The 276 area code is seeing many fake legal threats and scams regarding Medicare benefits. Callers claim you are in trouble or need to verify insurance details to steal your identity.
Scam & Spam Phone Number Lookup:
Our database contains over 25 million Do Not Call and robocall complaints reported to the FTC.
Callers claiming to be from the IRS or Social Security use robotic voices to threaten residents in Southwestern Virginia with immediate arrest. They state there are "four allegations against you" and that "local cops" are coming unless you call back right away. Some claim a complaint has been filed involving your Social Security Number and threaten that a judge will rule against you or they will freeze your bank accounts. They use these threats to pressure you into calling back and giving them money or personal information. Official government agencies like the IRS and Social Security Administration contact you first through U.S. Mail. They never call to threaten arrest or demand phone payments.
"Robotic voice said there were "four allegations against me and the local cops..." and to call them back at the ?(276) 212-2570? number to avoid being arrested etc; before seeking legal councel."
Scammers target seniors with recorded calls claiming their Medicare benefits are at risk. The message states they have tried to reach you by mail and that if you don't respond, Medicare will "label you as ineligible for coverage." They instruct you to press 1 to speak with an agent, then try to steal your personal Medicare information during that call. If you have questions about your coverage, call Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE. Medicare never calls unexpectedly to threaten benefit cancellation. Important coverage communications arrive through official U.S. Mail.
"This woman calling states that if I don't 'act soon Medicare will label me as ineligible for coverage.' She instructs caller to press 1 to speak with her or 2 to be put on the do not call list."
A person using a simple name like "Dave" leaves vague voicemails about "your paperwork" or references a non-existent case file. If you call back, they refuse to identify their company, try to get you to verify personal information, or make threats about issuing a subpoena for an old, non-existent payday loan. They use these fake debts to trick you into paying money you don't actually owe. Legitimate debt collectors must provide written validation of any debt by law. They cannot legally threaten you or refuse to identify themselves.
"Hey it's Dave. When you get a chance, can you give me a call regarding your paperwork? Thanks..."
Callers claiming to be "Amazon customer support" leave voicemails or send texts about suspicious, high-dollar purchases like "$1,099" or "$896" charges, or products like an "iPhone13." They provide a phone number to call back rather than directing you to the official website, then ask for your credit card information or remote computer access to "cancel" the fake charge. They use this access to steal your real financial information or install malware on your devices. Amazon never calls about suspicious purchases. Official notifications come through email or alerts in your secure account.
"Left a voicemail claiming to be Amazon customer support and to call back about suspicious activity for a payment of $1,099 (checked my bank activity and had no charges)"
Robocalls about your "expiring" car or home warranty come from callers like "Valerie" who cannot tell you the make and model of your vehicle. The Caller ID may show "SFHOMEWARRANTY." They hang up when you ask for details about their company or request a manager, and they pressure you to buy expensive, often unnecessary service contracts. These calls come from third-party sellers, not your car's manufacturer. Real warranty information is in your vehicle's paperwork.
"Calls about vehicle warranty expiring on most recent vehicle. But asks for the make and model and when you say they should have that information on hand she hangs up on you and it's always the same girl named Valerie who answers."
A man identifying himself as "Steve Dixon" from "IDS" aggressively calls local businesses, though his caller ID shows "GPS." He asks for the owner by name, acting like they have a prior relationship, then becomes hostile when screened by office staff, telling managers they "did not rate the conversation" and hanging up abruptly. He refuses to leave messages and calls back repeatedly. He uses this aggressive behavior to try to bypass normal business screening and pressure owners into high-pressure sales situations. Legitimate business partners never use intimidation and insults to earn your business.
"Steve Dixon from IDS, caller id says GPS, asked for the Owner by name, told him the Owner was not in, I am the Office Manager and he said I did not rate the conversation. I am going to Love Blocking him!"
No, area code 276 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Virginia, United States. Area code 276 is a general purpose code that has been in service since September 1, 2001.
You're likely experiencing "Neighbor Spoofing." Scammers fake their caller ID to display local or familiar numbers. If you live in or near Virginia (Bristol, Martinsville, Wytheville), or have a 276 phone number yourself, scammers know you're more likely to answer what appears to be a local call.
Other Virginia area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: