Scammers using the 205 area code frequently threaten pending legal action or claim you ordered a high-value item from Amazon. They want you to panic about a lawsuit or a fake charge so you hand over your credit card details.
Look up any suspicious number using our scam and spam phone number lookup database. It includes over 29 million Do Not Call and robocall complaints reported to the Federal Trade Commission.
Getting calls from 205 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Alabama (Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Hoover) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 205 scams based on user comments:
Callers often identifying themselves as "investigator Taylor Smith," "Thomas Hatch," or representatives from "H.I.G. and Associates" or "Ehrlich and Wexler Law Firm" claim they have "2 pending matters" against you. Alabama residents report these callers threatening to serve papers at your home or place of employment if you do not call back by a specific time, such as 3:00 PM.
Real process servers do not call ahead to warn you or threaten you with a time limit; they simply show up to serve legal documents. These calls are intimidation tactics to extort money.
"I am contacting you from our client’s process division. I received an order for you for 2 pending matters. Now unfortunately to reach you by phone I will attempt to reach you at home or your place of employment... reference file number HCB52981, you have been officially notified."
Scammers are sending emails and making calls claiming you purchased an "iPhone 11 - Pure Gold Edition" for roughly $699 to be shipped to an address in Westfield, Massachusetts. They instruct you to dial a 205 number to cancel the order, where they will attempt to steal your banking credentials under the guise of processing a refund.
Amazon will not call you to confirm a purchase or ask you to connect to a support line to avoid a charge. This is a classic refund scam designed to gain remote access to your device.
"Received bogus email noting this phone number from amazon saying that I purchased an IPHONE 11 and to be sent to Massachusetts to an address I do not know. I did not order a phone and do not live in Massachusetts."
A robocaller, often identifying as "Mark" or "Mary," contacts local business owners claiming their "Dun & Bradstreet score" (sometimes mispronounced as "Brad Street score") has been upgraded to a 76. They offer a pre-approved business credit line of $500,000 with a 4.8% interest rate, promising funds within 24 hours.
Legitimate lenders do not cold call businesses with half-million-dollar pre-approvals based on a credit score update. This is an advance-fee fraud or information farming scheme.
"Hey this is Mark reaching back out again... I did receive a notification today that your business is done in Brad Street score(?) was recently upgraded up to a 76... we're happy to say that your business has been preapproved for a business credit line of up to $500,000."
Residents in the 205 area code are receiving aggressive texts and calls from a woman named "Suzanne" or "Angie" (sometimes claiming to be with "Portfolio Properties") wanting to buy their house. The scammers often claim to have sent a postcard previously and frequently reference properties the recipient does not actually own.
Professional real estate investors do not use aggressive cold-texting campaigns or get angry when you decline to sell. These are often lead-generation scams or attempts to gather personal data.
"Suzanne wanted to buy my house and to call Kim... When tried to call to stop them from calling, they were very rude and aggressive in getting personal information."
Callers posing as law enforcement or "Officer Audrey" claim your Social Security number has been suspended due to "fraudulent activity" involving drugs or money laundering. They threaten that "legal proceedings" will begin immediately if you do not call back or press a button to speak to an officer.
The Social Security Administration does not suspend numbers, nor do they call citizens to threaten arrest or demand money to resolve legal issues. Any call claiming otherwise is a scam.
"Action filed on your Social Security number for fraudulent Activity. So when you get this message. Kindly call back as soon as possible before we begin with the legal proceedings."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 205 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Alabama, United States. Area code 205 is a general purpose code that has been in service since January 1, 1947.
Most common 205 scam types are:
You're likely experiencing "Neighbor Spoofing." Scammers fake their caller ID to display local or familiar numbers. If you live in or near Alabama, or have a 205 phone number yourself, scammers know you're more likely to answer what appears to be a local call.
Calling back to unknown spam number may incur premium charges or at least confirm your phone number is active and lead to more spam and scam calls.
There are three main ways to reduce spam calls:
It's definitely possible to block all specific area code phone numbers. However, we do not recommend this option because it would also prevent friends, family, doctors, and legitimate businesses from reaching you.
Other Alabama area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: