The 262 area code is targeted by legal arrest threats and IRS impersonation calls. Scammers try to convince you that you owe taxes or fines to the government to steal your funds.
Scam & Spam Phone Number Lookup:
Our database contains over 25 million Do Not Call and robocall complaints reported to the FTC.
Scammers call 262 residents claiming a plaintiff has hired them or that complaints are filed against your name and Social Security number. They make vague threats of "legal action" or a "failure to comply," sometimes mentioning a specific plaintiff or a recent ticket you may have received. They pressure you to call an 800 or 855 number to "resolve the issue" and also contact your family members with the same threatening messages. They use your fear and confusion to collect personal information or money through fake legal processes. Real process servers and law enforcement do not call ahead to warn you. They show up.
"Received a call from 262-683-7492 looking for my son who recently had a ticket. The caller said a plaintiff was looking for my son and hired this company to find him. If he did not call 855-470-0445 back to resolve the issues asap the issue will be turned over to a judge for further action at his home or work."
Callers claim there is fraudulent activity on your Social Security account or that you owe back taxes to the IRS. An automated voice message mentions "legal enforcement" against your SSN, they threaten arrest by your local police department, and the caller ID might be spoofed to read "SSI." They demand your Social Security number to "verify" your identity. They use whatever personal information you provide to steal your benefits, file fake tax returns, or open accounts in your name. The Social Security Administration and the IRS never call you to threaten you or demand immediate payment. They initiate contact through official mail only.
"Got a call from 262-203-9366 caller stated he was with the IRS also stated if I didn't give them my SSN I would have a federal arrest warrant issued"
An automated recording calls about your car warranty, often mentioning giving you "one more chance to extend" your coverage. The caller can't provide specific details about your car without you giving them information first, and they call multiple times a day, even after you've asked them to stop. They use whatever personal and financial information you provide to sign you up for overpriced extended warranties or steal your identity. Legitimate companies you do business with will have your vehicle information on file and contact you via mail. These cold calls are fishing attempts.
"Robot voice 'auto warranty services' ... Stoooooop calling me ffs!"
Scammers pretend to be from major retailers like Kohl's, Amazon, or Walmart, claiming there's a problem with your account or a fraudulent charge like a "$1537.35" headset from Walmart. A caller claiming to be from Kohl's asks for your Social Security number for verification, they tell you about a large Amazon or Walmart order you did not place, ask you to download software like "anydesk" so they can issue a refund, or instruct you to call back a number that doesn't match the official customer service line. They use your personal information and computer access to steal money directly from your accounts or make unauthorized purchases. Retailers like Kohl's and Amazon will not call you and ask for your full Social Security number. They handle fraud alerts through official apps and websites.
"...In five special edition with 3-D headset is being ordered from your Walmart account for an amount of $1537.35 to cancel your order or to connect with one of our customer support representative please call back on the same number…"
The caller's only goal is to get you to say the word "yes." They start by asking "Can you hear me?" or claim their "Blue Tooth was not working well," say they are on a "recorded line" right before asking a question designed for a "yes" answer, and if you say "yes," the line may go silent or hang up immediately. They record your "yes" response and use it to authorize fraudulent charges or sign you up for services. Legitimate callers identify themselves and the purpose immediately. Using tricks to get a voice signature is a scam hallmark.
"She asked if I could hear her and I unfortunately said yes and instead of stating, That I could. Nothing happened after that and the phone was silent so I hung up."
Scammers call collecting donations for fake charities, often claiming to represent police, firefighters, or veterans using names like "Police support fund" or the "Volunteer Firefighters and EMS Fund." They ask for donations for vague-sounding police or firefighter associations, get rude or quickly end the call when you ask for details or a website, pressure you for immediate credit card donations, and often start with questions designed to get a "yes" response like "Do you support our local police?" They pocket your donation money instead of giving it to first responders. Real charities are transparent and never pressure you for immediate phone donations. Many of these groups give very little money to the actual cause.
"I got a phone call from 262 233 2498 asking for donations to a group that supports Blue Lives Matter. I told them that I donate to our police association on several occasions and asked for more info and they just want my credit card number."
Business owners get recorded messages claiming to be from Google, warning that your listing is in "danger of not displaying properly" and urging you to press 1 to speak with a representative. They create urgency suggesting your business listing is at risk, ask you to "verify" your business listing over the phone, and hang up when you question their legitimacy. They sell you overpriced and often useless marketing services that you don't need. Google does not charge for your Business Profile or make unsolicited automated calls. These are third-party companies using deceptive tactics.
"'Hello this is an important message regarding the current state of your company's business listing on google your listing may be in danger of not displaying properly...please press one to be quickly connected...'"
Area Code 262 phone numbers reported as unwanted calls to the FTC in the last 30 days.
(262) 208-1703
No Subject Provided
3 reports ·
(262) 218-4363
Dropped call or no message
3 reports ·
(262) 464-6680
Reducing your debt (credit cards, mortgage, student loans)
3 reports ·
(262) 464-1968
Reducing your debt (credit cards, mortgage, student loans)
2 reports ·
(262) 463-6186
Reducing your debt (credit cards, mortgage, student loans)
2 reports ·
(262) 735-5573
Other
2 reports ·
(262) 464-2500
Other
2 reports ·
(262) 518-7455
No Subject Provided
2 reports ·
(262) 463-9786
Other
2 reports ·
(262) 217-6157
Other
2 reports ·
No, area code 262 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Wisconsin, United States. Area code 262 is a general purpose code that has been in service since September 25, 1999.
You're likely experiencing "Neighbor Spoofing." Scammers fake their caller ID to display local or familiar numbers. If you live in or near Wisconsin (Kenosha, Racine, Waukesha), or have a 262 phone number yourself, scammers know you're more likely to answer what appears to be a local call.
Other Wisconsin area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: