The 614 area code is currently dealing with aggressive utility bill scams and unsolicited real estate offers. Callers threaten to cut off your power or harass you to sell your home for cash.
Scam & Spam Phone Number Lookup:
Our database contains over 25 million Do Not Call and robocall complaints reported to the FTC.
Scammers call pretending to be from AEP, Columbia Gas, or Dominion Energy. They use names like "Brandy," "Shelly," or "Megan" and falsely claim you qualify for a "rebate" or that your power will be shut off in 30 minutes due to non-payment. They threaten to shut off your power in under an hour, immediately call back multiple times if you hang up, demand to speak with a manager about an "existing business account," and ask for your account information while claiming to be from Columbia Gas or AEP. They use your account details to switch your energy supplier without your permission. Real utility companies send multiple written notices through the mail long before they disconnect service. They do not call and threaten immediate shutoff.
"She said Dominion was going to give me a 'rebate', and 'I know you don't read the front of your gas bill'. I hung up, she called back THREE times. Finally my husband cursed at her and she yelled at HIM. Crazy!"
Robocalls use a recorded voice of someone named "Morgan" or "Dave" claiming to be a local investor who wants to buy your home for cash. They often know your address, send text messages asking if you want to sell a specific home address you own, say they "recently purchased a property in your area" as a reason for calling, and call repeatedly multiple times a day even after you've blocked them. They use your contact to pressure you into selling your home for significantly less than its market value. These are often predatory wholesalers. Legitimate real estate investors do not rely on high-volume, unsolicited robocalls.
"Hello. My name is Morgan. I am reaching out to you because I have recently purchased a property in your area and if you're interested in selling I would love make you a cash offer as soon as possible... I can make you an all-cash offer in about ten minutes or less."
Scammers pose as compliance officers, law firms, or court officials, sometimes claiming to be from "Franklin County Municipal Court." They use names like "Denise Kelly" and "Jerry Williams" from a fake firm called "Stone & Saunders." They threaten to serve you with papers or have you arrested, claim to be a "compliance officer" for the county court, refuse to provide a company name or mail you official documentation, and make robocalls warning of "legal action" urging you to call back. They use your fear to extract money for phantom debts. Official process servers do not call ahead to warn you, they simply deliver the documents. You cannot be arrested for a civil debt.
"I received a call today from 614-362-8853. The woman today saying she was calling from some legal service and she knew my social security number... she was calling to see if I was home so they can serve me. I told her she was lying and hung up. She called right back..."
Callers claiming to be "Comenity Bank" make relentless harassing calls that begin just a few days after a payment is late and can occur up to 10-15 times a day from spoofed numbers. They make 5 or more calls in a single day from numbers labeled "Comenity Bank," call from many different 614 numbers and sometimes from other states, ask for your Social Security number to "look up your account," and continue calling even on Sundays and early in the morning. They use your SSN to access your account and harass you beyond legal limits. While a creditor may contact you about a late payment, calling with such extreme frequency violates the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Legitimate representatives should not need your full SSN to find your account.
"Comenity bank. They also use a kansas number. I am getting up to 7 calls a day. I am 7 days late on a payment and the calls started at 3 days late. I am just waiting till payday... They harass the crap out of you."
A robocall message claims your subscription for "PC Tech Support," antivirus software, or an Amazon purchase is about to auto-renew. They warn that your account will be debited for $299, $399, or $499 unless you call back immediately to cancel, use generic company names like "PC Tech Support," create urgency demanding you call back right away to avoid the charge, and may claim a fake Amazon purchase was made for an odd amount like $77. They use the callback to steal your credit card number or gain access to your computer to install ransomware. Companies like Microsoft and Amazon do not use threatening robocalls to notify you of renewals.
"Hello this call is from PC Tech Support your antivirus and support subscription with our company will auto renew today. So your account will be charged for dollar 299. So if you want to continue or cancel the subscription call us..."
Scammers pretend to be from the Social Security Administration or a disability advocacy group using scare tactics. They threaten to suspend or terminate your Social Security number, claim to be calling about a disability application you never made, use a recorded voice with a heavy accent claiming to be from the Social Security Administration, and may spoof Caller ID to say "SSI." They use your Social Security number and personal information to steal your identity or access your benefits. The Social Security Administration primarily communicates through official U.S. mail. They will never call to threaten you or ask for your personal information to "unlock" your account.
"Recorded voice with Indian accent claiming call from the Social Security Administration. Further claimed my account / Social security number locked because of suspicious behavior."
Impersonators call claiming to be from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) to "assist" with unemployment claims. They call on weekends, create false urgency by telling you to call back within 20 minutes, suspiciously ask you to disable any caller ID blocking features on your phone, and use generic names like "Jacob." They use your callback and disabled security features to steal your unemployment benefits or personal information. ODJFS operates during standard business hours and does not make unsolicited calls on weekends. They communicate officially through their secure online portal or U.S. Mail.
"Got a voice mail message from 614/728-7025. A man named Jacob said he is from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services calling to assist me with my unemployment compensation and that I should call them back within 20 minutes and that I should deisable any caller ID blocking features."
Area Code 614 phone numbers reported as unwanted calls to the FTC in the last 30 days.
(614) 587-1281
Other
8 reports ·
(614) 212-5289
Other
6 reports ·
(614) 363-9624
Dropped call or no message
5 reports ·
(614) 758-2350
Other
4 reports ·
(614) 494-9689
Other
4 reports ·
(614) 350-2401
Dropped call or no message
4 reports ·
(614) 758-2143
Reducing your debt (credit cards, mortgage, student loans)
3 reports ·
(614) 591-0619
Dropped call or no message
3 reports ·
(614) 259-1358
Dropped call or no message
3 reports ·
(614) 810-7310
Other
3 reports ·
No, area code 614 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Ohio, United States. Area code 614 is a general purpose code that has been in service since January 1, 1947.
You're likely experiencing "Neighbor Spoofing." Scammers fake their caller ID to display local or familiar numbers. If you live in or near Ohio (Columbus, Dublin, Westerville), or have a 614 phone number yourself, scammers know you're more likely to answer what appears to be a local call.
Other Ohio area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: