The 816 area code is being used for fake legal threats and Evergy utility shut-off scams. Callers threaten to turn off your power or serve you court papers unless you pay them.
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Scammers claiming to be from a "processing department" or associated with the courts call Kansas City residents using names like "Amy Henderson." They use your full name and reference "Jackson County" to sound official, threatening to file legal action and actively pursue you at your home or place of employment. They provide fake case numbers and demand immediate callbacks, claiming you will forfeit your rights if you don't respond. They use this personal information and fake urgency to pressure you into calling back where they can extract money or more personal details. Real process servers do not call ahead to warn you. They show up.
"This imperative message is for ************. I'm contacting you from the processing Department. I received an order for you pertaining to two pending matters. Unfortunately because I'm unable to reach you by phone. I may be actively pursuing you at your place of employment and your residence... (Name), You have been notified."
A robocall spoofing Caller ID to say "Evergy Energy" claims your electricity bill is past due and your power will be shut off in 30 minutes. They provide a different 1-800 number to call back and demand immediate payment over the phone to avoid disconnection. They use the fake payment information to steal your money and bank details. Utility companies like Evergy send multiple written notices by mail over weeks before shutting off service. They never call and threaten to cut your power in 30 minutes.
"2nd time he called we gave NO information to him, except that online it says our account was current. Caller said 'you look up too much online, you need to just let us scam you' and hung up."
People using names like "Raphael," "Alex," and "Chris" bombard residents with unsolicited texts and calls claiming they want to buy your home for cash. They already have your address and include it in text messages, calling and texting repeatedly even after you ignore them or ask them to stop. They use this harassment to pressure homeowners into selling at low prices or to gather personal information for identity theft. Legitimate real estate investors use professional channels and don't harass homeowners with relentless texts.
"'Maybe: Raphael' has texted 4 days in a row wanting to buy my house and asking if it's still for sale (which it's not been). He puts our address in all text messages. I've ignored and blocked."
A robocall claims your Social Security Number has been "suspended" due to suspicious activity, sometimes mentioning drug trafficking or money laundering. Callers using names like "Shannon Brown" threaten arrest by a "magistrate, judge, or grand jury" and say this is the "final attempt to reach you." They ask you to confirm your SSN or other personal data over the phone, using this information to steal your identity and open accounts in your name. The Social Security Administration never calls to threaten your benefits or tell you your SSN has been suspended.
"A man called me from this number stating his name was Shannon Brown or something, and that I'm being investigated for drug trafficking and money laundering. He wanted my social. I refused to give him any info."
A phishing email claims a free trial for a service like "Book Wonderland," "Book Paradise," or "Norton 360" is about to expire and your credit card will be automatically charged $449.99. The email comes from generic addresses and provides an 816 area code phone number to call if you wish to cancel the subscription you never signed up for. When you call in a panic, scammers extract your credit card number and personal information under the guise of "canceling" the fake charge. This is a classic phishing scam designed to steal your financial information.
"Received an email from [email protected]. Never heard of them. Says Dear Valuable user, but I never heard of them."
Automated calls targeting residents offer "free healthcare," "senior benefits," or ways to enhance your Medicare plan. Callers identify themselves as "healthcare administrators" and ask if you can hear them, waiting for a "yes" response. They pressure you for your Medicare number or other personal information, calling repeatedly from slightly different numbers. They use your Medicare number and personal details for insurance fraud or to sign you up for services without permission. If you have questions about Medicare coverage, contact Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE. Official Medicare representatives never call you out of the blue.
"Always want to sign my husband up for Medicare. He already has it. Has had it for 7 years."
No, area code 816 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Missouri, United States. Area code 816 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 Missouri (Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit), or have a 816 phone number yourself, scammers know you're more likely to answer what appears to be a local call.
Other Missouri area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: