you provide to steal your accounts and financial data. Apple does not make unsolicited calls about security problems. They never ask for passwords or remote access in calls you did not start.
"I do not own any Apple products, but they say there is 'suspicious activity on my i-cloud account.' Have received 7 calls since noon today leaving messages. I do not answer the call."
Robocalls or live agents claim your vehicle's warranty has expired or is about to expire. The call begins with a recorded message about your "car warranty," the caller is evasive when you ask for their company's full name and location, they hang up when you tell them you are not interested or ask to be removed, and they call from many different numbers even after you block them. They use high-pressure tactics to sell you overpriced and often useless service contracts. These calls are fishing expeditions and are not affiliated with your car's manufacturer.
"Caller ID says from Winchester, it's a scam, trying to tell you that your car warranty has expired but they can extend it for you. When you connect to a person and tell them anything they don't want to hear, they will just hang up on you."
Multiple numbers, often from the 781-996-XXXX range, relentlessly call business lines attempting to send a fax. You answer the phone and hear a continuous, high-pitched fax machine tone, the same number calls back-to-back sometimes over 10 times in 20 minutes, the calls target business phone lines not residential ones, and blocking is difficult as they use multiple lines. This ties up phone lines and disrupts legitimate business operations with loud beeping sounds. This is caused by misconfigured auto-dialers or illegal fax blasting spam services. No legitimate company operates this way.
"This number keeps calling our place of business and it is attempting to connect with our fax machine. Luckily, it can't, but the phone is ringing about 5 times per 10 minutes...VERY ANNOYING!"
Scammers use robocalls to impersonate local water companies, leaving recorded messages about a "water main break" or "severe weather alert" and asking you to press a number for more information. The unsolicited robocall claims to be from your local water company about an emergency, instructs you to press a key like "press 2" for more details, and comes from a generic 781 number not an official publicly listed utility number. They use the panic of a local emergency to get you on the line with a live scammer who steals your personal or financial information. Real emergency alerts rarely ask you to press buttons to connect to operators during mass notifications.
"Recorded message claims to be from the local water company. Message states there is a water main break in the area, and asks the customer to press '2' for more information. Very likely a SCAM to get customer's credit card information."
Area Code 781 phone numbers reported as unwanted calls to the FTC in the last 30 days.
(781) 214-3475
Dropped call or no message
6 reports ·
(781) 201-3938
Dropped call or no message
4 reports ·
(781) 203-5749
Other
3 reports ·
(781) 201-3372
Dropped call or no message
3 reports ·
(781) 426-8169
Reducing your debt (credit cards, mortgage, student loans)
2 reports ·
(781) 989-9488
Other
2 reports ·
(781) 922-7456
Other
2 reports ·
(781) 776-1668
Other
2 reports ·
(781) 348-0327
Other
2 reports ·
(781) 789-8031
Reducing your debt (credit cards, mortgage, student loans)
2 reports ·
No, area code 781 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Massachusetts, United States. Area code 781 is a general purpose code that has been in service since September 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 Massachusetts (Boston, Lynn, Waltham), or have a 781 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: