Scammers using the 272 area code often use aggressive vehicle warranty calls and government impersonation tactics. They try to trick you into paying for auto service contracts or fines you do not owe.
Scam & Spam Phone Number Lookup:
Our database contains over 25 million Do Not Call and robocall complaints reported to the FTC.
Robocallers flood 272 area residents with extended car warranty pitches, using "neighbor spoofing" to display familiar local numbers or even deceased neighbors' names on caller ID. They call relentlessly from multiple numbers, refuse to provide their company name when asked, and sometimes offer "free oil changes" to hook you into the warranty pitch. They use your engagement to confirm your number is active and sell it to other scammers. These calls violate the Do Not Call Registry. Real companies do not spoof dead neighbors' numbers to sell warranties.
"Imagine that, my dead neighbor is trying to sell me a warranty. They claim they are a member of the Better Business Bureau but they won't give you the company name to verify."
Scammers call from 272 numbers claiming to be from the Social Security Administration or the "Internal Revenue Service Collection Department from Pennsylvania," creating panic by saying your Social Security Number has been compromised or linked to fraudulent activity. They ask you to verify the last four digits of your social security number and use local Pennsylvania caller ID numbers for federal agencies. They use any information you provide to steal your identity or access your government accounts. The real Social Security Administration and IRS contact you through U.S. Mail first, never by phone.
"The caller claimed to be from the Social Security Administration and stated that my social security number had been compromised. They asked me to verify my number and provide personal information to resolve the issue."
Callers spoof their caller ID to display "Highmark" or "Matrix Medical" and pressure you into scheduling a "home wellness care visit" or virtual appointment from a cold call, then direct you to a different toll-free number to finalize the "appointment." They use the personal health information you provide to commit insurance fraud or identity theft. Real insurance providers do not use spoofed caller IDs or high-pressure tactics to schedule wellness visits.
"They called and Highmark came up on the screen and they wanted to set up a home wellness care visit, or a virtual. After all said and done they had no virtual appointments and said I could call 855-403-0967. Now I am worried!"
Scammers call residents and their family members about fake debts, often with incorrect information like misspelled names, claiming you owe money for credit card debt and identifying themselves only as "account services." They use any payment information you provide to drain your bank account or steal your identity. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act forbids collectors from discussing your debt with third parties, and legitimate collectors must provide written validation notices.
"My family members & my ex-husband receive phone calls from this # stating that I owe money. They don't even have the spelling of my name correct."
A caller pretends to be a grandchild in a desperate situation, claiming they were arrested and need $5,000 for bail money immediately, insisting on secrecy and telling you not to tell other family members. They use any money you send to line their own pockets while your real grandchild remains unaware of the scam. Real family members in trouble will not demand secrecy or refuse to let you verify their situation with other relatives.
"This number called posing as my grand daughter asking for money . Only one problem I have no Grand daughter . They said she was arrested and needed $5,000 bail money . Scam from the start ."
Numbers send direct threatening text messages to residents and their families, targeting you or family members with harassing language and including suspicious links to sites like "SMSKola.com." They use intimidation to scare you into clicking links that install malware on your device or lead to phishing websites. Legitimate people and companies do not communicate through anonymous threats.
"Sending threatening texts to families Added SMSKola.com at the end"
Area Code 272 phone numbers reported as unwanted calls to the FTC in the last 30 days.
(272) 204-5688
Other
5 reports ·
(272) 246-0095
Other
2 reports ·
(272) 227-9342
No Subject Provided
2 reports ·
(272) 304-9480
Reducing your debt (credit cards, mortgage, student loans)
2 reports ·
(272) 422-8048
Reducing your debt (credit cards, mortgage, student loans)
2 reports ·
(272) 273-8004
Dropped call or no message
2 reports ·
(272) 999-8657
No Subject Provided
2 reports ·
(272) 345-6560
Other
1 report ·
(272) 228-5872
Other
1 report ·
(272) 304-9728
Reducing your debt (credit cards, mortgage, student loans)
1 report ·
No, area code 272 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Pennsylvania, United States. Area code 272 is a general purpose code that has been in service since October 21, 2013.
You're likely experiencing "Neighbor Spoofing." Scammers fake their caller ID to display local or familiar numbers. If you live in or near Pennsylvania (Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Williamsport), or have a 272 phone number yourself, scammers know you're more likely to answer what appears to be a local call.
Other Pennsylvania area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: