The 915 area code is linked to DEA impersonation calls and fake HR complaints. Scammers claim you are under investigation for drug crimes or workplace issues to steal your money.
Scam & Spam Phone Number Lookup:
Our database contains over 25 million Do Not Call and robocall complaints reported to the FTC.
Callers with heavy accents pretend to be from the Social Security Administration, DEA, or FBI and claim your SSN was used for drug trafficking in Texas. They mention specific details like an abandoned car in Houston, 22 pounds of cocaine, fraudulent bank accounts, and $223,000 in cash. Using fake names and badge numbers like "Catherine Lee," "Kyle Williamson," or "federal criminal agent dan miller badge # 742609310," they order you to withdraw all your money and buy gift cards from Target or Home Depot while staying on the phone. They use your compliance and gift card numbers to steal your money. Real federal agencies never call with threats or demand gift cards.
"This man first states that he is speaking on behalf of the Social Security Administration, Treasury Department, Homeland Security and the DEA. He will try to befriend you by stating that he is going to help you because your social security number and name was used for renting a car in Texas. The rental car was abandoned and the police found blood residue and $223,000.00 in cash in this car."
Scammers using generic names like "Lisa Smith" or "Ann Smith" call claiming a complaint notice has been filed against you. They read from a script, refuse to provide any details about the alleged complaint, and threaten to contact your employer's HR or payroll department if you don't call back at a different toll-free number. They use your callback to confirm your number is active and gather more personal information for identity theft or future scam attempts. Legitimate debt collectors must send written validation by mail.
"Hello my name is Lisa _?_?_?_?_ you were not available today and this message is in regards to the complaint notice to your attention please give me a contact 833-781-5757... I'm required to direct further a chance to your HR or payroll department on file…"
A caller claiming to be from the El Paso County Sheriff's office uses fake names like "Deputy Isaac Peterson" and falsely states you have a warrant for your arrest. They demand you immediately go to your bank, withdraw all your money, and purchase "government vouchers" to avoid being arrested. They use your payment information and the voucher codes to steal your money. Real officers do not call first. They show up.
"Grandmother received a phone call from this number. They pretended to be a local sheriff, claimed my grandmother had a warrant out for arrest, and demanded she go and empty her bank account and buy government vouchers to leave for them."
Callers identifying as "Portfolio Recovery" or "Lake City Credit" claim you owe debts you may or may not actually owe. They call repeatedly, sometimes over 15 times in a single day, refuse to mail debt validation letters, have incorrect information like your last name or the original creditor, and threaten legal action without grounds. They use any personal information you confirm to build profiles for identity theft or sell to other scammers. Legitimate collectors must provide written validation when requested.
"Portfolio Recovery Services - debt collectors - trying to collect a debt that I don't have - calling for various persons - calling from various numbers - they won't stop, no matter how often you tell them not to call anymore - FTC complaint has not helped either."
No, area code 915 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Texas, United States. Area code 915 is a general purpose code that has been in service since January 1, 1947.
You're likely experiencing "Neighbor Spoofing." Scammers fake their caller ID to display local or familiar numbers. If you live in or near Texas (El Paso, Socorro, Horizon City), or have a 915 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: