The 346 area code is frequently used for Social Security arrest warrant scams and fake lawsuit threats. The callers try to convince you that you are in serious legal trouble to panic you into paying.
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Residents in the Houston area are receiving automated calls claiming there is "fraudulent activity" or "legal enforcement actions" connected to their Social Security Number. The robotic voice threatens immediate arrest, warns that your bank account will be frozen, or that your SSN will be suspended if you do not call them back immediately. They use your fear to trick you into calling back and giving them personal information like your Social Security Number. The Social Security Administration never calls to threaten arrest or tell you your SSN is suspended. They contact you by mail.
"A recorded voice threatened me with an arrest if I do not call and give my social security number! Why can't something be done about this?"
Callers claiming to be from a "Processing Division" or fake agency like "Allenwood and Associates" leave threatening voicemails saying "two charges are pending" against you. They use names like "Angela Ross" or "Vincent Skylar," give fake case numbers, and warn they will be "actively pursuing you at your place of employment" or home to serve papers unless you call back and settle the matter. They claim you will "forfeit your right" to resolve the issue voluntarily if you are "located." They use your fear of public embarrassment to pressure you into paying money for fake debts. Real process servers do not call first. They show up.
"Order for you it looks like two charges pending. Now unfortunately because I'm unable to reach you by phone I will be actively pursuing you at your place of employment and your residence. You have the right to contact the client to resolve this matter voluntarily."
This scam starts with an email that looks like it's from Amazon, falsely confirming a very expensive order you didn't make, such as a "MacBook Pro" or an "iPhone 12 pro." The email often states the item is being shipped to a "Mark Walton" at "1015 Virginia Blvd, Austin, TX 77010" and provides a Houston-based 346 number to call "customer service" to cancel it. The sender's email address is not from @amazon.com, and the customer service number is a local 346 number, not an official Amazon 800-number. They want you to panic and call their fake customer service line where they steal your account login, personal information, or credit card details to "cancel" the non-existent order. Amazon does not use local phone numbers for customer service.
"Received email from Amazon to let me know that a MacBook was shipping today to Mark Walton in TX. This number was left as customer service. Not today Satan!!"
People across the 346 area code are receiving unsolicited text messages with an attached image of a fake prescription discount card. The card often has a logo like "USRx" and the message urges you to "Present this card at your local pharmacy for immediate use," claiming it is your "updated prescription information." When a pharmacy tries to process the fake card, the scammers capture the personal and health information you provide. Legitimate prescription card services require you to sign up first.
"Received a text from this number. Prescription card. I was very suspicious. Looked it up and here we are - numerous other previous complaints are listed. No way I will even click the image on the text."
This robocall claims your computer's security software subscription has expired and that your bank account is about to be debited for "$399" for a renewal. The recording pressures you to "press 1" or call them back immediately to cancel the charge. They use this trick to connect you with a live scammer who will try to get remote access to your computer or steal your financial information. Legitimate tech companies send renewal notices by email or through the software itself, not with urgent robocalls about unexpected charges.
"Called and said my computer's security software was expiring and I was going to be charged $399.00. This part is a recording. Then it gets YOU to engage them by saying something like 'if this is incorrect please press 1...'"
Scammers send text messages offering a job as a "store evaluator" or "secret shopper" for Whole Foods, CVS, or other retailers. The texts promise high pay like "$400" or "$450 on every task" and provide a link to an application form that goes to unofficial websites like Wix sites or 123formbuilder. The messages are signed by generic names like "Mark Ronald," "Gomez Raymond," or similar. They use the application form to steal your personal information for identity theft. Real companies post jobs on their corporate websites and use formal application processes.
"Whole Foods Market ® is beginning an exceptionally huge research project in your area. This project happens each week, so we have to select Shoppers to function as a store evaluator. You will get $450 on every task."
No, area code 346 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Texas, United States. Area code 346 is a general purpose code that has been in service since July 1, 2014.
You're likely experiencing "Neighbor Spoofing." Scammers fake their caller ID to display local or familiar numbers. If you live in or near Texas (Houston, Pasadena, Pearland), or have a 346 phone number yourself, scammers know you're more likely to answer what appears to be a local call.
Other Texas area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: