The 917 area code is often used for Social Security suspension calls and legal threats. Scammers claim your number is linked to a crime to pressure you into revealing your identity.
Scam & Spam Phone Number Lookup:
Our database contains over 25 million Do Not Call and robocall complaints reported to the FTC.
An automated voice claiming to be from the "Department of Social Security Administration" calls to tell you your Social Security number has been suspended due to fraudulent or suspicious activity. The recorded message warns of legal actions filed against your Social Security number and threatens to cancel your "social" if you don't respond. The caller, often with a Pakistani accent, demands you call back immediately to avoid being taken into custody. They use your Social Security information to steal your identity and open fraudulent accounts. The Social Security Administration never calls to threaten people or suspend numbers. They show up in your mailbox, not your phone.
"This message is from Depart of Social Security Administration the reason you have received this phone call from this department is to inform you we suspended your social security number because we found some suspicious activity so if you want to know about this case just press 1"
Scammers using names like "Monica Jones" or "Clara Brown" call from 917 numbers claiming to be process servers, bounty hunters, or agents from "Judiciary Services." They leave voicemails about a "complaint notice" filed against you and threaten to contact your HR or payroll department if you don't call back to update your address. They mention being a "location officer" but provide no specific court or case details, pressuring you to update your contact information. They use any information you give them to attempt debt collection on fake debts or to steal your identity. Real process servers don't call ahead. They simply show up to serve papers.
"Hello, my name is Monica Jones. You were not available today and this message is in regards to a complaint notice to your attention. Please immediately contact 844-613-3277...after the third filed attempt. I'm required to direct further attempts to your HR or payroll department on file."
You receive text messages from random 917 numbers with names like "Jane" or "Todd" pretending to be from FedEx, USPS, or AT&T. The messages claim there's a package waiting from months like "June" or "July," mention failed deliveries, or say you've won prizes like an "iPhone 12 Pro." They include suspicious links like "c2fmv.info" or "l5ssv.info" and urge you to click to claim your item or schedule delivery. These links lead to malicious sites that steal your personal and financial information when you enter it. Real carriers send official notifications through tracking numbers you already have, not random text links.
"Hey, this is Jane of USPS, we tried to deliver your package today but it is returned back to us. Please contact us here ASAP zm28v.com/LtrlyRk8AV"
Callers from New York numbers using names like "John Nelson" or "Dave Sawyer" tell you that you've won millions of dollars like "$2.5M" or "$7 million" and a new car from Publishers Clearing House. They may claim to be from the FBI to sound legitimate and ask for personal information to "confirm" your identity. To collect your prize, they demand you pay taxes or fees upfront, sometimes by purchasing Amazon gift cards for amounts like $499 or $1325. They use your payment information to steal your money and your personal details to commit identity theft. The real Publishers Clearing House Prize Patrol shows up at your door unannounced with a giant check. They never call asking for money.
"They say you won Publishers Clearing House - but you have to pay $1325 in taxes. These people need to be found and shot - no one will miss them"
You receive robocalls or live calls from someone named "Mia Torres" or "Nadine Smith" from the "processing department" regarding your federal student loans. The call starts with "Hi this is Nadine Smith calling in from the processing department" and claims your loans have been flagged or your prequalified status for forgiveness is about to change. They claim to be calling "on behalf of the Attorneys" but don't name a specific firm, and they call even if you have no student loans. They use your Federal Student Aid ID and personal information to take control of your real loans or charge you for free government programs. Official information about federal student loan forgiveness comes from the U.S. Department of Education, not unsolicited robocalls.
"Hi this is Nadine Smith calling in from the processing department so sorry if you're busy I just had some fantastic news it looks like there has been some significant changes to your federal student loan repayment options..."
Callers claiming to be from "Top Doctor" or "Top 100 Lawyers" target physicians and attorneys in the NYC area with unsolicited calls about prestigious awards like "Top 100 Doctors." They ask you to confirm personal information for a plaque that is "ready" and demand payment like "$1k for membership and a plaque" to receive your award. The callers become rude and may call you an "idiot" when you question them or decline. They use your credit card information to steal money and your personal details for identity theft. Legitimate professional honors don't require recipients to pay hundreds or thousands of dollars for plaques.
"Called stating I was a member of top 100 doctors, wanted $1k for membership and a plaque. Asked other personal information. Wanted my credit card which I did not provide."
Area Code 917 phone numbers reported as unwanted calls to the FTC in the last 30 days.
(917) 444-8325
Dropped call or no message
13 reports ·
(917) 819-5137
Dropped call or no message
10 reports ·
(917) 652-6963
Other
3 reports ·
(917) 445-2144
Other
3 reports ·
(917) 210-5487
Calls pretending to be government, businesses, or family and friends
2 reports ·
(917) 264-2627
Reducing your debt (credit cards, mortgage, student loans)
2 reports ·
(917) 893-4379
Calls pretending to be government, businesses, or family and friends
2 reports ·
(917) 789-0131
Other
2 reports ·
(917) 409-9010
Other
2 reports ·
(917) 472-9559
Other
2 reports ·
No, area code 917 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 917 is a general purpose code that has been in service since January 1, 1992.
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 York, Bellerose Terrace, Bellerose), or have a 917 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: