The 865 area code is frequently used for fake legal threats and annoying auto warranty robocalls. Callers claim you are being sued or that your car coverage is ending to get your credit card number.
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Scammers pretending to be debt collectors or legal officials are calling Knoxville area residents with intimidating threats. They use names like "Carrie McNeil" or "Brian Baker" and threaten to serve you with papers at your home or work, mention a "complaint" filed against you, and contact your family members to create panic. They claim to have a "file number" or "case number" for you and threaten to contact your HR or Payroll department, but refuse to provide their company name or hang up when questioned. They say a "process server" will be coming but are calling you first to warn you. They use this fear to pressure you into paying for a non-existent debt, such as an old payday loan. Real process servers do not call ahead to warn you. They show up.
"Keep getting calls from this number to call back with a case number. Also calls my family members trying to locate me, said they will come to my house and employment. Reporting to the police."
These are relentless robocalls and high-pressure sales calls about your car's extended warranty. The call begins with a recorded message about your warranty claiming it's your "final notice" or "last chance" to create false urgency. Some callers identify themselves as "Jackie" from a "warranty co." or "Toyota Underwriters" and become rude or hostile when you question them or ask to be removed from their list. They call from many different 865-area-code numbers to bypass call blockers. They use this pressure to sell you overpriced or worthless service plans with no affiliation to your car's brand. Your vehicle's manufacturer will not call you to sell you an extended warranty. They communicate through official mail.
"I have had 7 calls from this number in the last 3 days about my car warranty or credit card. Why can't the gov do something to stop these calls and Charter does not offer a way to block these calls."
Callers targeting East Tennessee residents spoof local 865 numbers and use employee names like "Rita," "Brandon," or "Heather" claiming to be from First Horizon Bank. They ask for your full Social Security or bank account number to "look up your account," often regarding a fake overdue "business loan." The caller ID says First Horizon, but they provide a separate 1-800 number to call back and may call after normal banking hours. They use this information to access your actual bank accounts or open new accounts in your name. Your bank will never call you out of the blue and ask for your full account number or Social Security number. They already have this information.
"Guy asked me if my number was xxx-xxx-xxxx I answered yes, he stated that he needed my 'account' information - I told him I did not have it and he asked for my social - I gave it (BIG MISTAKE DO NOT MAKE THIS MISTAKE) - tried to tell me I was 1100.00 behind on my 'business loan' - I don't have business loan...had to place credit freeze on all three credit bureaus."
These scammers prey on fears about essential government benefits. One robocall claims your "Social Security account has been suspended" due to misuse and instructs you to press 1. The automated message contains grammatical errors, suggesting it's from outside the U.S. Other callers claim to be from the Social Security Administration and ask you to confirm your SSN. Another variation involves telemarketers trying to sell you Medicare-related items you didn't ask for, like a "back brace," or review your "Medicare Part A & B plan." They use your Medicare or Social Security number to file fraudulent claims or steal your benefits. The Social Security Administration will never call to threaten you or suspend your number. They communicate through official, mailed correspondence.
"Automated call claiming to be from some unspecified police department claiming misuse of a Social Security number. Message had grammatical errors so I doubt it was from inside the U.S. and was spoofing caller ID."
Scammers impersonate major companies like Apple, Amazon, Microsoft, and Norton to trick you. A robocall claims a large, unauthorized purchase like an "iMac and Airpods" or a "Dell Inspiron Laptop" was made on your Amazon or Apple account and instructs you to "press 1 to dispute the charge." Others pose as Microsoft support claiming your computer is "infected," or send fake Norton renewal emails with a number to call for a refund. They use this fear to gain remote access to your computer or accounts to steal your personal information and money. Amazon and Apple will not call you about suspicious purchases. Microsoft does not make unsolicited calls to tell you your computer has a virus.
"Automated voice stated an iMac and Airpods were purchased on my Amazon account in the amount $1526. If you did not make this purchase please press 1 to dispute the charge. Very cleaver."
Knoxville-area residents are being bombarded with unwanted calls and texts from people claiming they want to buy their property for cash. These callers use names like "Alec" or "Tyler" and make automated calls saying they "just sold a house in your area." They text you directly about a property even if your number is unlisted, are unwilling to identify themselves or their company, and become hostile or continue calling after you've said you're not interested. One caller named "Tyler" repeatedly harassed an elderly mother, causing her extreme distress by making her believe she was being forced to sell her home. They use high-pressure tactics to get you to sell your home below market value to flip for profit. Legitimate professionals will identify themselves and their company and will not harass you after you decline.
"Keeps calling my elderly mother and saying he wants to buy her home. She thinks we are making her sell her house and is hysterical after his call. Literally crying and wringing her hands... These people are scum."
A caller using the name "Jon Gonzales" claims to be a KUB employee and states you haven't paid your bill in months. They threaten to shut off your power in under 30 minutes, often claiming disconnection will happen in just 10 minutes, unless you make an immediate payment through a specific mobile app or gift card. The amount they claim you owe seems incorrect, and they seem aggressive and try to stop you from hanging up to verify the claim. They use this fake urgency to steal your payment information or get you to purchase untraceable gift cards they can cash. KUB provides multiple notices by mail before any service disconnection and will never demand immediate payment over the phone. The extreme urgency and specific payment method are classic signs of a utility scam.
"A Jon Gonzales claimed that he worked for KUB (Knoxville Utility Board) in Knoxville, TN. He claimed that I had not paid my electric bill in two months and as a result was going to cut off my power within 10 minutes if I didn't pay my bill using a special AP on an IPHONE."
Area Code 865 phone numbers reported as unwanted calls to the FTC in the last 30 days.
(865) 273-1100
Other
3 reports ·
(865) 263-7510
Other
3 reports ·
(865) 973-5759
Other
2 reports ·
(865) 391-1768
Calls pretending to be government, businesses, or family and friends
2 reports ·
(865) 801-9380
Calls pretending to be government, businesses, or family and friends
2 reports ·
(865) 353-9692
Other
2 reports ·
(865) 625-8210
Dropped call or no message
2 reports ·
(865) 357-2471
Calls pretending to be government, businesses, or family and friends
2 reports ·
(865) 300-9985
Calls pretending to be government, businesses, or family and friends
2 reports ·
(865) 246-7175
Other
2 reports ·
No, area code 865 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Tennessee, United States. Area code 865 is a general purpose code that has been in service since November 1, 1999.
You're likely experiencing "Neighbor Spoofing." Scammers fake their caller ID to display local or familiar numbers. If you live in or near Tennessee (Knoxville, Oak Ridge, Maryville), or have a 865 phone number yourself, scammers know you're more likely to answer what appears to be a local call.
Other Tennessee area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: