Area Code 838 Scams and Spam Calls

Most Common Area Code 838 Scams

• SSA Arrest Scam
• Debt Collector Scam
• Purchase/Tech Scam
• Debt Elimination

Social Security Arrest Warrant Scam

Callers pretending to be from the Social Security Administration claim there is "suspicious activity" on your SSN, that it was used for fraudulent crimes in Texas, or that a warrant has been issued for your arrest. They threaten that "social security deputy officers are waiting for my call back" and may say they will come to your home to arrest you. Some calls claim your Social Security Number has been "canceled" or suspended and ask you to verify your SSN over the phone. A robotic voice message tells you to "get back with them or suffer the consequences." They use your SSN to open accounts and steal your identity. Real Social Security Administration business is conducted by mail, never by threatening phone calls.

"I was actually standing in the bank... I get this phone call they claim to be the Social Security office that there was a warrant out for my arrest and that they were going to come to my home and arrest me. The teller at the bank I just said I don't get this she said I went to scam just hang up so I did."

Aggressive Fake Debt Collector Scam

Scammers claiming you have an outstanding debt become rude and aggressive when you ask for details. They refuse to mail you written validation of the debt and instead threaten immediate legal action or a lawsuit. They ask you to provide personal information like your email address to send "proof." When you refuse to confirm your name, address, or other details, they threaten to "see you in court" before hanging up. They use any personal information you provide to steal your identity or sell it to other scammers. Under federal law, legitimate debt collectors must provide written validation upon your request.

"When I inquired on my so called debt I was treated by unprofessional and very rude people. I asked them to please send me something in the mail before I pay any money. She said she could email it to me but needed my email. I told her I don't give out my email and she said 'okay I'll see you in court' and she hung up on me."

Unauthorized Purchase & Tech Support Scam

Callers claim an unauthorized purchase has been made on one of your accounts, such as a charge for an "apple phone" or "$299.00 for Norton Life Lock." The caller insists they need to connect to your computer to issue a refund and may claim to be from Microsoft, Apple, or Norton. Once you grant them remote access to your computer, they steal your financial and personal information directly from your files and accounts. Legitimate companies process all refunds through their secure payment systems by reversing the original transaction.

"received with this number attached 838-800-2509 with message i was being charged $299.00 for Norton Life Lock that i never purchased...They wanted to get into my computer to refund money. I knew then this was wrong .."

Credit Card Debt Elimination Scam

Scammers calling from spoofed numbers provide a real callback number like 838-333-3734 to appear legitimate. They claim to be from "Visa HQ" or "Discover" and offer to eliminate your credit card debt. The caller provides a name like "David Johnson" and a callback number but can't provide a legitimate website or business address. When pressed for details, they make excuses and hang up. They use any credit card or personal information you provide to make unauthorized purchases or steal your identity. Your actual credit card company conducts business through official numbers printed on your card.

"Definitely a scam re: debt elimination. Very well done, they gave me this phone number to call back, but told me they were calling from Visa HQ in Foster City, CA."

Area Code 838 Phone Numbers Recently Reported As Spam

Area Code 838 phone numbers reported as unwanted calls to the FTC in the last 30 days.

Is area code 838 a scam?

No, area code 838 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 838 is a general purpose code that has been in service since September 19, 2017.

Why do I get spam calls from area code 838?

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 838 phone number yourself, scammers know you're more likely to answer what appears to be a local call.

Scams and Spam Calls from New York Area Codes

Other New York area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: