The 609 area code is frequently linked to Social Security fraud calls and Apple iCloud breach warnings. These scammers try to convince you that your identity is involved in a crime to steal your money.
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Our database contains over 25 million Do Not Call and robocall complaints reported to the FTC.
Robocallers with foreign accents are targeting Central and South Jersey residents, claiming "legal enforcement actions" have been filed against their Social Security Number for "criminal activities." The automated message shows "SSI" on caller ID to appear legitimate and demands you call back immediately to avoid legal proceedings. They use your callback to steal your Social Security number and personal information for identity theft. The Social Security Administration never calls to threaten legal action or demand immediate payment. Real SSA business is handled through postal mail.
"Call from our department is to inform you that there is a legal enforcement actions filed on your social security number for criminal activities. So when you get this message kindly revert as soon as possible on our number... Before we begin with the legal proceedings."
Robocallers are making 5-10 calls per day to New Jersey residents, spoofing caller ID to read "Apple Inc." and warning that your iCloud account has been breached. The automated voice tells you not to use your Apple devices and to press 1 to speak with support, even calling people who don't own Apple products. They use your panic response to steal your account credentials and financial information when you press 1. Apple does not make unsolicited calls about security breaches and never asks for passwords or financial details over the phone.
"5 calls this morning with automated message of Apple Support calling about security breach on my iCloud account."
Scammers are calling 609 residents claiming imminent legal action or wage garnishment from specific New Jersey counties like "Burlington County," "Middlesex County," or "Hudson County." They talk very fast, threaten to contact your HR department, refuse to provide documentation, and demand immediate payment to resolve a non-existent debt or case. They use your payment information to drain your accounts or steal your identity. Legitimate debt collectors must provide written validation of a debt upon request. Process servers do not call ahead, they show up.
"Called me with the same thing a matter in Burlington County needs to be resolved today and they will contact my HR department for attach wages and then said GOOD LUCK. Sounds like a scam to me."
A scammer first calls elderly residents posing as a crying, distressed grandchild claiming they've been in a car accident or arrested for DUI. A second scammer then calls identifying as "Public Defender" Michael Berg, demanding thousands of dollars in immediate bail money, sometimes over $10,000, and insisting on secrecy from other family members. They use your wire transfer or gift card payment to steal your money directly. Law enforcement and court officials never call you to arrange bail money over the phone. Bail is processed through official channels at a courthouse or jail.
"Was called by a Michael Berg (sp?) who represented himself as a Public Defender for my grandson who supposedly was in jail for Reckless Driving and DUI. I am out $12,640. My grandson's voice was imitated so well - I still can't believe it was not him."
An automated call claims a suspicious, expensive purchase has been made on your Amazon account for amounts like "$299.99," "$379.99," or "$1499" and instructs you to call their agent back immediately at the provided number if you did not authorize this purchase. The live scammer then asks you to turn on your computer or provide credit card details to "cancel the order." They use your login credentials and financial information to steal from your real Amazon account and bank accounts. Amazon never calls about unauthorized purchases and asks for payment or personal information over the phone.
"Message pretending to be from Amazon.com saying that my visa had be charged for a purchase of #379.99. If I do not make such a purchase, call their agent at 609-759-8646."
Scammers are spoofing caller ID to read "NJ Dept Health" or "NJDepOfHlth" and calling residents to "set up" COVID-19 vaccine or booster appointments. The caller, often with a foreign accent, asks for personal details like your name, date of birth, and Medicare information, sometimes calling about boosters months before you are actually eligible. They use your personal information for identity theft and Medicare fraud. The NJ Department of Health will not ask for sensitive personal data like your Social Security or Medicare number over the phone to schedule a vaccine.
"Got a call from 609-913-2095 claiming to help setup vaccine appt and was asking personal information."
"Carl from Nationwide" calls local New Jersey businesses claiming a "UCC-1" has been filed against your company, making it sound like an urgent government matter requiring immediate attention and becoming aggressive when you hang up. They use this official-sounding financial term to trick you into revealing sensitive financial information about your business under the guise of "helping you find better programs." They use your company's financial data to steal from business accounts or sell you high-interest loans. A UCC-1 filing is a common legal notice that lenders use to secure interest in property and is not inherently a problem.
"As stated in previous posts, Carl said a UCC-1 was filed against our business and that he needed to confirm information... I told him to take us off of his calling list and he just laughed and said there is no calling list."
No, area code 609 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 609 is a general purpose code that has been in service since January 1, 1957.
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 (Trenton, Atlantic City, Pleasantville), or have a 609 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: