The 228 area code is frequently used for Social Security suspension threats and car warranty robocalls. Fraudsters try to scare you into believing your identity is at risk or that your vehicle coverage is expiring.
Look up any suspicious number using our scam and spam phone number lookup database. It includes over 29 million Do Not Call and robocall complaints reported to the Federal Trade Commission.
Getting calls from 228 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Mississippi (Gulfport, Biloxi, Pascagoula) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 228 scams based on user comments:
Scammers from 228 numbers are using a particularly nasty tactic, claiming a "legal complaint" has been filed against your Social Security Number and driver's license. They leave urgent voicemails threatening to "legally block" or suspend your SSN immediately to frighten you into calling back and revealing sensitive information.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) primarily communicates through mail. The SSA will never call to threaten your benefits, demand immediate payment, or tell you your SSN has been suspended.
"received voicemail from this number stating there was a complaint under my SSN and drivers license number, that they received a legal complaint to block my SSN immediately, so before they go ahead legally blocking my SSN to kindly call them back at 228-335-4560"
A high volume of robocalls are targeting Mississippi Gulf Coast residents about expiring car warranties. These calls often start with a live agent who then transfers you to another person to pressure you into buying an unnecessary or fake service plan.
Your vehicle's manufacturer does not use high-pressure, unsolicited robocalls to sell extended warranties. These calls are almost always from third-party sellers with no affiliation to your car's brand.
"Car warranty scam. Initial call is from a live agent speaking American English with an accent, but after faking interest I was transferred to another agent who seemed to be a native US English speaker. After letting her go through her spiel for a while, I asked for a number to call her back. She immediately disconnected."
Residents are receiving calls and computerized voicemails with vague but serious threats of legal action. Callers mention a "claim filed" or a "complaint" and use fake names like "Karen Miller" or bogus company names like "National Document" to sound official and create a sense of panic.
Legitimate legal actions are not initiated with a threatening robocall. You would be served official papers in person or receive certified mail, not a vague phone call demanding you call back immediately.
"Call from 228-207-0769 saying to contact Karen Miller before the end of business day or matters will be taken or something like that!"
Scammers are sending texts and making calls about student loan forgiveness, trying to get your personal information. They often reference "recent legal adjustments" to create a false sense of urgency, even contacting people whose loans were paid off a decade ago.
All official communication about federal student loan programs comes directly from the U.S. Department of Education or your official loan servicer, not from unsolicited calls or texts.
"I got a call from them about my being eligible for student loan forgiveness. I never signed up for any program like that so those a-holes were just trying to commit fraud and take my money and/or social security number."
Scammers are sending texts and automated calls about fake orders and deliveries to trick you. Reports include texts about an "iPhone 13" being returned and robocalls about "fraudulent charges" on an Amazon account, both designed to get you to call a scam number or click a malicious link.
Amazon will not call you about security issues and direct you to call a separate number. All official notifications and order details are found within your secure account on their official website.
"Automated call about fraudulent charges, advised to call Amazon Security at 228-865-7277."
Many people along the Mississippi coast are being bombarded with relentless, repeated calls from the same or similar numbers. These calls often come in rapid succession, sometimes dozens of times a day, and frequently result in a hang-up or complete silence if you answer.
These calls are typically from autodialers, or "robocallers," that are programmed to dial thousands of numbers to identify active lines. Answering the call, even for a second, often puts you on a list to receive even more spam calls.
"This number has called my phone 22times in the last 24 hours. It's harassment"
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 228 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Mississippi, United States. Area code 228 is a general purpose code that has been in service since September 15, 1997.
Most common 228 scam types are:
You're likely experiencing "Neighbor Spoofing." Scammers fake their caller ID to display local or familiar numbers. If you live in or near Mississippi, or have a 228 phone number yourself, scammers know you're more likely to answer what appears to be a local call.
Calling back to unknown spam number may incur premium charges or at least confirm your phone number is active and lead to more spam and scam calls.
There are three main ways to reduce spam calls:
It's definitely possible to block all specific area code phone numbers. However, we do not recommend this option because it would also prevent friends, family, doctors, and legitimate businesses from reaching you.
Other Mississippi area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: