Callers from the 203 area code often use fake legal threats and debt mediation scams. They try to scare you into believing you are being sued so you will pay a settlement over the phone.
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 203 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Connecticut (Bridgeport, New Haven, Stamford) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 203 scams based on user comments:
Scammers posing as a "Mediation Service" are leaving aggressive voicemails for Connecticut residents, claiming a case is pending against you. They threaten that if you or your attorney don't call back, it will be recorded as you having "waived my right to counsel" and they will submit the case, often regarding a fictitious payday loan from over a decade ago.
Legitimate legal actions are served by official process servers in person, not announced via threatening robocalls. These "mediation" companies are phantom debt collectors using scare tactics to get you to pay for a debt that doesn't exist or is long expired.
"Left a voice mail for me that starts out as if a portion was cut off, but it ends with 'if I don't call back then it will be recorded as I waived my right to counsel and he will submit my case'."
A widespread robocall is telling residents their Social Security Number (SSN) has been suspended due to "fraud and money laundering." The automated message threatens that an arrest warrant will be issued and your government services blocked if you do not call them back immediately to resolve the issue.
The Social Security Administration will never call you to threaten you or tell you your SSN has been suspended. They primarily communicate through official U.S. mail, not with robocalls threatening your arrest.
"Automated message saying my social security number has been used in illegal activities and if I don't call back they will issue a warrant for my arrest."
Connecticut residents are getting robocalls claiming to be from "V-Tech Solutions" or a similar tech company. The message falsely informs you that your account has been charged $399 for an antivirus renewal and that you must call a specific number within 48 hours to cancel and get a refund. Callers are sometimes identified as "Dennis Morris" or "Daniel Parker."
This is a well-known refund scam. The goal is to get you on the phone and gain remote access to your computer to "process the refund," where they will either steal your banking information or trick you into sending them money. Legitimate companies never need to access your PC for a simple refund.
"This is to inform you that we have renewed your antivirus security for the upcoming one year and we have charged you three hundred and ninety nine dollars... if you want to cancel the subscription and want a refund then please call on this number 1 203 707 1437. ... Thank you this is Dennis Morris customer relationship manager."
This is a highly persistent robocall telling you that your car's warranty is expiring and you need to purchase an extended service contract immediately. Callers often don't know what kind of car you drive and can become extremely aggressive or even verbally abusive if you refuse their offer or ask to be removed from their list.
These are high-pressure sales calls for often overpriced or worthless service plans from third-party companies. Your vehicle's actual manufacturer will contact you via U.S. mail, not with aggressive robocalls, about legitimate warranty programs.
"Called me repeatedly, trying to sell me a warranty on a car that doesn’t exist. Asked to be taken off the list, and was told to pull my panties up. Block this number."
Scammers are calling, often late at night, pretending to be a grandchild or other young relative in serious trouble. They may claim they were in a car accident, broke their nose, and have been arrested, desperately asking you to send cash for bail money. Sometimes, a second scammer will get on the line pretending to be a "public defender" named Charles Fisher to make the story more believable.
This is a classic emotional scam that preys on a grandparent's instinct to help. Real law enforcement and public defenders do not call relatives demanding cash or gift cards for bail.
"Got a call from this number saying this was my grandson; when I said he sounded funny he said he broke his nose in a car accident & that's why he sounded funny. When I asked where he was calling from this person hung up."
Callers are impersonating Connecticut utility companies like Eversource, National Grid, and United Illuminating. They claim you have an overdue bill and threaten to disconnect your power within 30 minutes if you do not make an immediate payment over the phone.
In Connecticut, utility companies are required by law to send you multiple written notices well in advance of any service disconnection. They will never call and threaten to shut off your power in minutes or demand payment via gift cards.
"Got a call from 203 499-1652. automated voice claiming to be from electric company who was going to disconnect my power in 30 minutes due to non-payment. It's a scam -"
This scam specifically targets local businesses in our area. Callers, often with heavy accents from a noisy call center, claim one of your employees was featured in a local newspaper or magazine. They then aggressively try to get a direct employee email address, supposedly to send a "digital copy" of the article, but their real goal is to sell an overpriced "laminated plaque."
This is a phishing tactic used to harvest valid business email addresses for future spam attacks and scams. The "plaque" is a real but vastly overpriced product they use as a pretext to get you on the phone and verify employee information.
"Received a call from this number and he wanted my bosses email address said it was for the local publication in the 'That's Great News' section, our paper does not have that (instant alert as to the call was not legit)."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 203 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Connecticut, United States. Area code 203 is a general purpose code that has been in service since January 1, 1947.
Most common 203 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 Connecticut, or have a 203 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 Connecticut area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: