The 616 area code is being used for DTE energy impersonation scams and arrest warrant threats. Callers pretend to be from the gas company to demand payment or claim the police are on their way.
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 DTE, Michigan Gas, or a third-party supplier called nTherm contact West Michigan residents demanding to speak with whoever pays the utility bill. They use names like "Audrey," "Barry," "Amber," and "Mario," claiming there is a rebate program or a note on your last bill, then pressure you for your DTE account number. When you refuse or hang up, they become extremely rude or call back repeatedly. They use your account information to switch your energy supplier without your permission. DTE already has your account information and will never call to ask for it.
"Mario called from nTherm. Asked for me personally. I am the receptionist. When told I was not in the office he became very rude with my co-worker. Said he has tried at least 4 times to reach me about my gas meter. Demanded my co-worker give him my personal contact info and wanted it by the end of the day. I mean seriously?"
A robocall uses a recorded voice to claim your Social Security Number has been involved in fraudulent activity or that the IRS is issuing a warrant for your arrest for tax fraud. The message threatens immediate legal action, saying federal officers will arrest you within hours if you don't call back. When people call back from these local 616 numbers, they reach a foreigner pretending to be from the SSA or an IRS agent named "Robert Morris." They use your fear to steal personal information or demand immediate payment. The Social Security Administration and IRS never call to threaten arrest. They contact you through official mail.
"Recorded call stated that I was being sued for a tax fraud claim and I should immediately call this number and ask for Robert Morris with the Internal Revenue Service."
Scammers send text messages pretending to be from legitimate companies like "UnitedHealth Group," "Alaxia Pharma," or "Molina Healthcare." The texts come from people named "Mrs. Cynthia Reyes," "Mrs. Traci Aronson," or "Mrs. Vanisa McDowell," claiming your resume has been reviewed and offering high-paying work-from-home positions like Data Entry or Administrative Assistant for "$25.55 hourly" or "$35.55 hourly." They insist on conducting the entire interview through text or chat apps like Skype or Google Hangout. They use your personal and financial information to steal your identity or commit fraud. Legitimate companies never offer jobs or conduct formal interviews exclusively through random text messages.
"Got a TEXT from this number 616-228-7113, Molina Healthcare, Mrs Vanisa McDowell, offering me a 'work at home job' @ $25.55/hr. I replied SCAM & that was the end of that text. About an hour later, I'm receiving text from 402-257-0630. Same scam just a different number."
Automated calls target seniors about "Medicare approved braces that you inquired about" or "pharmacy benefits" related to your insurance, claiming you can get free back or knee braces paid for by Medicare. They call relentlessly, sometimes dozens of times over a few days from slightly different numbers, asking for your Medicare number and other personal information. They cannot name your specific insurance company or pharmacy. They use your Medicare information to commit insurance fraud and bill Medicare for equipment you never receive. Medical equipment suppliers cannot call you to solicit business unless you are already a customer.
"My parents have been receiving calls from this number multiple times a day for the past three days. They are trying to sell braces to charge to my father's Medicare, asking for personal information. Their phone number has been on the National Do Not Call Registry since 2014 and they are constantly receiving calls like this."
Callers from companies like "JP Recovery" claim they are calling about a "personal business matter" but refuse to identify their company or the reason for the call until you "verify" your full name, date of birth, or Social Security Number. They call daily, become evasive or hang up when you ask what company they represent, and never leave voicemails. They use your personal information for identity theft or fraudulent debt collection. Legitimate debt collectors are required by law to tell you the name of their company and that they are attempting to collect a debt.
"I get so many calls from this number. They constantly call me to ask to confirm my birthday. Do not confirm your birthday. This sounds like a scam. The same lady always calls me and tell me this is regarding a 'person business matter' I am not involved in ANY personal business matters."
A robocall gives you a "final courtesy call" or "last warning" about your vehicle's extended warranty, sometimes knowing the make and year of a car you once owned. If you press 1, they pressure you to make an immediate decision and become aggressive or rude when you ask them to stop calling. The calls come from spoofed local 616 numbers that change frequently. They sell you overpriced and often useless service contracts. The urgency is fake. There is no "final notice."
"Lady called today at 11:49am and said she wanted to extend our car warranty. When I asked her a couple questions then told her I didn't want her to call here anymore and take us of their calling list she said 'Oooh I will be calling you tomorrow because you're a b#tch' and hung up on me!!"
Area Code 616 phone numbers reported as unwanted calls to the FTC in the last 30 days.
(616) 699-6776
Other
4 reports ·
(616) 212-3499
Reducing your debt (credit cards, mortgage, student loans)
3 reports ·
(616) 616-8896
Other
3 reports ·
(616) 723-0781
Other
2 reports ·
(616) 376-0590
Dropped call or no message
2 reports ·
(616) 765-6865
Other
2 reports ·
(616) 205-0152
Other
2 reports ·
(616) 874-2656
Other
2 reports ·
(616) 228-1782
Reducing your debt (credit cards, mortgage, student loans)
2 reports ·
(616) 236-2474
Other
2 reports ·
No, area code 616 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Michigan, United States. Area code 616 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 Michigan (Grand Rapids, Wyoming, Kentwood), or have a 616 phone number yourself, scammers know you're more likely to answer what appears to be a local call.
Other Michigan area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: