Connecticut’s 860 area code is seeing Eversource utility scams and Social Security arrest threats. Fraudsters threaten to cut your power or send police to your home unless you pay immediately.
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 860 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Connecticut (Hartford, New Britain, West Hartford) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 860 scams based on user comments:
This is an aggressive scam heavily reported by your neighbors in Connecticut. You'll receive a robocall, sometimes with a spoofed caller ID that says "Eversource Energy," claiming your power will be disconnected in 30-45 minutes due to non-payment. They create panic, often calling on a Friday afternoon or weekend, to pressure you into paying immediately with untraceable methods like Zelle or by giving up your credit card info.
Eversource will never call and threaten to shut off your power on the same day. They provide multiple written notices by mail long before disconnection is a possibility and do not disconnect service on weekends or after 5:00 PM on Fridays.
"We received 3 calls already today from this number saying our Electricity would be disconnected due to non-payment. Caller ID says Eversource. I hung up and called Eversource because I am paid in full, Eversource they have confirmed this is a scam call."
Scammers are calling from 860 numbers claiming to be from the "legal department of the Social Security administration." An automated voice will inform you that your Social Security Number (SSN) has been suspended due to suspicious activity and that a federal trial is imminent or an arrest warrant will be issued. The goal is to terrify you into calling back and providing personal information to "clear your name."
The Social Security Administration does not suspend SSNs and will never call you to threaten legal action or arrest. The SSA initiates contact by official U.S. Mail, not with threatening robocalls.
"This was an automated call from the legal department of the Social security administration telling me that my Social Security number was suspended and that this case is going to a federal trial and that I could be arrested."
You've likely received these relentless calls about your car's extended warranty. Callers, sometimes identifying as "Jessica," will tell you it's a "final warning" about your vehicle's factory warranty. They often know the make and model of a car you currently or previously owned, making the call seem legitimate, but it's a high-pressure tactic to sell an overpriced and often useless service contract.
These calls are not from your car's manufacturer. They are from third-party telemarketers who use public or purchased data to target you. The urgency they create is completely artificial.
"A live person told me this my final warning on “unpaid payments” on my 2014 Jeep. I do not own a Jeep."
This scam uses fear to trick you into paying a non-existent debt. A robocall from a "Processing Center" or "Client Services" will leave a vague but threatening message about a "complaint filed against you" or that you are "forfeiting your right" to handle a matter. They provide a fake case number and instruct you to call back immediately, hoping you'll pay to avoid being served or taken to court.
Real process servers do not call ahead to warn you; they just show up. Legitimate debt collectors must provide written proof of a debt upon request and cannot threaten you with legal action they do not intend to take.
"I'm calling to verify a current address as well as a place of business address to proceed against you at this time. You are forfeiting your right to take care of this matter... You've been officially notified."
This scam involves a robocall claiming a fraudulent or unauthorized purchase has been made on your Amazon account, often for an expensive item like an "Apple iPhone." The message instructs you to press 1 or call back to cancel the order. This connects you to a scammer who will try to trick you into giving them your Amazon login, credit card information, or remote access to your computer.
Amazon will never call you about an order. All official communication about your purchases happens via email or through notifications in your secure Amazon account.
"Claiming to be Amazon calling to 'check a purchase that was trying to be made for an Apple iPhone on my amazon account'- they then asked for my first and last name and as soon as I said I did not feel comfortable giving him that information- he hung up on me."
Callers will contact you asking for donations for a "Police Officers association" or a "Fire Charity Fund." They use names that sound legitimate and appeal to your desire to support local heroes. However, these are often for-profit telemarketers who give a tiny fraction, if any, of the money to the actual cause and use high-pressure tactics to get you to donate immediately.
Local Connecticut police and fire departments do not use paid telemarketers to solicit donations. These calls are almost always from for-profit companies that keep most of the money you donate.
"Claiming to be collecting donations for 'the police who are really hurting right now', but not what departments or programs specifically. They have and are using multiple similar numbers to call. Just ignore and block."
These callers prey on residents by posing as representatives from Aetna, Medicare, or a generic "medical benefits" provider. They may offer free DNA tests, ask if you've had a saliva or blood test done, or claim they can get you increased coverage. Their true goal is to get your Medicare number or other personal details to commit medical identity theft and fraudulent billing.
Official representatives from Medicare or private insurance companies like Aetna will never call you unsolicited to sell products or ask for your personal information. Treat your Medicare number like a credit card number.
"Don't know the purpose of this call but the caller says he is from 'medical benefits' and asked if I already had a DNA test done and whether it was a saliva or blood test. He sounded of Indian origin."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 860 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Connecticut, United States. Area code 860 is a general purpose code that has been in service since August 28, 1995.
Most common 860 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 860 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: