The 518 area code is seeing Social Security impostors and the emotional "grandson in jail" emergency scam. These callers manipulate your fear for a family member or your legal status to steal your cash.
Scam & Spam Phone Number Lookup:
Our database contains over 25 million Do Not Call and robocall complaints reported to the FTC.
Scammers calling from local 518 numbers claim to be from the Social Security Administration. A robotic voice threatens "legal enforcement action" and says your Social Security Number has been "suspended" due to "fraudulent" or "criminal activities," sometimes mentioning drug dealing. They demand you call back immediately "before we begin with the legal proceedings." They use your personal information to steal your identity and open accounts in your name. The real Social Security Administration never calls to threaten you or claim your number is suspended.
"This call is from Department of Social Security Administration the reason you have received this phone call from our department is to inform you that there's a legal enforcement actions filed on your social security number for fraudulent activities so when you get this message kindly call back at the earliest possible on our number before we begin with the legal proceedings..."
A scammer calls pretending to be your grandchild who is in jail after a car accident, claiming they have a "broken nose" to disguise their voice. They quickly pass the phone to a fake lawyer using names like "Robert Stevens" or "Angel White," who demands $6,000 to $10,000 in cash for bail money. The story often involves a DUI and hitting a pregnant woman. They tell you not to speak to other family members because the situation is "embarrassing." They use your cash to fund their criminal operations. Real lawyers don't demand cash over the phone for bail.
"My 'Grandson' called because in was in a car accident and arrested. Wants me to bail him out. He gave me this number (518 300 3676) for his lawyer Robert Stevens. Said lawyer would call from there to tell me how to pay."
Aggressive robocalls state a "complaint has been filed against you" or that you are in "non-compliance." Scammers using names like "Claire Brown" or "LAURIE CRANZ" threaten to serve you with legal papers at your home or work. They threaten to contact your HR or Payroll department and give you a fake case number, demanding you call back to avoid being served. They remain vague about their company or the exact complaint. They use your callback to extract personal information or money. Official process servers don't call to warn you in advance.
"We received a threatening phone call from 518-735-3538, same as others, deep voice male threathening to serve papers at home or work with a case file. This must be stopped."
Robocalls from automated voices named "Molly" or "Mandy" claim to be from "Apple Support." They warn that your iCloud account has been breached by suspicious activity from Russia or China. They tell you to stop using all Apple devices and press 1 or call a local 518 number immediately. If you connect, the fake "technician" may become rude or abusive if questioned. They use remote access to steal information from your devices or trick you into paying for fake repairs. Apple does not make unsolicited calls about security breaches.
"This is Molly from Apple support we have found some suspicious activities in your iCloud account that your iCloud account has been breached before using any Apple device please contact Apple support advisor press one to connect with Apple support advisor...or if you wish to contact us later please call us on our toll-free number .5187301561 thank you…."
Professional-sounding callers using names like "Todd Slone," "John Malone," or "Debra Holland" claim you've won millions of dollars and a new car from Publishers Clearing House. They insist you must first pay hundreds or thousands of dollars in "taxes and fees" by purchasing gift cards from Walmart or Home Depot. They may send fake checks by email to prove their legitimacy. They steal your gift card numbers and use them immediately for purchases. The real PCH notifies big winners in person with their Prize Patrol.
"Guy claimed to be Todd Slone from PCH claiming I won 5 million 500 thousand.. He even sent me a FAKE check via email and said I need to purchase Visa gift cards and Home Depot gift cards... 'which would be encrypted into my credit card for the purpose of paying taxes on the monies won'..."
Robocalls leave messages claiming your bank or credit card will be charged $299 or $399 for automatic renewal of services like "PC Tech Support," "anti-virus software," or a "security service license." They mention generic company names or no company at all. The message urges you to call immediately to cancel the charge. When you call back, they ask for your credit card information to "process a refund." They use your card details to make unauthorized purchases or steal your identity. Legitimate companies send clear renewal notices by email with specific company identification.
"Call said my card was charged $399 as my security service license was updated. If I wanted to cancel to call 518-329-9057 immediately"
Callers claiming to be from the "Criminal Investigative Department for the IRS" leave urgent messages about tax fraud. They threaten arrest and "prison time," stating it's their "last attempt to contact you." The message demands you call a specific number to "avoid prison time." They frighten you into paying fake tax bills over the phone using gift cards or wire transfers. The IRS initiates contact through U.S. Mail, never calls to demand immediate payment, and never threatens arrest for unpaid taxes.
"Stated 'Crimnal investigative department for the IRS This is the last attempt to contact you or criminal charges will be filed and prison time will follow. Contact 518-217-5564 to avoid prison time.' Knew it was a scam right away because the IRS does not call anyone..."
Area Code 518 phone numbers reported as unwanted calls to the FTC in the last 30 days.
(518) 375-1086
Other
6 reports ·
(518) 247-6462
Other
5 reports ·
(518) 777-2315
Dropped call or no message
4 reports ·
(518) 219-6301
No Subject Provided
3 reports ·
(518) 919-6810
Reducing your debt (credit cards, mortgage, student loans)
3 reports ·
(518) 777-3144
Reducing your debt (credit cards, mortgage, student loans)
3 reports ·
(518) 819-3961
Reducing your debt (credit cards, mortgage, student loans)
2 reports ·
(518) 990-1924
Reducing your debt (credit cards, mortgage, student loans)
2 reports ·
(518) 984-4505
Other
2 reports ·
(518) 871-7865
Other
2 reports ·
No, area code 518 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 518 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 (Albany, Schenectady, Troy), or have a 518 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: