Rochester's 585 area code is rife with Social Security arrest warrant threats and aggressive debt collection calls. Callers pretend to be police or lawyers to scare you into paying money you do not owe.
Scam & Spam Phone Number Lookup:
Our database contains over 25 million Do Not Call and robocall complaints reported to the FTC.
An automated call claims your Social Security Number has been linked to fraudulent activity and threatens you with an immediate lawsuit and arrest warrant if you don't call back to speak with an "agent" like "David Foster." The caller has a thick accent but uses a common American name, and the call comes from a local 585 number, not a government line. They use your callback to steal your Social Security number and personal information to open accounts in your name. The Social Security Administration never calls to threaten arrest. They show up in person or send mail.
"Automated call from SSA informing me that a lawsuit and arrest warrant had be released on my name. Did not answer call ... voicemail message left."
Scammers call claiming to be from "judicial services" or regarding an urgent "personal business matter." Callers like "Briana Paul" or "Mr. Radcliffe" already have your personal information, including your SSN, and aggressively threaten to sue you, show up at your home, or contact all your family members if you don't comply. They use vague terms like "personal business matter" but refuse to identify their company, becoming hostile when questioned. They use the personal information you confirm to steal your identity and open fraudulent accounts. Real process servers do not call ahead to warn you. They simply deliver documents in person.
"This number is currently being used by aggressive and threatening scammers claiming they will take you to court, sue you, show up on your door step, contact all of your family members if you don't pay what they claim you owe."
Residents in the Rochester area receive robocalls about an expiring car warranty using urgent phrases like "final courtesy call." The recorded message announces this is a "final notice" about your warranty and pressures you to "press one now" to avoid being financially responsible for repairs, even if your car is new or has no warranty. The caller doesn't know the specific make or model of your vehicle. Pressing a number confirms your line is active and triggers more robocalls selling overpriced extended warranties. These calls are almost never from your actual car dealer or manufacturer. The "final notice" is fake pressure.
"We recently noticed your cars extended warranty was going to ..... wanted to give you one final courtesy call before your warranty expires in your coverage is forwarded this would make you financially responsible for all service repair press one now..."
Callers pretend to be from "Network Pharmacies" or your insurance company's pharmacy department offering "free" prescription creams or over-the-counter medications. They are pushy, rude, or speak in broken English. They have your name but don't know your actual prescription details. They use your Medicare or insurance ID number to bill fraudulent medical services to your account. Your legitimate insurance provider already has your information and will not call offering free products in exchange for "verifying" your data.
"SCAMMER called and said that they were from NETWORK PHARMACIES and wanted to send prescription creams to my address for free. BROKEN ENGLISH CALLED from HOLLEY, NY."
Scammers call claiming you've won millions of dollars and a new car, such as a 2021 BMW, from Publishers Clearing House. A caller named "Betty Morgan" identifies herself as the "delivery driver" and instructs you to call a "general manager" like "Benjamin Bush" to authorize the delivery. You are given a "package number" and told the delivery driver is already in town, creating urgency. They use any fee, tax, or shipping charge you pay to steal your money and banking information. Publishers Clearing House never requires winners to pay money to claim a prize. Large prizes are awarded in person by the Prize Patrol with no prior phone calls.
"A lady by the name of Betty Morgan called and let me know we had won a large check and a 2021 BMW. ... She was the delivery driver and was in town and ready to come to my house. She stated that I needed to call 585-444-3780 and talk to the general manager named Benjamin Bush."
A robocall states a charge for an amount like "$77.99" or "$799.00" has been made to your Visa card on Amazon. The automated message creates panic by mentioning a large, unauthorized charge and pressures you to immediately call a provided 585 number to cancel the order if you didn't make it. They use any account or credit card information you provide to make real fraudulent purchases. Amazon never uses automated calls to have you cancel an order. All official communication happens via email or within your secure account.
"On 07/9/`9 I received telephone message from 585-357-9063 stating that ... 'If you did not make this purchase, call Amazon Support at 585-357-9063'."
Scammers from local 585 numbers call claiming to be from Rochester Gas & Electric (RG&E). They conduct a fake survey or claim you have a reference number for your "electric supply" and ask you to provide your account number over the phone. They create confusion about your electric supply charges. They use your account number to switch your energy supplier without your permission. RG&E does not call customers to pressure them into switching suppliers. You must choose your supplier directly.
"It's a scam call asking to switch 'electric' providers. Never heard of such company they talk about."
Area Code 585 phone numbers reported as unwanted calls to the FTC in the last 30 days.
(585) 767-6102
Reducing your debt (credit cards, mortgage, student loans)
248 reports ·
(585) 767-6107
Reducing your debt (credit cards, mortgage, student loans)
38 reports ·
(585) 935-7225
Other
4 reports ·
(585) 664-4470
Other
3 reports ·
(585) 282-4624
Calls pretending to be government, businesses, or family and friends
3 reports ·
(585) 405-4815
Other
3 reports ·
(585) 692-7723
Reducing your debt (credit cards, mortgage, student loans)
3 reports ·
(585) 241-4405
Dropped call or no message
3 reports ·
(585) 523-9839
Other
3 reports ·
(585) 312-0399
Other
3 reports ·
No, area code 585 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 585 is a general purpose code that has been in service since November 15, 2001.
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 (Rochester, Irondequoit, Brighton), or have a 585 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: