Hawaii’s 808 area code is being used for fake tech support calls and subscription renewal scams. The goal is to trick you into paying for a service you do not need or did not order.
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 808 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 808 scams based on user comments:
Residents in Hawaii are receiving a high volume of fraudulent emails and robocalls from scammers pretending to be from tech companies like Microsoft, McAfee, Norton, or Geek Squad. They send fake invoices or leave voicemails threatening to charge your account hundreds of dollars (e.g., "$399.99," "$470.77," or "$690.42") for a service renewal you never purchased, urging you to call back immediately to cancel.
Legitimate companies like Microsoft or Norton will not call you unsolicited to issue a refund or threaten to charge your card. They will never ask for remote access to your computer to process a refund; this is a tactic to install malicious software or steal your banking information.
"Dear customer this is a call from Windows Service Center we are regrettably closing our business for computer service and protection claim your refund asap or else your account will be auto charged 399 dollars and 99 cents for renewal press one to connect to our refund officers..."
Scammers are calling Hawaii residents pretending to be from "National Disability" or the Social Security Administration. Callers, sometimes using names like "Christine" or "Amber," falsely claim you recently applied for disability benefits and must call back immediately because it is a "time sensitive matter."
The Social Security Administration primarily communicates through official U.S. mail. They will never call to threaten you, demand immediate payment, or ask for personal information to start a benefits application you didn't initiate.
"Hi this is Christine from national disability I'm calling because you had inquired about applying for mostly Social Security disability benefits now if you can call me back as soon as you can... we can get started on your application for monthly disability money... this is a time sensitive matter and fast action is required for these types of benefits..."
Scammers are sending text messages and emails that look like purchase confirmations from companies like Amazon, PayPal, or Coinbase. These fake alerts claim you've been charged for expensive items like a "Playstation 5" for $499 or an "i-Phone 17 pro max" for $667.35, and provide a phone number to call if you did not authorize the purchase.
These alerts are designed to create panic. When you call the fake "customer service" number, the scammer's goal is to trick you into revealing your account passwords, credit card numbers, or other financial information to "cancel" the non-existent order.
"Received a text stating $499 was placed on my bank account for a playstation 5 through Amazon. I called the number and they answered as Amazon Customer Service. They offered to cancel the fraud account then transferred me to my 'bank'."
A common tactic involves a caller asking a simple question like, "Can you hear me alright?" as soon as you answer. Scammers, sometimes identifying as "Beth" or "Meredith," use this trick to get you to say "yes," which they can record and potentially use as a voice signature to authorize fraudulent charges or services.
Legitimate callers will identify themselves and the reason for their call upfront. This specific question is a known tactic used solely to capture a recording of your affirmative response for malicious purposes.
"Waited til I answered to his question 'can you hear me okay' after I replied 'yes' he hung up abruptly."
These are aggressive and persistent robocalls claiming your car's warranty is about to expire. Callers using names like "Brittany" or "Destiny" create a false sense of urgency, stating they have mailed you "several times" and that you must purchase an extended warranty immediately.
These calls are not from your car's manufacturer or dealership. They are from third-party companies using high-pressure sales tactics to sell often overpriced and unnecessary service contracts.
"Brittany left a message calling about the extended warranty on my Toyota... the one I don't have."
Scammers are sending text messages offering a "Virtual Personal Assistant" job with suspiciously high pay, such as "$500 weekly" for only "10hrs/week." The texts often claim to be from "Jeffrey" or "Michahel" from LinkedIn and instruct you to email a personal Outlook or Gmail address for more details.
Legitimate recruiters contact professionals through official channels like LinkedIn's messaging system or corporate email. This scam aims to trick you into a fake check scheme, where they send you a fraudulent check, ask you to deposit it, and then have you wire a portion of the funds back before the bank discovers the check is bad.
"Hi, I am Michahel from Linkedin. I am in need of a Virtual Personal Assistant/ errands person part-time basis for 10hrs/week at $500 weekly. Intrested? Email [email protected] for job description."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 808 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Hawaii, United States. Area code 808 is a general purpose code that has been in service since January 1, 1957.
Most common 808 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 Hawaii, or have a 808 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.