Area Code 220 Scams and Spam Calls

Most Common Area Code 220 Scams

• Purchase Scam
• SSN Suspension Scam
• Debt Collection Calls
• Government Grant Scam
• Health Enrollment Scam

Fake Unauthorized Purchase Scam (Walmart & Bank)

Scammers robocall Ohio residents claiming to be from Walmart and report a fake $1500 charge to your account, or claim a $300 charge was made to your checking account. They tell you to call back a specific number they provide to dispute the non-existent charge. When you call back, they use whatever account information you give them to make real unauthorized purchases or drain your accounts. Walmart does not make robocalls about charges. They show up on your bank statement first.

"Said the call was from WalMart and we had a $1500 charge on our account and to call 220-204-3242."

Social Security Account Suspension Scam

A robocall claims fraudulent activity has been detected on your Social Security account and threatens to permanently close your account if you don't press 1 immediately to speak with an agent. If you press 1, they ask for your Social Security number and personal details, which they use to open credit accounts and steal your identity. Social Security Administration communicates through official mail, never through threatening robocalls. Your Social Security account cannot be suspended.

"I received a call from 1.220.777.2052 regarding fraudulent activity on my social security account. I did not take the call but a voice message was left advising my account would be permanently closed if I did not press one to talk to someone about it."

Aggressive Debt Collection Calls

Portfolio Recovery makes collection calls to 220 area code numbers and uses spoofing to make calls appear from local Ohio landline numbers so you're more likely to answer. They call from many different numbers around the country. Real debt collectors must send written validation letters when requested, but scammers impersonating debt collectors use any payment information you provide to drain your accounts. You can demand all communication be done in writing under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.

"This is one of many numbers from around the country used by Portfolio Recovery. They are a debt collecting company"

Fake Government Grant Scam

A caller with a foreign accent and poor connection claims you've been awarded a government grant and immediately asks for your bank account information for direct deposit of the free money. They use your bank account details to steal money from your account or make unauthorized purchases. Government agencies never call people to award surprise grants. All legitimate grants require you to apply through official channels first.

"Scam-caller claimed I was awarded a government grant and wanted bank account information. Foreign accent and really poor call quality."

"Health Enrollment Center" Robocall

An automated message from Rebecca with the Health Enrollment Center calls about open enrollment, targeting people paying over $200 per month for healthcare, and asks you to call back toll-free number 888-307-3196 to explore new options. When you call back, they gather your personal information to sell to insurance telemarketers or sign you up for subpar health plans with high costs and poor coverage. Health Enrollment Center is a generic name used by lead generation companies, not an official government agency.

"Hey it's Rebecca with the Health Enrollment Center, I'm calling because open enrollment is here if you're paying over $200 per month please give me a call back to explore new 2021 healthcare options 888-307-3196 thank you…"

Area Code 220 Phone Numbers Recently Reported As Spam

Area Code 220 phone numbers reported as unwanted calls to the FTC in the last 30 days.

Is area code 220 a scam?

No, area code 220 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Ohio, United States. Area code 220 is a general purpose code that has been in service since April 22, 2015.

Why do I get spam calls from area code 220?

You're likely experiencing "Neighbor Spoofing." Scammers fake their caller ID to display local or familiar numbers. If you live in or near Ohio (Newark, Lancaster, Marion), or have a 220 phone number yourself, scammers know you're more likely to answer what appears to be a local call.

Scams and Spam Calls from Ohio Area Codes

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