Scammers using the 817 area code frequently threaten Social Security arrests and fake lawsuits. They claim your bank account is frozen or court papers are on the way to panic you.
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Scammers pretending to be from the Social Security Administration call claiming there's "criminal activity" or "fraudulent use" linked to your Social Security number. Some identify themselves with common names like "Ryan Smith" to sound official. They threaten immediate arrest by the "local county sheriff," freezing your bank accounts, and suspending your Social Security number unless you call them back. They use your Social Security number to open credit accounts and steal your identity. Social Security numbers cannot be suspended or cancelled. Real SSA agents do not call to threaten arrest.
"I just got a call that they are going to freeze my bank accounts, social security number and that the local sheriff is going to come arrest me for serious allegations."
Callers aggressively claim to be process servers, compliance officers, or from a mediation firm, threatening to serve you with legal documents at your home or workplace. They use fake case numbers and mention Tarrant or Johnson County to sound local. They may mention the names of your relatives and end the call abruptly with the phrase, "You have officially been notified." They use any personal information you confirm to make future scam calls more convincing or sell your data to other scammers. Real process servers are paid to find you and serve documents in person. They do not call ahead to warn you.
"My wife just got several threatening calls from this person too. He said his name was Kevin Lee, and that he was coming to take our kids, and take my wife into custody. I rushed home from work, and when he called again, he demanded I put my wife on the phone."
Robocallers and live agents from the "Auto Warranty Department" or "Vehicle Service Department" claim your car's warranty is expiring. They use phrases like "final courtesy call" and don't know the make or model of your car, sometimes referencing one you've never owned. They pressure you to make an immediate decision. They use your payment information to charge you for expensive and often useless extended service plans. These calls are not from your car's manufacturer or dealership. They are from unrelated third-party telemarketers.
"They call night and day no matter how many times I tell them no. They want me to extend the warranty on our Kia. I will never buy another one after all this. Car is fine, these people are nuts!"
Text messages falsely claim "THE DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY" or "TWC" (Texas Workforce Commission) is giving a one-time payment of $4,800 to all Texas or American families. To get the money, you text a specific "paying agent" like "Kevan Hill" or "Curtiss Breeding" to verify your identity. The messages are written in all capital letters with poor grammar. They use your personal and financial information to steal your identity or empty your bank accounts. The U.S. Treasury and Texas Workforce Commission do not send random text messages to distribute funds.
"THE DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY IS PAYING OUT A ONE-TIME PAYMENT OF $4,800 TO ALL AMERICA CITIZENS. VERIFY YOU IDENTITY TO QUALIFY FOR THE AMERICAN RESUE PLAN ACT OF 2021. TEXT YOUR PAYING AGENT KEVAN HILL. ( 817-242-3821 ) TEXT ONLY !!!"
Robocalls claim to be from Microsoft Support, Amazon, or Apple, warning that your subscription will auto-renew for a large amount like $299 or $395. The recording threatens this amount will be deducted from your bank account unless you call them back immediately to cancel. The caller ID may be spoofed to look like a real company. They use your bank or credit card information to steal money or make unauthorized purchases. Companies like Microsoft and Amazon do not use threatening robocalls to notify you of renewals.
"Caller ID showed 'Alvarado', but the recording said that they were from Microsoft Support Team. The robot message said that my MS subscription will be renewed and $299 will be deducted from my bank account unless I call this number."
You receive persistent, unsolicited calls and texts from individuals claiming to be a "DFW Investor" using names like "Mike," "Kenzie," or "Stephanie Dallas." They want to buy your house, sometimes mentioning your specific address or zip code, and promise to pay all cash and close quickly. They call repeatedly, even after you've asked them to stop. They use your property information to get your home under contract for a low price before selling that contract to another buyer. Property ownership information is public record, which is how they find you.
"Spamming texts that read 'I'm Kenzie a DFW Investor and I am looking to buy 2 more homes in this zip. Have you thought about selling? How soon would you want to close?'"
Robocalls claim that due to new government programs or the end of pandemic relief, you are now eligible for student loan forgiveness or cancellation. They create false urgency, warning that failure to act could lead to "wage garnishment and tax offset," and mention "Agent #1520" or a representative named "Amanda Connor." They charge you fees for help you can get free from your actual loan servicer. The Department of Education does not use third-party companies to call you about loan forgiveness. Legitimate programs are available for free through your loan servicer.
"Hi this is Amanda Connor calling from student loan services I'm calling to go over the forgiveness program being offered by the Department of education repayment of student loans will begin soon so we need to hear from you as soon as possible delaying this process may cause wage garnishment and tax all set you can reach us at 817-345-0891 thank you…"
No, area code 817 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Texas, United States. Area code 817 is a general purpose code that has been in service since January 1, 1953.
You're likely experiencing "Neighbor Spoofing." Scammers fake their caller ID to display local or familiar numbers. If you live in or near Texas (Fort Worth, Arlington, Grand Prairie), or have a 817 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: