The 304 area code is known for fake legal action threats and government impersonation calls. Fraudsters claim you are in trouble with the courts or the IRS to pressure you into making a payment.
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Our database contains over 25 million Do Not Call and robocall complaints reported to the FTC.
Scammers from West Virginia numbers leave terrifying voicemails claiming you have a "pending claim" or "two pending judgements" against you. They threaten to contact your HR department to have you served with papers at your job or home, mentioning "wage and asset verification" and fake case numbers you need to reference. They use your personal information to file bogus legal claims or steal your identity when you call back to "resolve" the matter. Real process servers do not call ahead to warn you. They show up.
"This message is solely intended for David... when calling please be certain to reference a case number... you are being contacted by the processing division we need to verify the contact address as well as a place of business to proceed against you at this time you are forfeiting your wife to take care of this matter outside of court he will contact your human resources department..."
Callers pretend to be from the Social Security Administration or the IRS, claiming your Social Security number has been "suspended for suspicious fraudulent activity" or demanding you verify information for tax returns. They become very aggressive when questioned, with one West Virginian reporting a "very mean person claiming to be an agent from the IRS." They use your Social Security number, date of birth, and bank information to steal your identity and file fraudulent tax returns. The Social Security Administration and IRS never call to threaten you. They contact you by mail.
"Got a robo call claiming my SS number has been suspended for suspicious fraudulent, to get ahold of the magistrate to call (304) 867-4631"
Robocallers claiming to be "Brenda, a Medicare advisor" bombard residents with calls about Medicare benefits, warning it's your "last chance" to get a Medicare back brace or that your coverage will be "cancelled" if you don't respond. They call multiple times daily despite requests to stop. They use your Medicare number to bill the government for expensive medical devices you never receive. Medicare will not call you to sell you anything. Official representatives will not threaten to cancel your coverage over the phone.
"Robot call, calls several times daily saying we have tried to reach you by mail and telephone, this is your last chance for a Medicare back brace, then says something about pain, then they say coverage will be terminated if we do not hear from you."
Callers like "Suzanne" claim your Toyota or other vehicle warranty is about to expire, congratulating you on a "$0 deposit and free maintenance" offer for being a "loyal customer" even if you aren't one. They know the make of your car but get other details wrong, creating false urgency about expiring warranties. They sell you expensive and often useless service contracts that provide little to no actual coverage. Legitimate companies contact you via mail with official documents from your car's manufacturer.
"Some lady left a VM saying her name was Suzanne and that my Toyota warranty was up for renewal. Also, congrats on my $0 deposit and free maintenance for being a loyal customer (am not a customer)."
Scammers calling as "James Williams" or "Mark Pierce" from Publishers Clearing House tell you you've won millions of dollars and a new Mercedes Benz, but first you must buy a "One Vanilla Gift Card" for $500 to cover fees before a prize agent can deliver your winnings. They steal the gift card numbers when you provide them, leaving you with nothing. Publishers Clearing House never asks for money upfront to cover taxes or fees. The real PCH prize patrol shows up at your door unannounced.
"James Williams said I won $3.5 million and a 2020 Mercedes. I was to get a One Vanilla Gift Card $500. A guy from Allentown is to bring my winnings! So sad people fall for this."
Callers identifying as "trip advisors" or "rewards department" specialists ask "Can you hear me okay?" then hang up as soon as you say "Yes." They record your "Yes" and use it as a voice signature to authorize fraudulent charges or services on your accounts. When you call back, the number is often disconnected or busy. Legitimate callers state their name and reason for calling immediately.
"A ladies voice said: 'I'm a trip advisor. Can you hear me?' As soon as my wife answered 'Yes' it hung up. I'm concerned that it was a known scam call where all they want is to record a 'Yes' answer from you..."
No, area code 304 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in West Virginia, United States. Area code 304 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 West Virginia (Charleston, Huntington, Parkersburg), or have a 304 phone number yourself, scammers know you're more likely to answer what appears to be a local call.
Other West Virginia area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: