New York's 716 area code is notorious for fake legal threats and Social Security suspension calls. Criminals use fear tactics about jail time or frozen assets to trick you into paying them.
Scam & Spam Phone Number Lookup:
Our database contains over 25 million Do Not Call and robocall complaints reported to the FTC.
Scammers posing as mediators or claims processors call residents in Western New York with aggressive robocalls warning that you have been officially notified and failure to respond is a forfeiture of your right. Callers use names like "Susan," "Amy," or "Michael Lewis" from companies like "OWA" or "Lakeside Group," referencing a case file tied to your name and Social Security number. They pressure you to respond by 5 p.m. today, claim you have failed to comply with all correspondence and need a statement of intent, and threaten to contact your employer or garnish your wages without any official paperwork. They use your fear of legal trouble to get you to call back and provide personal information. Real process servers do not call ahead. They show up.
"Got a voice message from Susan stating I'm contacting you in reference to legal allegations being filed against you. we are requesting a verbal statement from you. Failure to respond will result in a forfeiture of your right, and a process server will be contacted to have you served at your home or place of employment."
Robocallers threaten to suspend your Social Security Number due to four serious allegations pressed on your name like drug trafficking and money laundering. The automated message uses an urgent, threatening tone about legal action or being taken under custody by the local cops, demands you press 1 to speak to someone, and features a caller with an obvious accent claiming to be an agent named "Mark Williams." They use your fear of arrest to trick you into providing your Social Security number and personal information over the phone. Social Security will never call you to threaten your benefits. They send official mail.
"And once it get expired after that you will be taking under custody by the local cops as there are four serious allegations pressed on your name at this moment. We would request you to get back to us so that we can discuss about this case before taking any legal action against you."
Robocallers claim your car's extended warranty is expiring and this is your final courtesy call to keep your vehicle under coverage. They cannot tell you the make or model of your car or get it wrong, cannot name the dealership you bought your car from, and pressure you to make a payment immediately over the phone. They use publicly available information to guess what car you might own and sell you overpriced service contracts that are often worthless. These calls come from third-party sellers, not your manufacturer or dealership.
"They said they are from the dealership I got my car from, when I asked what dealership, she could not tell me. Thats when I knew it was a scam. and She wanted all this information about my vehicle. She knew the year make and model. But nothing else."
Scammers call 716 residents claiming to be from Publishers Clearing House announcing you have won $1 million or $13 million dollars and a new Mercedes. To claim your winnings, they instruct you to buy an Amazon Gift Card in the amount of $330 to cover taxes or processing fees, stay aggressive and pressure you to stay on the line while you go to the store, and give you a callback number to verify the prize. They use the gift card numbers to steal money immediately. Publishers Clearing House never asks for money upfront. Any request for payment via gift card is a guaranteed scam.
"Rec'd call from this number stating we won a PCH sweepstake for 1 million dollar check + 78K bonus prize. To claim must purchase an Amazon Gift Card in the amt of: $330. for taxes."
Callers introduce themselves as "Christine, a disability advisor" or "Brenda from Medicare" claiming you recently inquired about benefits when you have not. They ask to confirm your personal information, offer Medicare discount cards or unused benefits, and promise free medical equipment like back braces in exchange for your Medicare number. They use your Medicare or Social Security number to commit fraud and bill fake services to your account. You can report concerns to the official Medicare number at 1-800-MEDICARE. Official Medicare representatives never call you out of the blue to sell you something.
"My name is Amber and I'm a social security disability adviser on a recorded line... I show here that you recently inquired about your eligibility for Social Security disability benefits can you hear me okay."
Robocallers claim a subscription for computer service or from Amazon or Norton is about to auto-renew for $299 or $399, or claim to be from cybersecurity at Microsoft or Google alleging your email account has been hacked. They tell you to call a specific number immediately to avoid being charged or want you to download software to fix your IP address. They use the callback to steal your financial information or gain remote access to your computer to install malware or steal data. Companies like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon do not monitor your accounts and call you about security issues.
"Does your computer service subscription will be Auto renewed there will be a auto deduction of $299 from your account. In case you don't want to get charges. Please call us to cancel or subscription."
Callers use pre-recorded prank messages claiming you hit his car and left a note, you were messing with her man, or they are from the City Court House about discrepancies. The caller is instantly aggressive making strange accusations, demands your insurance information, feels slightly off as it is a recording that plays set responses, and may be irate demanding to know where you are or why you ordered Chinese food. These calls originate from prank call websites and apps that send automated scripted calls to harass people. These are not real threats, just a nuisance designed to confuse you.
"Called and said I left a note on his car and hit his fender and wanted to know who my insurance company is.. I laughed and he replied with 'what's so funny B?'"
Area Code 716 phone numbers reported as unwanted calls to the FTC in the last 30 days.
(716) 632-3321
Other
6 reports ·
(716) 714-2101
Reducing your debt (credit cards, mortgage, student loans)
4 reports ·
(716) 295-6182
Other
4 reports ·
(716) 546-6659
Other
3 reports ·
(716) 610-6079
No Subject Provided
3 reports ·
(716) 230-6376
Reducing your debt (credit cards, mortgage, student loans)
3 reports ·
(716) 315-9366
Other
2 reports ·
(716) 486-7795
Other
2 reports ·
(716) 477-4246
Other
2 reports ·
(716) 273-4991
Other
2 reports ·
No, area code 716 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 716 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 (Buffalo, Cheektowaga, Tonawanda), or have a 716 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: