Residents are seeing a high volume of 336 area code calls regarding Social Security suspensions and fake debt collection. These scammers use intimidation tactics to trick you into confirming your identity or paying fake fines.
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Automated callers claiming to be from the "investigation department from the Social Security Administration" tell residents in the 336 area code that there is a "suspension against your SS#" due to criminal activity. They demand you call back immediately to avoid arrest. When you call back, someone with a foreign accent answers and becomes hostile if questioned. They use your Social Security number and personal information for identity theft and fraudulent government benefit claims. Real Social Security Administration representatives never call to threaten you. They communicate by mail.
"Got a call from 336-310-1284 saying it was the investigation department from the Social Security Administration. Scam! Same - called from Kernersville NC number saying there was a 'suspension against my SS#' hahahaha. Good thing these clowns are so STUPID."
Callers claiming a "formal complaint" or "civil suit" has been filed against North Carolina residents threaten to serve papers at your home or job and send police to arrest you if you don't pay immediately for a supposed old debt, sometimes from 2007. They reference vague "personal business matters" without identifying their company and demand you verify your personal information before explaining the call. They use your confirmed personal details to attempt collection on fake debts or sell your information to other scammers. You cannot be arrested for civil debt. Real process servers do not call ahead.
"Will send police to my home or work for unpaid collections if I don't answer. When I answer, I'm placed in que forever, If I return the call, I'm placed on hold until the call automatically ends."
Automated callers about "expired warranty" bombard 336 residents with dozens of calls from slightly different numbers, even after being asked to stop or blocked. When you speak to someone, they become aggressive if you refuse their service and don't know your car's make or model. They sell overpriced, limited warranty contracts that provide little actual coverage compared to manufacturer warranties. These are third-party sellers, not your car's manufacturer. Legitimate companies send information by mail and don't harass with robocalls.
"They keep calling about an extended warranty for my 10 year old car. The guy on the phone was yelling at me today when I told him to quit calling me."
Callers from local 336 numbers pretend to be from United Healthcare, Blue Cross, or generic "Medicare Advisors" claiming they can reduce your premiums or offer better benefits. They ask you to "verify" your Medicare number or Social Security number and use vague company names like "Helping Hands" or "Senior Care." They become rude or hang up when asked for their company's name or address. They use your Medicare number for identity theft and fraudulent medical billing. Report suspicious calls to 1-800-MEDICARE. Official Medicare representatives never call you unsolicited to sell something.
"SAID THEY WERE WITH UNITED HEALTHCARE; I DO NOT HAVE UHC. RECORDING ASKED ME CALL BACK WITH DIFFERENT NUMBER 866-686-2504"
Callers soliciting donations for fake charities like the "Police Benevolent Association" or "Concerned Veteran Actions" use emotional appeals and pressure for immediate donations over the phone. They ask for your bank routing and account numbers to take donations directly and may use caller ID showing "Police Department" or names like "Police and trooper safety PAC" to sound legitimate. They pocket the money instead of helping law enforcement or veterans. Most local police departments do not solicit donations over the phone. Legitimate charities mail information and don't use high-pressure tactics.
"'Eddie' called from 336-203-5703 soliciting for the 'Police Benevolent Association'. This is utter crap. Tell them to take you off of their list. They will hang up before you can finish your sentence."
Callers claiming they want to buy your house for cash contact homeowners with unsolicited calls and texts, often referencing your address or county like Forsyth County to seem local. They sound like they are reading from scripts in call centers, have no specific details about your home, and leave vague voicemails asking you to call different numbers back. They pressure you to sell your home for far below market value or gather your property information for other scams. Most of these calls are phishing attempts or wholesaler pressure tactics.
"Caller expressed interest in purchasing a property I own in North Carolina. I do not, nor have I ever owned property in North Carolina"
No, area code 336 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 336 is a general purpose code that has been in service since December 15, 1997.
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 (Greensboro, Winston-Salem, High Point), or have a 336 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: