The 212 area code is famous for Chinese language robocalls and fake FTC lottery scams. These callers try to trick you into believing you won a prize or have legal issues to get your banking details.
Scam & Spam Phone Number Lookup:
Our database contains over 25 million Do Not Call and robocall complaints reported to the FTC.
Scammers send pre-recorded robocalls in Mandarin or other Chinese dialects, often with music playing in the background. They claim to be from the Chinese Consulate, DHL, or UPS about an undeliverable package, an expiring visa document, or money owed to you. The message urges you to press a number to speak with a live agent, and these calls come repeatedly from different 212 numbers. They use your response to confirm your line is active and gather your personal information. Official consulates and delivery services do not use robocalls for package issues.
"Got a massage on answer machine from this number in Chinese, said we have a package from UPS is undeliverable for three time, need contact with them. I think it is a scam, we didn't see any UPS delivery delivery coming... it is fraud, don't call them or talk to them."
Callers claim to be from the Federal Trade Commission using fake names like "John Reed" or "Pablo Sanchez" and tell you that you have won $750,000 or more from Publishers Clearing House or a Procter & Gamble raffle. They demand you pay thousands of dollars in "fees" before you can receive your winnings and instruct you to keep your "winnings" a secret. They use your payment to steal your money and banking information. The real FTC can be reached at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. The FTC does not call people to award prize money. Real prizes never require fees.
"My elderly parents have been returning calls to this number and sent a total of $31,000.00 to these scammers claiming they have won the Publishers Clearing House sweepstakes. The FBI now involved."
An automated message claims your Social Security Number has been compromised or will be "cancelled" or "suspended" due to fraudulent activity, often mentioning crimes discovered on the "southern Texas border." The caller ID sometimes shows "DEA" (Drug Enforcement Agency) and the message demands you "press 1 to speak with an officer." They use your Social Security Number and personal information to steal your identity or access your accounts. The Social Security Administration never calls to threaten benefits. They contact you by mail.
"Robo call says my SSN will be suspended for fraud in Texas and other states. They have already called me twice today."
An automated call claims there has been a security breach on your Apple iCloud account, often stating your account has been accessed multiple times from a foreign location like Mexico. They ask you to log on to your computer and connect with a "support specialist" and may call repeatedly, sometimes 8-10 times in a few hours. They use remote access to your computer to steal your information and install malware. Apple does not make unsolicited phone calls about security breaches. They never ask for passwords or remote access over the phone.
"Got a call stating that my iCloud account was accessed 30 times from Mexico. Then requested that I log on to my computer. I told him I will change my iCloud account, but will not provide anyone access to my computer. He hung up"
Scammers claiming to be from a "Personal Injury Law Group" call about a recent car accident you were supposedly involved in. Using names like "Max Lopez" or "Eddie Ortiz," they ask for your social security number, date of birth, and police report number from the accident, falsely claiming they got your number from the DMV. They use your personal information to file fraudulent insurance claims in your name. The DMV does not release phone numbers to law firms. Real legal contact comes from your insurance company or through official mail.
"A person claiming to be called Max Lopez contact me and wanting to 'help' me after a reported accident I had been in...wanted my ss number, date of birth, address as well as the filing number of the police report that was filed. These lowlives really do not have any shame!!"
This text message claims you have an "Amazon Bonus credit" or "Amazon Rewards credit" for amounts like $130 or $150 that is about to expire. It often addresses you by a random first name and contains suspicious links like w3fsv.info or rbiz6.xyz, creating false urgency by stating the credit will expire within hours. They use the link to steal your personal and financial information. Amazon does not send reward notifications through text messages with unofficial links. Real credits appear in your account dashboard.
"Jamie, you still have $150 Amazon Bonus credit: w3fsv.info/8UyNSHqQCU See what you can buy before it expires on 03/28 w3fsv.info/8UyNSHqQCU"
Scammers pretending to be from employment screening companies like "Sterling Testing" call workplaces asking for the HR department to verify employment or education history of people who never worked there. They may use computer-generated voices and fish for information about your HR department and other employees. They use gathered employee names and titles for more targeted scams later. Real background check companies have precise applicant information and follow strict protocols. They do not cold-call businesses fishing for random employee data.
"Got a call on my work phone asking for the HR dept. for a different company. Absolutely a scam."
Area Code 212 phone numbers reported as unwanted calls to the FTC in the last 30 days.
(212) 315-6291
Other
15 reports ·
(212) 861-2706
Calls pretending to be government, businesses, or family and friends
7 reports ·
(212) 993-9700
Other
6 reports ·
(212) 962-0268
Calls pretending to be government, businesses, or family and friends
6 reports ·
(212) 931-0834
Dropped call or no message
5 reports ·
(212) 293-0487
Calls pretending to be government, businesses, or family and friends
5 reports ·
(212) 479-5212
Calls pretending to be government, businesses, or family and friends
4 reports ·
(212) 366-4081
Other
4 reports ·
(212) 914-0015
Dropped call or no message
4 reports ·
(212) 784-6160
Other
4 reports ·
No, area code 212 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in New York, United States. Area code 212 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 York (New York), or have a 212 phone number yourself, scammers know you're more likely to answer what appears to be a local call.
Other New York area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: