The 845 area code is targeted by fake tech support scams involving Microsoft and Apple. Callers claim your computer has a virus or your iCloud is breached to gain remote access to your device.
Scam & Spam Phone Number Lookup:
Our database contains over 25 million Do Not Call and robocall complaints reported to the FTC.
Scammers send emails pretending to be from Microsoft, claiming you purchased or renewed "Windows Defender" for $399.99 and the charge will be auto-debited. The sender's email address is from Gmail, not an official Microsoft domain. They demand you call an 845 number to cancel and request remote access to your computer. They ask you to go to your bank to "accept" a refund. They use your computer access to steal your banking information. Windows Defender is free and built into Windows. Microsoft never sells it for hundreds of dollars or uses Gmail for official invoices.
"I called the number in the email to cancel and the longer I was on the phone the more it sounded phoney and I told him so and he hung up on me. ... The guy on the phone was in a boiler room (you could hear in background all the voices) he had an Indian accent and kept telling me to 'listen' It was rude and he insisted on accessing my home computer."
A recorded message, sometimes from "Molly," calls New York residents 10-15 times in just a few hours, claiming your iCloud account has a security breach. They target people who don't even own Apple products. The caller ID might be spoofed to say "Apple Inc." They pressure you to press 1 to speak with a "technician" who will phish for your personal information or convince you to buy gift cards. Apple never calls you unsolicited about security breaches. Real notifications come on your device or via official email, never through gift card requests.
"Nine calls so far today with 5 minute to 25-30 minute intervals about my Apple account that has a security breach and or cloud. I have no Apple devices. These people can drive you crazy, don't let them and don't talk to them."
Scammers leave robotic voicemails claiming to be from the IRS or Department of Treasury, falsely stating the government is filing a lawsuit against you for tax fraud or tax evasion and that an arrest warrant has been issued. They use poor grammar and unprofessional language. The caller claims to be "Agent John Smith" with ID "Agent: 007." The call comes from a local 845 number instead of an official government line. They warn the case will go into your "permanent records" to scare you into calling back. They use your fear to steal money or personal information. The IRS always contacts you first through physical mail, never phone calls. They never threaten arrest over the phone.
"Left prerecorded message stating that I did not respond to something and it is being considered intentional fraud and a case will be filed against me... Recording made to sound intimidating but did not use proper grammer expected from an educated individual."
A robocall uses a recorded message claiming your Social Security Number has been flagged for "suspicious fraudulent activities." The message threatens your SSN will be suspended or permanently blocked unless you immediately press 1 to speak with an "officer." They create false urgency and ask you to provide your SSN over the phone to "verify" your identity. They steal your SSN and other personal information. The Social Security Administration never suspends Social Security numbers. They never call to demand payment or make threats, only communicating through official mailed correspondence.
"Robo call saying my social has been flagged as leaving a suspicious trail of fradulent activities, that its time sensitive and urgent and I shoudl call before my social security number is suspended. Bitch please...."
Scammers call 845 numbers at unusual hours like 10:00 PM or 3:00 AM with recorded messages claiming you won the Publishers Clearing House grand prize. They promise "$18.5 million," a "2020 Gee class Mercedes Benz SUV," and "$7,000 every week for life." They instruct you to call a specific number to speak with a "prize delivery agency." They demand a fee or tax payment to "release" your non-existent prize. Publishers Clearing House never calls winners in advance, they show up at your doorstep with a big check. It's illegal to require fees for legitimate sweepstakes winnings.
"Called at 3:00 a.m. I thought it was an emergency so I shot straight up out of bed. These scammers should be fined big time."
Callers falsely claim to be from Central Hudson, Orange & Rockland (O&R), or NYSEG. Someone claiming to be from "American Gas" calls about your O&R bill. A caller named "Ashley" aggressively demands to go "over the Central Hudson rates." They ask for information from page 2 of your utility bill to issue a "refund." Caller ID shows the official utility number, but the message is a "final notice" when your account is in good standing. They use your account information to switch your energy supplier without permission or steal your personal data. Utility companies don't call demanding bill information for refunds, they apply credits directly to your account.
"'Jasmine' from APG called... and asked for Accounts Payable. She said they are affiliated with NYSEG and claimed we had a refund check coming to us but we would have to give them info from page 2 of our utility bill. Fortunately, we declined."
Relentless robocalls begin with automated messages about your car's "extended warranty." If you engage, they transfer you to a live agent who uses high-pressure tactics to sell unnecessary or overpriced service plans. They call about cars you haven't owned in years. They hang up when you ask to be removed from their list. Pressing numbers to be "removed" results in more calls. They sell you worthless coverage or steal your payment information. These calls come from third-party sellers using public vehicle purchase records. Your factory warranty is likely long expired.
"This says it's about car repair insurance. I waited on the line one day, when someone came on they asked my name because my information didn't come over with the phone call. When I told her I'd been getting all these calls 5-6 a day I wanted my number removed she hung up on me. I still continue to get the calls."
Area Code 845 phone numbers reported as unwanted calls to the FTC in the last 30 days.
(845) 385-5077
Dropped call or no message
3 reports ·
(845) 638-0303
Other
3 reports ·
(845) 335-9801
Other
3 reports ·
(845) 937-9025
Reducing your debt (credit cards, mortgage, student loans)
3 reports ·
(845) 607-9403
Reducing your debt (credit cards, mortgage, student loans)
3 reports ·
(845) 630-4419
Calls pretending to be government, businesses, or family and friends
3 reports ·
(845) 718-2883
No Subject Provided
3 reports ·
(845) 964-0140
Other
3 reports ·
(845) 931-6482
Reducing your debt (credit cards, mortgage, student loans)
2 reports ·
(845) 956-6433
Reducing your debt (credit cards, mortgage, student loans)
2 reports ·
No, area code 845 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 845 is a general purpose code that has been in service since June 5, 2000.
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 (New City, Poughkeepsie, Spring Valley), or have a 845 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: