Area code 717 is frequently targeted by fake legal threats and Social Security imposters. Scammers pose as government agents to demand money or personal information under false pretenses.
Scam & Spam Phone Number Lookup:
Our database contains over 25 million Do Not Call and robocall complaints reported to the FTC.
Callers posing as process servers or mediation firms like "Rothman Kline Mediation" and "Hamlin, Ross & Associates" are threatening residents with legal action over a "returned item from your bank." They claim you have a file with your name and social security number that requires immediate attention to avoid penalties or having the sheriff show up at your home or work. They pressure you to call back a different number, often an 800 or 833 number, by a strict deadline, and refuse to provide a company name or mailing address for verification. They use your personal information to create fake debt records and collect money you don't actually owe. Real process servers do not call ahead to warn you. They show up.
"My mother received a call from 717-798-3704. Told her to call 833-437-0484 about a debt. She had to call by 12pm or they would take action. She is 93 yrs. old and doesn't Owe any debts. She was very distressed by this call."
Robocallers claiming to be from the Social Security Administration warn of "suspicious activity" or a "legal enforcement action" on your Social Security number and threaten to suspend it. They provide fake "federal badge IDs" like 84536 to sound official and threaten arrest by U.S. Marshalls if you don't immediately send money, demanding payment via Lowe's gift cards, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency. They use your Social Security number and personal details to steal your benefits or open accounts in your name. The Social Security Administration never calls to threaten your benefits or demand immediate payment. Government agencies do not accept gift cards.
"Tried to get my sister in law to send them 3-$500 Lowe's gift cards or else the US Marshalls will come arrest her."
Callers like "Alexis," "Jasmine," or "Jennifer" from a company called "NTherm" pretend to be from utility companies like PPL, Columbia Gas, or West Penn Power. They demand to speak with the owner or office manager about an "existing account" and insist you get a copy of your utility bill while on the phone to discuss "transmission costs" or a "notice on your utility statement." They become hostile or hang up when you ask for their company information, and the caller ID may be spoofed to show a local number while they give a different callback number. They use your utility account number and bill details to switch your energy supplier without your permission. Your primary utility company will not call you and aggressively demand to see your bill.
"Very RUDE woman calling repeatedly for the owners - 'They will KNOW what account I'm calling for' - will NOT be nice to her ANYMORE!"
Callers using friendly names like "Britney," "Kelly," or "Tracy" claim to be local investors wanting to buy your property for cash. They say they "drove by the other day" or are "looking to pick up a few more properties" in the area, even when your home is not for sale. They use generic scripts saying they're "calling again" and promise a "cash offer" to cover "all closing costs," often calling from a different number than the callback number provided in the voicemail. They use your address and property details to acquire your home below market value through high-pressure tactics. These are mass-dialing operations, not investors who specifically targeted your home.
"Hey there it's Britney again and I'm calling because I did reach out a couple of weeks ago about purchasing your property... this is a cash offer and I'm going to be purchasing the property as is... please give me a call back as soon as you get this message."
Robocallers spoof caller ID to show "Apple Inc." or leave voicemails about fraudulent purchases on your Amazon account, mentioning specific items like a "mac book pro." Automated messages claim your Apple iCloud account has been "breached" and instruct you to press 1 or call a different number back immediately. They use the panic to trick you into providing your account passwords, login credentials, or financial information when you call back to "resolve" the fake issue. Apple and Amazon never call you about suspicious activity. They notify you through their official apps or websites.
"17 calls from 717-295-8800 in one day, 11/7/2019, all claiming that my Apple account had been breached, or a version of this but all from supposedly from Apple, Inc. Robo calls. I blocked the number but still showed up on missed calls list."
Pre-recorded messages claim your car's warranty is expired or about to expire, using urgent phrases like "final courtesy call" or "last chance" to pressure you into speaking with a "specialist" to extend your warranty. The caller doesn't know the make or model of your vehicle and hangs up if you ask what company they represent or ask to be removed from their list. They use your interest to sell you overpriced service contracts with very limited coverage. These are third-party sellers, not your car's manufacturer or dealership.
"Keep calling saying about my car's warranty is about 2 expired...they call constantly..I'm tired of it...where I live I'm unable 2 put a block on my phone because of unavailability of Fios w/ Verizon...please report & stop this number from calling me."
Callers claiming to be from Publishers Clearing House inform you that you've won a major prize like "7.5 million and a new Mercedes." They insist you must first pay taxes or fees before collecting your "winnings," often instructing you to go to the bank or buy gift cards, and may transfer you to a "general manager" like "Bob Miller" to seem more legitimate. They ask for your bank account information or demand you buy gift cards. They use your banking information to steal money from your accounts or sell your financial details to other criminals. The real Publishers Clearing House Prize Patrol shows up at winners' doors in person and never calls ahead to ask for money.
"Caller Said he was the truck driver with PCH that he was 45 minutes from my home needed me to call Don Chopper with claims at 1-717-603-8005 - I asked him if he had my address - He said I won a car and money - I asked him if he had the car then he gave me Don Chopper information to call for the claim."
Area Code 717 phone numbers reported as unwanted calls to the FTC in the last 30 days.
(717) 354-3005
Other
11 reports ·
(717) 517-6649
Other
11 reports ·
(717) 537-9188
Other
4 reports ·
(717) 983-3383
Dropped call or no message
3 reports ·
(717) 310-6602
Other
2 reports ·
(717) 703-2799
Calls pretending to be government, businesses, or family and friends
2 reports ·
(717) 415-5861
Other
2 reports ·
(717) 276-0142
Other
2 reports ·
(717) 297-7246
Other
2 reports ·
(717) 727-7821
Other
2 reports ·
No, area code 717 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Pennsylvania, United States. Area code 717 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 Pennsylvania (Lancaster, Harrisburg, York), or have a 717 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: