North Carolina's 252 area code is seeing many Social Security arrest threats and vehicle warranty calls. Fraudsters try to intimidate you with legal action or sell you worthless service contracts.
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Scammers robocall North Carolina residents claiming a lawsuit or "legal words" have been filed against your Social Security Number for fraudulent activity or money laundering. The caller ID says "SSI" and the robocall threatens an arrest warrant, instructing you to press 1 to speak with an "agent" or "police." The message warns of "legal proceedings" if you don't call back immediately and threatens to "download your case into the courthouse." They use your response to steal your Social Security Number and personal information for identity theft. The Social Security Administration communicates through official U.S. mail only. They never make threatening robocalls about arrest warrants.
"This message carefully this message is to inform you that SSA and legal enforcement agency is filing a legal words against your name and your Social Security number for fraudulent activity and arrest warrant has also been issued on your name for money laundering..."
Callers claim your car's extended warranty is expiring or mention a specific vehicle you don't own, like a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. They identify themselves as "Mazda Underwriters" or "national dealer services" and create false urgency with "final notice" language. A caller named "Staci" from "Mazda Underwriters" threatens to "come pick up the car" and claims you are on their "warranty list." They use any information you confirm to sell you worthless or overpriced service plans. Legitimate manufacturers contact you through official mail with warranty documents. They don't make aggressive robocalls threatening to repossess your car.
"A lady named Staci demanded to speak to my husband after she identified herself as Mazda Underwriters...When I continued to ask questions about what the call was about she said, well, we'll just come pick up the car then. We have no loans through a Mazda Underwriter."
Scammers in Eastern North Carolina ask for your medical information to send a "free" back or knee brace or offer a "free cancer screening kit." A caller with a foreign accent from "Lab 24" claims to be a Medicare "contractor" but becomes rude when questioned. They ask about "pain management" and tell you to press 9 to opt out. They use your Medicare number for fraudulent billing and order unneeded equipment in your name. Report suspected Medicare fraud by calling 1-800-MEDICARE. Medicare never calls beneficiaries to sell products or offer screening kits. Medical equipment requires a prescription from your doctor.
"I just got a call with a foreign speaking female asking if I would like a free cancer screening kit sent to my home--said she works in a lab and they are working with Medicare--then asked if I wanted to speak to a specialist-and I told her I'm sure this is a scam-and hung up."
Callers impersonate the "NC Troopers Association," "Police & Trooper Association," or "Women's Cancer Fund" to get your credit card number. A caller named "John" claims to represent the "NC Troopers Association" and someone asks for donations to a "Firefighter Supporter Line" but refuses to give a tax ID number. The caller ID may say "Firecharity" and they use lines like "I am harder to get a hold of than it is to get her husband to cook dinner." They keep most or all of your donation for themselves instead of giving it to the cause. These calls come from for-profit telemarketers. Real law enforcement agencies don't cold-call for donations.
"THEY PRETENDED TO BE THE FIREFIGHTER SUPPORTER LINE ASKING ME FOR MONEY. THEY REFUSED TO GIVE ME THE TAX ID NUMBER AND HUNG UP."
Scammers threaten to "file charges on you in 24 hours" or leave vague messages that a "complaint has been filed against you" requiring you to call "National Mediation" with a case number. They identify themselves as "National Mediation" but hang up when questioned and warn that you have been "reported to the trade commission." They demand immediate payment to avoid arrest for non-existent debts. They use your fear to trick you into paying money you don't owe. Real debt collectors must mail you written validation notices. Court officials serve papers in person, not through threatening robocalls.
"Called left message about complaint filed against me, called back identified self as National Mediation. Asked to identify themselves, they hung up on me. They did ask for my case #. Scam"
Callers claim to be from Ricoh or Toshiba asking for your printer's model number to send a "free updated manual" or a robocall claims to be from Google to "check the status of your Google business listing." A caller named "Jim Gomez" pressures you about toner prices for specific models like an HP2055. When you call back, you get a message that the call "can not be completed as dialed." They use your equipment information to sign you up for overpriced toner or sell unnecessary services. Your copier company already has your model number on file. Google never calls to verify your free business listing.
"Asked for our Ricoh printer model to send updated manual. Said there was no charge. Said the contact info was provided by Ricoh. Sounded official but when I called back to the number, auto message said call can not be completed as dial. SCAMMERS"
Scammers falsely claim to be from "Published Clearing House" and tell you that you've won millions of dollars and a new Mercedes. They demand you send money like a $990 payment to cover taxes or delivery fees to "deliver your prize." The calls come from random 252 area code numbers, not official PCH lines, and they may contact you via text if you ignore the call. They steal your upfront payment and never deliver any prize. The real Publishers Clearing House never calls winners in advance. All taxes are paid directly to the IRS after you receive winnings.
"I received a call from 252-256-9272 indicating that I would receive $5.5 M from PCH. They wanted me to send $990 to receive the money."
No, area code 252 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in North Carolina, United States. Area code 252 is a general purpose code that has been in service since March 22, 1998.
You're likely experiencing "Neighbor Spoofing." Scammers fake their caller ID to display local or familiar numbers. If you live in or near North Carolina (Greenville, Rocky Mount, Wilson), or have a 252 phone number yourself, scammers know you're more likely to answer what appears to be a local call.
Other North Carolina area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: