Callers from the 603 area code frequently try the "Howard, Clark & Associates" legal threat scam. They claim you are being sued or have unpaid debts to trick you into making an immediate payment.
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Callers pretending to be from law firms like "Howard, Clark & Associates" or "Mediation Services" in Salem, NH are targeting 603 area code residents. They use names like Kevin Forte, Kathy Mendez, or Amy McNeil and threaten civil complaints with fake case numbers like 524860. They claim they need to serve legal documents at your home or work and pressure you to call back immediately or you'll waive your right to counsel. They become rude and argumentative when questioned. They use these threats to get you to confirm personal information like your address or Social Security number. Real process servers do not call ahead. They show up.
"My husband received two calls from Kevin Hall with Howard Clark and Associates saying that a civil claim was going to be filed against him... No law firm will call you before filing a suit and process servers don't call to check if you're home before serving you with papers."
Robocallers play a recorded message starting with "We have been trying to contact you about your vehicle's extended warranty." They cannot name your car's make or model and create false urgency that coverage is expiring, even for new cars or cars you sold years ago. When you press numbers to be removed from their list, you get more calls. They hang up if you ask for their company name. They use the information you provide to sign you up for overpriced warranty services or sell your data to other scammers. Your actual manufacturer or dealership contacts you through official mail, not robocalls.
"Got a call from auto warranty services. Asked for the name of the company and they hang up. Block them and they still get through on the same number, 11 times today."
Callers claim your Social Security Number has been suspended due to fraudulent activities or that they are from the IRS with federal agents coming to arrest you. Their caller ID might show "IRS" or "Social Security" and they use robo-voices demanding you press 1 to speak with an investigating officer. They insist you stay on the line and not hang up. They use these threats to panic you into giving them personal information or money to resolve the fake emergency. Government agencies like the IRS and Social Security Administration never call with threats. They contact you through official U.S. mail.
"Terrible robo voice trying to intimidate me that they are from the IRS and that federal agents will take me into custody if I do not return their call. Bite me you shitbag robot."
Scammers call pretending to be from Apple claiming your iCloud account has been breached or from Amazon about a fraudulent $900 iPhone purchase on your account. The Apple version tries to get remote access to your computer while the Amazon version instructs you to press 1 to cancel the fake order. They use remote computer access to steal your personal files and login credentials or trick you into confirming account information that lets them make real fraudulent purchases. Amazon and Apple do not make unsolicited calls about account problems. They use secure in-app notifications and official emails.
"Got a robo call claiming to be Amazon wanted to confirm my purchase of a I-phone in the amount of $900. I did not respond to it request to press 1 to speak to a representative. I let it sit until it hung up."
Callers claim to collect donations for organizations like the "NH State Troopers Association" or local firefighter funds. They use polite but extremely persistent tactics and often thank you for past donations you never made to build trust. They ask for credit card information over the phone and refuse to take no for an answer. The actual NH State Police confirm these calls are scams and they are not conducting phone solicitations. They use your donation and credit card information to make unauthorized charges or sell your financial data. Legitimate charities never use high-pressure phone tactics.
"These people claim to be the NH State Troopers but are not. I called the NH state police and they confirmed it's a scam, but declined to do anything about it, and instead told me to call the municipal police in my city."
Callers like "Erin" immediately ask "Can you hear me okay?" or similar questions designed to get you to say "Yes." They hang up right after you respond and may mention they are on a recorded line. They record your voice saying "Yes" and use it to authorize fraudulent charges on bills or services by playing back your recorded agreement. Legitimate callers always identify themselves and their company before asking questions.
"She said her name was Erin and that she was a vacation specialist and asked if i could hear her ok. I answered 'yes' and she hung up."
Area Code 603 phone numbers reported as unwanted calls to the FTC in the last 30 days.
(603) 415-1351
Other
5 reports ·
(603) 632-4877
Other
5 reports ·
(603) 333-3975
Other
5 reports ·
(603) 704-3119
Other
4 reports ·
(603) 207-4386
Other
3 reports ·
(603) 633-3774
Other
3 reports ·
(603) 633-5981
No Subject Provided
2 reports ·
(603) 202-3699
Other
2 reports ·
(603) 452-0620
Dropped call or no message
2 reports ·
(603) 228-8300
Other
2 reports ·
No, area code 603 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in New Hampshire, United States. Area code 603 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 New Hampshire (Manchester, Nashua, Concord), or have a 603 phone number yourself, scammers know you're more likely to answer what appears to be a local call.