The 908 area code is heavily targeted by utility bill imposters and Social Security scams. Callers pretend to be from PSE&G threatening to shut off your power unless you pay right away.
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Scammers posing as PSE&G employees call New Jersey residents in the 908 area code claiming you have an overdue bill and your power will be shut off within hours or minutes if you don't pay immediately. They often have your name and address and mention a problem with a "last payment" you know was successful. The caller ID might be spoofed to say "PSE&G" but the call is unexpected and demanding. They use any payment information you provide to steal money from your accounts. Real utilities send multiple written notices before disconnection. They never demand immediate payment over the phone.
"Got a call from (908-577-1099) guy named John pretending to be PSEG telling me our business owes $980.00 for past due electric bills. It's been such a crazy year a family almost paid before we called the real PSEG."
Robocalls and live agents claiming to be from the Social Security Administration warn of "fraudulent activity" on your account and threaten you with arrest and "legal enforcement action" if you don't call back immediately. They claim your Social Security Number has been suspended. They use any personal information you provide to steal your identity and open accounts in your name. The SSA never calls to threaten arrest. Official communications come through U.S. Mail.
"Left me a voicemail saying they were from SSA and that I had fraud charges against my social security number. To call them back before matters went to court and I got arrested."
Callers pretending to be from an attorney's office or legal firm threaten to serve you with papers at your home or contact your HR department at work about a supposed "civil matter" or old debt. They reference a debt from many years ago, often using your maiden name, and provide a fake "case number" demanding you call back immediately to avoid action. They use any payment information you provide to steal money from your accounts. Real process servers do not call ahead. They show up.
"They called me and said they would b contacting my HR department to arrange a day to show up at my job to serve me papers… been getting these calls for at least 2 months now…"
A scammer calls and says "Grandma?" or "Grandpa?" pretending to be your grandchild who has been in an accident or arrested and needs money for bail. They sound frantic and claim their voice is different because they "broke their nose" or have a bad cold. They insist you keep it a secret and not tell their parents. They use any money you send to fund their criminal operation. Real emergencies involve police calling you directly with official information.
"Kid called me grandma and said he was my grandson whose name he knew. When I said he didn't sound like him he said he had broken his nose. I hung up and later blocked call."
Robocalls claiming to be a "final courtesy call" before they "close out your file" regarding your car's warranty use urgent phrases like "final notice" and mention a specific car you used to own years ago. Pressing a number to be removed from their list results in even more calls. They use your contact information to bombard you with high-pressure sales calls for overpriced and worthless extended service contracts. These are not from your car's manufacturer or dealership.
"Since we have not gotten a response we are giving you a final courtesy call before we close out your file press two to be removed and put on our do not call list press one to speak with someone..."
A robocall claims a subscription for computer antivirus protection is set to automatically renew and your bank account will be debited $299 or $399 unless you immediately press a number to cancel. The call pressures you to "press 1 to cancel" or speak with a "customer relations manager" and does not name a specific, legitimate company you do business with. They use your financial details to steal money from your accounts and may demand remote access to your computer for a fake "refund" process. Legitimate companies do not use threatening robocalls for subscription renewals.
"Robocall stating my bank account will be debited $299.99 for payment for security on my PC. If I don't want it press 1 or 2"
No, area code 908 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 908 is a general purpose code that has been in service since November 1, 1990.
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 (Elizabeth, Plainfield, Linden), or have a 908 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: