Residents are reporting constant 315 area code calls regarding fake Apple iCloud breaches and Social Security suspension threats. These scammers want to panic you into sharing your passwords or personal identification numbers.
Scam & Spam Phone Number Lookup:
Our database contains over 25 million Do Not Call and robocall complaints reported to the FTC.
Scammers flood your phone with dozens or even over 100 calls in just a few hours, all from different spoofed numbers in your local area code. A recorded voice named "Olivia" claims your iCloud account has been breached and tells you not to use any Apple devices until you call their "toll-free" number, which is actually a local 315 number. When you call, they try to get you on your computer so they can take remote control of it. Real Apple support never makes unsolicited calls about compromised accounts. They don't use relentless robocall campaigns from spoofed numbers.
"As of 2-29-2020 I have received a call approx. every 30 mins. claiming my i cloud acct has been breached and stop using any Apple devices. I went for opt #1 and a man answered with an India accent telling me to log on to my computer and he'd help me with the issue, that Russia, Germany and China all have made too many inquiries... I hung up."
Callers claiming to be federal agents like "Agent Kevin Anderson" with fake badge numbers like "#ssn615639" tell you your Social Security Number has been suspended due to fraudulent activity found in another state, often Texas. They threaten immediate arrest, legal action, or an appearance before a grand jury unless you provide your personal information. They use your fear and information to steal your identity. Social Security numbers cannot be suspended. The Social Security Administration communicates through official mail, never with threatening phone calls.
"Caller said they were Federal Agent Badge #ssn615639 Kevin Anderson. He said found suspicious activity on my social security number... I asked why he was calling me from Texas on a phone number from New York and he said they have different locations."
Robocallers claiming to be from the "Investigation Team of IRS" or officers like "Steve Parker" tell you a lawsuit has been filed against you or a warrant is out for your arrest due to tax fraud. They demand immediate payment of specific amounts like "$4000" using Target gift cards, threatening that "local cops" will arrest you if you don't pay right away. They use your payment to steal your money and buy untraceable goods with the gift cards. The real IRS starts contact through mail, never with threatening phone calls. They never demand payment with gift cards.
"caller said i was in violation of tax fraud and i needed to pay 4000$ w/target gift card"
Callers claiming to be from the "Health and Human Services dept." or "Federal Grants Department" tell you that you've been selected to receive a free government grant for $9,000. They then demand you pay a fee of around $200 via Western Union or gift cards before they can send your "free" money. They take your fee payment and disappear with your money. Real government agencies never call you randomly to award free money. You never pay fees to receive legitimate government grants.
"I went through multiple calls to listen to their entire scam. In the end, you must send them $200 by Western Union so they can send you a $9000 government grant.I didn't send the $200, since I suspect it's possible they are con artists."
Scammers claiming to be from Microsoft, HP, or Geek Squad tell you that your computer support contract will be automatically renewed for hundreds of dollars unless you cancel, or that they owe you a refund for $299. They direct you to websites where you grant them remote access to your computer, then they steal your information, lock your device, or manipulate your banking to show fake transactions that require gift card payments to fix. They use your computer access to steal personal data or hold your files hostage. Microsoft and major tech companies never make unsolicited calls about computer problems or refunds.
"I was called and told I was getting a Microsoft refund and the best way to refund it is by checking account. Then by virtual connect and me accepting, I went and logged into my acct. he put not $299 but $4,299. Then said the only way to reverse the $4,000 was to get gift cards."
Someone calls pretending to be your grandchild, claiming they've been in a car accident and are now in jail. They sound distressed and beg you not to tell their parents. A second person then calls, claiming to be a public defender named "John Reid" with a case number like "0426771-A," demanding bail money between $3,000 and $9,600 that must be sent immediately. They use your bail money to steal cash from you. Real emergencies involve direct contact with family members through numbers you already know. Police don't have relatives call for bail money.
"I also received a call from a guy coughing the whole time on the phone and saying he was my grandson and that he got in a car accident and ended up going to jail... He gave me a phone number, 315-636-0542, and said it was for John Reid, a so called Public Defender with case number, 0426771-A."
Robocalls claim a fraudulent purchase has been made on your Amazon account for expensive items like an "Apple iPhone 11" or MacBook, often over $400. The recording instructs you to press 1 if you did not authorize the purchase. When you press 1 or call back, fake Amazon customer service representatives try to get your account login and financial information. They use your Amazon and payment details to make real purchases or steal your identity. Amazon notifies customers about orders through email and their secure website, never through unsolicited phone calls.
"Got an automated call from this one saying it was about a $400 Amazon order placed this morning and if I'd placed the order, hang up and do nothing. If I hadn't, to call the number. That was almost a good trick - I did place a large Amazon order this morning!"
Area Code 315 phone numbers reported as unwanted calls to the FTC in the last 30 days.
(315) 215-8092
Reducing your debt (credit cards, mortgage, student loans)
92 reports ·
(315) 208-3802
Reducing your debt (credit cards, mortgage, student loans)
76 reports ·
(315) 215-8097
Reducing your debt (credit cards, mortgage, student loans)
76 reports ·
(315) 208-3891
Reducing your debt (credit cards, mortgage, student loans)
71 reports ·
(315) 208-3879
Reducing your debt (credit cards, mortgage, student loans)
69 reports ·
(315) 208-3858
Reducing your debt (credit cards, mortgage, student loans)
62 reports ·
(315) 215-8127
Reducing your debt (credit cards, mortgage, student loans)
60 reports ·
(315) 215-8138
Reducing your debt (credit cards, mortgage, student loans)
59 reports ·
(315) 215-8150
Reducing your debt (credit cards, mortgage, student loans)
57 reports ·
(315) 215-8113
Reducing your debt (credit cards, mortgage, student loans)
56 reports ·
No, area code 315 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 315 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 (Syracuse, Utica, Rome), or have a 315 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: