Is 801 a toll free number? No, it is not.
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Area Code 801 Scams |
Everyone knows the 800 number is a toll free call (there is a list of other legitimate toll free codes further down the page).
There are media reports companies are using the 801 number in place of the 800 number in their advertising. The apparent intent being to deceive people into thinking the 801 phone number is a derivation of the 800 phone number and would therefor also be a toll free call. It is not.
The 801 number is the area code for a part of Utah. Don't know if the companies are actually putting call centers there or just having the number forward to where the company's call center really is. Either way, your next phone bill will include full long distance charges for your call to Utah.
Any company unethical enough to pull this stunt is more than likely routinely doing other unethical things as well. If you see an 801 phone number and the company isn't already known to actually be located in Utah, it would probably be advisable to avoid that 801 number and company altogether.
Update, 2013
The 801 area code phone number is also being used in text message scams.Update, 2014
Beware emails having the 801 number listed in their message.Update, 2015
The 801 area code phone number is also being used as a fake caller ID number for phishing and outright fraud and other scams. If receiving a call from this number, simply do not answer. If you see an 801 area code in your voice mail list, do not activate the message; simply delete it. Malware can as easily be sent to a phone as to a computer.[This sure is a heck of a note for the folks who live in the 801 area code part of Utah. Wouldn't be surprised if the State of Utah were to eventually have the number changed to one that couldn't be mistaken as toll free. Not to mention the fact the number's reputation has been completely ruined anyway. (An update regarding the affected areas of Utah... The 801 area code area now has an overlay area code of 385. In other words, residents can choose which area code to be associated with.)]
Updates, 2016
The scams continue. In fact, they are getting worse. And not just the scams involving the 801 number. There are media reports all other phone scams are being ramped up as well.There Are Six Legitimate 800 Number Toll Free Codes
According to the FTC, the current toll free codes are:- 800
- 888
- 877
- 866
- 855
- 844
Updates, 2017
I've noticed I haven't always been notified when comments have been made and need to be moderated for publication. So if your comment doesn't show up right away, that is the reason. Going forward, I will regularly check the unmoderated comments section whether notified or not.Please do keep posting suspicious 801 numbers. The search engines eventually index those numbers and will continue to point future potential victims here to be warned.
Three Worthy Resources to Read and Share at Your Leisure
- IRS – Internal Revenue Service Information Page About Tax Scams
- FTC – Federal Trade Commission Page About Phone Scams
- BBB – The Better Business Bureau Scam Alerts Page
Update, 2017, October
Do you get phone calls that when you answer, it just disconnects? It is highly unlikely you are being stalked. It is just a robocall machine ascertaining at what days and times you usually answer calls. It then duly reports that information to the telephone solicitor boiler room. The telephone solicitors then know on what days and times to call.Well, actually you are being stalked; but it's just by telephone solicitors.
Update, 2017, December
New scam. Got a robocall informing me my IP connection had been compromised and would be disconnected withing the next 24-48 hours. It then asked me to press "1" for help. I immediately hung up.How did I know it was a scam? Simple, they did not identify themselves. Whether automated call or real human, a legitimate caller would have first identified themselves, e.g., "This is XYZ support", etc. Also, I highly doubt such a call that was legitimate would be a robocall. It would be a human who would first identify themselves and ISP and would then ask for me by name. What a farce; it just never stops. In fact, it just keeps getting worse.
Be careful out there.
Updates for 2018
#1 An addition to the October 2017 update. Never call back an unknown number out of curiosity that called you and then hung up. Not just the 801 area code, but any area code. Turns out that the 900 number isn't the only premium code number where you are billed major fees for calling. There are other numbers that look like area codes that will do the same thing to you.#2 Got the well-know, phony IRS robocall claiming to be from IRS collections or whatever. Instead of hanging up, I set the phone down so as to tie up their line as long as possible. Probably caused at least three fewer people from getting that call today. Depending on my mood, I do that with most of my landline robocalls.
#3 This is off topic, but still the perfect place to include it. From Census Bureau:
[Quote]
Census Bureau - April 5, 2018
Someone is at your door and claiming to be from the census bureau. Legit or scam? Turns out it is probably legit. Here's how to tell:
- They will be wearing an identification badge.
- They will be able to provide you a verification phone number.
- They will not ask you for money, credit card numbers, or your social security number.
[Unquote]
If interested, here's a census bureau podcast about it.
Come to think of it, I wouldn't interact with anyone calling and claiming to be from the Census Bureau. I don't even think they make such calls.
And since am off-topic today; here's a short, non-census-bureau At Your Door Leaflet Scam Alert you might want to quickly scan.
#4 "Is Pat there?" Yep, appears to be another scam resurrected from year 2016. Back then they used the name "Miguel". You will receive repeated calls, I've gotten 5-6 already. He always says, "Is Pat there?" Your reply should be, "Pat is at area code (xxx) xxx-xxxx." As for "(xxx) xxx-xxxx", it can be:
A. Your local police non-emergency phone number.
Or
B. Select a number from the FBI alphabetical list of field offices near you at https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices.
Needless to say, you forget to mention where the phone number you gave actually goes. Hopefully, the hint will be taken and the calls will stop. If they are actually stupid enough to call the number without checking first; with any luck, the caller's phone number and physical location will automatically be trapped. You've certainly done nothing wrong, you were just trying to help them find "Pat". After those previously mentioned 5-6 calls, I opted for option "A". If that doesn't work, I will then do option "B". If that doesn't work, then it's just immediately hanging up as I normally do with all telephone solicitors and scammers these days. [Update. I never heard from them again after doing option A.]
#5 June already. Telephone solicitor activity actually seems to be on the decline. However, telephone scammer activity seems to be on the increase; and they know your name. So if a caller knows your name, it still doesn't necessarily mean it is a legitimate call. Always ask who is calling. And if they start asking for personal information, then it is hanging-up time.
#6 Telephone scammers are also using the survey technique. They will tell you they are doing a survey and then ask an innocuous question for your opinion, but then they follow up by starting to ask you questions about your personal information.
#7 The usual charity scams abound this Thanksgiving/Christmas holiday season. Needless to say; never, ever donate via phone call.
Updates for 2019
#1 Media reports say robocalls will increase and calls from humans will decrease.#2 Well now; hopefully, all carriers will do this: Verizon will give subscribers free access to anti-robocall tools. There is other worthwhile information there as well.
[An update: regretfully, due to excessive spam, comments have been turned off as of February 2019.]
I don't know if they're related but I got a text message from 801-518-6410 that went like this:
ReplyDelete"Your entry has won! Go to http://rewardbestgc.com/?v9 and enter code 2012 to claim your $1000 Best Buy gift card!"
I thought it was suspicious so I Googled the phone number and it turned out I was right. The number has been reported at http://www.callercenter.com/801-518-6410.html as being used in a scam.
someone called Alberto Munoz called me from 801-930-8778 and he told me he was calling me from my electric company, I called right away to my electric company and they do not have idea about this phone number, it is scam, i am worried because they want to send me a technician to fix something inside of my house, be carefull...
ReplyDeletereceived a call from 801-889-1933 stating they wanted to prosecute me and had paperwork to "serve" me to appear in court. They are in Utah and I am in NY.. Total scam - do not fall for it.
ReplyDeleteI got a voice mail today from a Steve Martin at 801-742-7938 about helping him help me with some kind of "federal criminal offence". In Utah?
ReplyDeleteI got a text message from 8015166336 about a Honda crv 2004 for the price of 2,000 the person will not personally call but yes a scam
ReplyDeleteHas anyone investigated the origin of the scammers?
ReplyDeleteThe Gaines Twp Police has this as an IRS fraud caller at 801-656-2093 as of 4-15-2015
ReplyDeleteI just got this call today from this number 801-656-2093- June 30, 2016. I didn't even say Hello, but listened for about 15 seconds and then hung up. They didn't say anything. Guess they were waiting for me to say something. I don't mess with numbers that I am not familiar with.
DeleteJust found out that Marriott Hotels Rewards Program listed their contact number with 801 area code on their website. If it is not a toll free number, then you will be paying to use this service when you call to complain about your missing points. Marriott is based in Utah.
ReplyDeleteI got the same call today 10/2/18.
DeleteThere is an app called Whoscall that blocks all scam and telemarketers. It works wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI got a call from 1 801 701 0833 wanting to buy a boat in Fl
ReplyDeleteAny comments
I just got a text from 801-876-8576 asking about a trolling motor we have for sale.
ReplyDeleteYep - got the same and they sent a check for $1550 more than what item was listed as - I don't get it - what am I missing?
ReplyDeleteYou will be missing your $1550 that they will ask to be refunded.
DeleteThey will ask for you to deposit the check, then give them the $1550 overage in cash. Next thing you know, their check bounces but they are long gone with your $1550.
DeleteYep - received a check for $1550 more than item was listed for - what?
ReplyDeleteOntairo Canada, got 2 calls from 801-349-1701 on our cell phone. It cost us $0.10, for each call, on our Rogers bill this month. It's almost like it back-charged us for the caller to leave a voice message.
ReplyDeletereceived a call from 801-315-5454 saying I was qualified for financial aid, scam alert and another one from 315-215-4545 an hour apart and they said to claim my prize of 1,000 another scam. be aware of any of these numbers
ReplyDeleteA woman call me from 801 number, she said I have unclaimed money, I just blocked the number.
ReplyDeletethis scammers are also using newspaper ads and other media to sell vehicles, especially Toyotas RAV4 suv. example: 2001 RAV4 great condition, no wrecks, low miles, only $3000.00, too good of a deal right? scam, they want your call, and personal info, saw it in my local newspaper, BEWARE of ph. # 801-876-7099.
ReplyDeleteput an ad in autotrader and within minutes got a text from Linda wanting to buy the car, from area code 801
ReplyDeleteshould have said in the post just above here, the text from Linda, if it was really from Utah that's 2000 miles from where the car is, kinda long ways to be interested in a common car with 200,000 miles on it. now this morning have text on phone from someone in Arizona, also 2000 miles from where the car is.
ReplyDeletejust got a call from 801 566 8800, the name Harman Becker showed up, i did not answer it, i don't know anyone with that name. if i do not reconize the number or name i do not answer they left no message.
ReplyDeleteReceived call from 801 692 7712,asking if item still for sale,says I am at work text my husband.
ReplyDeleteWE have another number to add to the 801 scam....801-210-7423. This one told us this was our second and last chance to reply to them before we'd be taken to court. Why don't these people get real jobs and quit trying to scam people?
ReplyDeleteYa , just gt a call from 1-801-896 1222 " Rob Williams" claiming to a Microsoft IT guy .
ReplyDeleteGot a SCam call from 801-896-1222. Guy says he's Rob Williams Microsoft IT .
ReplyDelete10/19/16 @4:38 PM 801-615-0023 called. I did not answer but deleted it. I Googled the # and got this site. I am in NY State and do not know anyone from Utah, nor do I do business there.
ReplyDeleteJust got a call from Andrew (801-617-7543) from Morgan Stanley. Don't bite, its a scam!
ReplyDeletereceived a call from "CompHealth" #801-930-3675 out of Midvale Utah
ReplyDeleteSpirit airlines is 801 401 2222 I refuse to call if I will be charged. Is it so hard for an Airline to use a 800 toll free?
ReplyDeleteTwo calls to my cell from an 801 number I didn't know. Checked. Found this site.
ReplyDeleteI didn't even pick up the cell - I don't answer calls from people not on my call list.
Thanks for the info.
We got a call from Dennis Johnson 801 area code wanted to know our email address for text messages. We assumed it was for our son whose at boot camp right now. Guess not huh. Thanks for putting up here 801 scams.
ReplyDeleteGot a phone call from(801)743-5471. Didn't answer no message. Tried to call back but got the message this is a non working #. What the heck. Scammers will make a number that works for them. Says it's in Murray Ut.
ReplyDeleteNumerous calls from 801-716-1170. Have not answered. Interestingly, since I have not answered, the rings is only about 1, maybe 2 rings!
ReplyDeleteHave received several calls lately from 801 area codes and they attempt to "confirm" personal information with my student loan.
ReplyDeleteMy wife had just received a phone call while she was at work on her cell phone. The caller claimed to be 'Jovan', from 801-619-6193. He claimed to be calling from a company named 'BROWZ'. Here's the catch everyone: There is a legitimate company with that name, in Utah, which is where 801 area code is located. So it is VERY EASY for scammers to 'piggy-back' an already established Company, the larger the better.
ReplyDeleteHe claimed to be calling about safety protection, procedures, etc, & that they work with a large Railroad on the east coast, etc. He wanted $795 to provide my wife with this protection. ( we have a small business, so it was a business scam this time, not personal ) .... he said the $795 would also be annually.
Ironically, my wife & I both previously worked in a Credit / Fraud department. :(
Bottom line:
1. DON'T ANSWER YOUR PHONE IF YOU GET A CALL FROM 801 AREA CODE #.
2. DO NOT GIVE OUT ANY, I MEAN ANY INFO ( EMAIL ADRS, HOME ADRS, PH #'S, EVEN IF THEY HAVE IT, AND WANT TO VERIFY IT ).
3. ASK FOR AN ALTERNATE PH # IN CASE YOU GET DISCONNECTED SO YOU CAN CALL BACK, OR ASK FOR A DIFFERENT DEPARTMENT OR MANAGER.
4. YOU DON'T NEED STEPS 2 OR 3, because hopefully you would've gone with your gut feeling, and NEVER HAVE ANSWERED THE PHONE ...... SMH
Calls from number 801-312-9645. Locators say it's from Murray UT. Person says he lives in Michigan. What's going on
ReplyDelete801-732-7196 call and said he was from FPL he needed $800.00 or the power in my office would be turned off by 4.00PM that day wanted me to pay with gift card i have auto pay for my power bill nice try AAAAAAhole!
ReplyDeleteAn individual called from this number (801.896.1222), although it showed up as 622 on caller ID. He claimed to a "Microsoft Certified Technician" from the "Windows IT Department" and was calling to inform me that my PC was infected by viruses. As this was clearly a poorly executed social engineering scam (and also worth noting I don't use Windows), I challenged his claim. He told me to F*** off and hung up.
ReplyDeleteAbout 20 minutes ago I answered the phone and it was a pre-recorded message from "the IRS" saying they had been trying to contact me as they are initiating a lawsuit against me. They gave me a 208 area code number to call. Obviously I knew it was BS. If I had my glasses on I would have seen the call number (801) 656-2093. I just listened to the message and then hung up. What a bunch of baloney! It's tax time, so BEWARE.
ReplyDelete801-491-0348 called obvious scam , I asked how he got my phone number he starting laughing and hung up.
ReplyDeleteReceived two phone messages by some scam guy named Mr. White with the IRS from Utah (801) telling me the same story as the anonymous guy on 3/17/17. Folks, the IRS doesn't call you they only send letters via the Post Office. Don't fall for these scam tactics!
ReplyDeleteMissed a call to my cellphone today from 801-967-7823. Suspicious as usual, I didn't call it back. I always check those iffy area codes, and I see I've got lots of company. I'm adding this to my blocked numbers.
ReplyDelete801-573-1167 Received two text messages one had a contact attached. I deleted it and then another text messages showed up. I did not open that one.
ReplyDeleteI immediately got a message from one of my contacts saying they received a weird voice message that was for me about a lawsuit and that they were taking me to court. I think when I opened the first text message it stole the contact info in my phone.
I had to block the number but also had to send out text messages to everyone in my phone telling them if they get a random message for me about a lawsuit I don't have any legal issues and to immediately delete it so their contact info is not stolen. I also told them not to open anything or answer 801 numbers.
area code 801 getting call from Det Hill or Ken Miller Anyone get the same guys calling from area code???
ReplyDeleteWell.. Well they hit My House, WA!! Boohoo.... :( 801-864-2603!! Called 3x's said her name in the background!!! Weird
ReplyDeleteMy son has his car listed on Craigslist list. We're in California. Sure enough got an interested caller with an 801 area code. WTF? It happened one other time too. Wish these people would all just disappear. ðŸ˜
ReplyDeleteJust got this call at 2:28pm today from (801) 649-3033, didn't catch the name (I think something to do with IRS) but it was a recording telling me my house is under surveillance and it kept going but I hung up. This was second time in about a month.
ReplyDeleteNow that I know not to answer, I won't. And if somebody sends you money then wants a refund, its so they can get your banking information.
ReplyDeleteIF YOU SEND MONEY TO PEOPLE YOU DON'T KNOW, USE A MONEY ORDER.
Our previous phones crapped out, they were old. But we have been plagued, not with scam calls so much (a few), but a barrage of 'semi-local' companies, calling to solicit home repair/remodel business. "My name is Mike, and I work with a general contractor..." etc. Ironically, hubby used to be a gen. contractor himself, so we just tell them that, and hang up. In fact, we had our own repair/remodel business for a while, and never needed to solicit business: we got plenty by word of mouth.
ReplyDeleteBut, I digress. We got new phones, and this set (base unit and 4 extensions, like our old one), automatically filters out junk calls, by blocking and not allowing to ring through any call not in our programmed list of friends, relatives, and current businesses we use.
It will ask such an unidentified caller to state their name, and then it will announce, "call from..." and we can decide to pick up or not.
Guess what? Junk callers do not give the info. Ahhhh...it is SO NICE to no longer be awakened at 7:30 or 8:00 in the morning with junk calls!
Received a call from 801-810-2262. No message left.
ReplyDeletePhone call from area code 801-888-7512 called 5 times in less than 3 hours..How can we have all 801 numbers unable to call here. This has been going on for days.
ReplyDeleteEver since I paid my Heavy Road Use Tax to the IRS and used my cell phone number I have been getting all kinds of these scam calls. Probably just another way our Government is ripping us off and stealing our money.
ReplyDeletemy x is a elderly man.. and he continues to get these phone calls. I normally can head him off at the pass... but unfortunately, the 801-704-5300 convinced him to send $6500 for insurance for his winnings to an attorney named Robert Warren Petron out of Florida. This is such a scam. He is suppose to get over 1 million dollars tomorrow. grrrrr sure wish someone could stop all these scam calls!!!
ReplyDeleteI received the following email that contained an 801 phone number. I was very suspicious about prior emails from this company, with a too good to be true job offer, that had my full name (spelled correctly) and email address.
ReplyDeleteGVP Delivery Services Inc. is pleased to offer you a job as a Logistics Manager.
We trust that Your knowledge, skills and experience will be among our most
valuable assets.
Please read the enclosed job offer and fill out form.
If You accept this job offer your starting date will be 8 of September.
Fell free to call +1 (801) 895-4980 us if you have questions or concerns.
Sincerely Yours,
GVP Delivery Services Inc.
I got the exact same email
DeleteGot a text from an 801 area code saying they had info on me soliciting for on line sex on Craigslist. Had my last name and location and saying they would post my info to family and friends unless I contacted them. Deleted and blocked number. Had other 801 area code messages in the past but never researched the numbers before. Will start not opening texts or answering calls with this area code in the future.
ReplyDeleteI received two calls in a period of one hour this morning from Jet Blue Airlines at an 801 phone number listed. Both times, they just clicked and hung up. My mother used Jet Blue very often but she is now deceased so that would be the only possible reason they might be calling. It is infuriating that they just keep hanging up and if they call again, I am not answering my phone since this is most likely a scam based on the other comments I read.
ReplyDelete2-3 calls a day from (801) 889-XXXX. I have blocked 5 of their numbers and today, they called twice from two new ones.
ReplyDeleteThe 801 area code is for the state of Utah as well as 385 and 435 are also UT area codes. The scammers spoof these numbers as they know they are real area codes. I don't answer my phone anymore and if it's real, they'll leave me a message.
ReplyDeleteMarriott Rewards phone number 1-801-468-4000 :D
ReplyDeletetry this number 801-820-0263.....that will get you wondering.....and what does 11317 mean??....very creepy!!
ReplyDeleteReceived a call from man calling from Fox Rental Car said my rental car was involved in accident in February and they need to talk to me! 801 316-2785 Had a bogus rental number which I never had and gave the claim ente name, some never had me upset then I looked at the number and said scam! They got some nerve! Need to be locked up
ReplyDelete8013962056.
ReplyDeleteVery official said the call was recorded gave me his badge number told me to get a pen and paper and he'd wait for me to write down the case number. Said that tax fraud was happening and that I needed to get an attorney immediately but then at the end he offered to give me a chance to pay. He asked what would you like to do? I replied ... get an attorney. Then he said good luck and hung up.
8019742733
ReplyDeleteJust got a call from this number asking to speak to my spouse. Asked them the reason they were calling. And they again asked for my spouse. Told them I needed to know why they were calling. They then aggressively replied with "I don't give out my information and your spouse gave me this as a contact number." Oh..I know for a fact that is not true. They got tired of me and just hung up.