The 551 area code is dangerous due to the "grandson in jail" emergency scam and IRS lawsuit threats. These criminals prey on your family loyalty or fear of the government to trick you into sending cash quickly.
Scam & Spam Phone Number Lookup:
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A caller from a New Jersey number pretends to be your grandson or a public defender named "David Bell." They claim your relative was in a car accident, is intoxicated, and needs $3,000 to $4,500 for bail immediately. They have you believing you are speaking to your actual grandson. They use this fake emergency to get you to send cash right away. Real public defenders are assigned by a court and do not call relatives demanding immediate bail money. Bail is processed through official channels at a courthouse or jail, not through a random caller demanding cash.
"This number called my husband's grandmother claiming to be David Bell a public defender. Saying that my husband had been in a crash and was intoxicated and that she needed to send $3500 to bail him out. He even had her believing she was talking to my husband."
Residents in the 551 area code receive threatening robocalls with an automated voice claiming to be from the IRS. The voice states you are being named in a lawsuit and must call back immediately, or they will contact local county officials to "follow suit" and have you arrested. They demand your Social Security Number and other personal information when you call back. They use your information to steal your identity or file fake tax returns in your name. The IRS's first contact with you is always an official letter sent through the U.S. Mail. They will never call to threaten you with arrest.
"Continous threating phone calls that I have been named in a lawsuit. That they are government officials that will contact local county officials to follow suit. Pretending to be police officers to get personal information. IRS was the organization that was named to be filing the suit."
This scam starts with an email claiming you've been charged for a large purchase you didn't make, such as a $449.00 Norton security subscription or over $550.00 in BTC coin through PayPal. The email gives you only hours to dispute the charge and instructs you to call a 551 number. When you call, scammers get your credit card or bank account information under the guise of processing a "refund." They use your financial information to steal money from your accounts or make unauthorized purchases. Legitimate companies do not use urgent emails to make you call for refunds.
"Yes, got email stating I had 4 hours to call the number 551-210--8174 to cancel or dispute an order of $449 for annual subscription for Norton computer security. I made no order and will not call the number."
Scammers call from 551 numbers posing as debt collectors for companies like Transworld Systems or for unpaid MTA tolls. They are extremely rude, refuse to tell you who they are collecting for, and threaten to "report you" if you don't pay. They claim you owe large amounts like over $2,000 in fake unpaid tolls, even if you have a valid E-ZPass. They refuse to let you speak with a supervisor or provide a written validation notice of the debt. They use high-pressure tactics to get you to pay fake debts immediately over the phone. Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you have the right to receive written notice that details the debt. Legitimate collectors provide this, scammers cannot.
"I got a call from this number claiming to be from the Transworld System Inc. who advised that i have a debt with MTA for unpaid tolls of $2,190. I advised them that it was impossible because i have E-Zpass and i pay automatically from my account."
These scammers call from a 551 number and come up as "American Express" on caller ID. They sometimes know your actual outstanding balance with American Express to seem legitimate. They are "SUPER aggressive" and demand immediate payment with a debit card or bank account number. They refuse to let you speak to a supervisor and insist on getting your payment information before answering your questions. They use your debit card or bank account number to steal money directly from your accounts. Real American Express representatives follow professional scripts and will never pressure you for payment information before answering questions.
"He knew how much I owed and I tried to get a settlement number. He was SUPER aggressive. He wanted to know if I was going to pay with a debit card or a bank account number. I said I wanted to hear what his supervisor said. He said I needed to give him those numbers first. Big Red Flag!"
Callers from the 551 area code threaten to sue you if you refuse to provide your Social Security Number. They might pretend to be from a company like "Apple Social Service" and ask for your full SSN under false pretenses. Some calls come shortly after you've interacted with shady online sellers. They use your Social Security Number to steal your identity, open accounts in your name, or file fake tax returns. No legitimate company or government agency will call you out of the blue and threaten legal action to get your SSN. Your Social Security Number is a key to identity theft.
"Threatens to sue you if you don't provide your Social Security Number. Apparent Identity Thieves."
No, area code 551 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in New Jersey, United States. Area code 551 is a general purpose code that has been in service since December 29, 2001.
You're likely experiencing "Neighbor Spoofing." Scammers fake their caller ID to display local or familiar numbers. If you live in or near New Jersey (Jersey City, Union City, Bayonne), or have a 551 phone number yourself, scammers know you're more likely to answer what appears to be a local call.
Other New Jersey area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: