High Alert
Scam Protection
Verified Guide

Your comprehensive guide to identifying, avoiding, and responding to scam calls targeting the 917 area code in New York City.

Why 917 Area Code is a Prime Target for Scammers

Critical Alert: The 917 area code is among the most frequently spoofed by scammers nationwide due to NYC's prestige and high population density.

NYC's High Value Target

The 917 area code covers all five boroughs of New York City with over 8 million residents, making it a goldmine for scammers seeking both volume and variety in their targets. The high concentration of businesses, constant influx of new arrivals, and diverse population creates multiple opportunities for fraud.

Trust in Local Numbers

Scammers exploit the fact that people are more likely to answer calls from familiar area codes. By spoofing a 917 number, fraudsters significantly increase the chance that a New Yorker will pick up, listen, and potentially fall victim to their schemes.

Common 917 Area Code Scam Types

Government Impersonation Scams

  • IRS Tax Scams: Callers claim you owe back taxes and threaten arrest unless you pay immediately via gift cards or wire transfer.
  • Social Security Scams: Fraudsters say your SSN has been suspended due to suspicious activity and demand personal information.
  • Jury Duty/Court Scams: You're told you missed jury duty and must pay a fine to avoid jail.
  • Immigration Scams: Especially targeting NYC's immigrant population, callers pose as ICE or USCIS agents demanding payment.

Financial and Banking Scams

  • Bank Account Alerts: "Your Chase/Citi/BOA account is locked. Press 1 to verify your identity."
  • Credit Card Fraud: "There's a suspicious charge on your card. Please confirm your details."
  • Loan and Grant Scams: Offers of instant loans or government grants, requiring upfront fees.
  • Investment Fraud: Fake Wall Street tips, cryptocurrency opportunities, or binary options trading.

Tech Support and Utility Scams

  • Tech Support: "We've detected a virus on your computer. Let us remote in to fix it."
  • Utility Disconnection: "Your ConEd bill is overdue. Pay now or your power will be shut off."
  • Internet/Cable: Fake Spectrum, Verizon, or Optimum service suspension alerts.
  • Software Renewal: Microsoft, Apple, or antivirus software "expiration" notices.

Delivery and Service Scams

  • Fake Delivery Notifications: UPS, FedEx, USPS package delivery issues requiring payment.
  • Ride Share/Delivery Apps: Uber, Lyft, Grubhub account suspension alerts.
  • Subscription Services: Netflix, Amazon Prime, streaming service billing issues.
  • Package Redelivery: Requests for fees to redeliver packages.

How to Recognize a Scam Call

Red Flags

  • Urgency: "Act now or face consequences"
  • Threats: Arrest, deportation, lawsuits, or utility shutoff
  • Payment Requests: Gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency
  • Personal Info Requests: SSN, bank details, passwords
  • Caller ID Spoofing: Appears local but isn't
  • Unsolicited Offers: Prizes, investments, jobs you didn't apply for

Common Tactics

Robocalls

Automated messages with callback numbers designed to seem urgent.

Spoofed Numbers

Appear as 917 or other NYC area codes to gain trust.

Phishing Links

Texts or emails with malicious links to steal information.

Step-by-Step Response Protocol

When You Receive a Suspected Scam Call

  1. Don't Answer Unknown Numbers: Let suspicious calls go to voicemail.
  2. Never Share Information: Don't provide personal or financial details.
  3. Don't Press Buttons: Avoid following any prompts.
  4. Hang Up Immediately: Don't engage or try to "outsmart" scammers.
  5. Don't Call Back: Especially if the voicemail is vague or threatening.
  6. Block the Number: Use your phone's built-in blocking features.

If You've Been Targeted or Scammed

If You Gave Out Information:
  • Bank Info: Contact your bank immediately to freeze accounts
  • SSN: Contact Social Security Administration
  • Passwords: Change all affected account passwords
If You Sent Money:
  • Gift Cards: Contact the card issuer ASAP
  • Wire Transfer: Contact your bank immediately
  • Digital Payments: Report as unauthorized to Cash App/PayPal/Venmo

Essential Protection Tools for NYC Residents

TrueCaller Premium

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RoboKiller

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Google Voice (Free)

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Real NYC Scam Call Scenarios

The "ConEd Disconnection" Scam

Scenario: A Brooklyn resident receives a call from a spoofed 917 number claiming to be ConEd.

Threat: Power disconnection within 30 minutes unless payment via prepaid debit card.

Response: Hang up, call ConEd directly at their official number, confirm it was a scam.

The "IRS Arrest Warrant" Scam

Scenario: A Manhattan business owner gets a robocall from a 917 number warning of an arrest warrant.

Threat: Immediate arrest for unpaid taxes, demands wire transfer.

Response: Recognize the scam, block the number, report to FTC.

The "Fake Landlord" Scam

Scenario: A student searching for apartments in Queens finds a listing with a 917 contact.

Threat: After sending deposit via Zelle, the "landlord" disappears.

Response: Report to NYC311, contact bank, verify landlords in person.

Legal Protections and Reporting Resources

Your Legal Rights

  • Do Not Call Registry: Register at donotcall.gov to reduce telemarketing calls
  • Consumer Protection Laws: Federal and NY State laws prohibit most robocalls and scam calls
  • TCPA Protection: You may be entitled to $500-$1,500 per illegal robocall
  • Law Enforcement: Contact NYPD if threatened with violence or extortion

Where to Report Scams

FTC Consumer Sentinel NYC311 Portal FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center National Do Not Call Registry

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, scammers can make any number appear on your caller ID, including local 917 numbers. This technique is called "spoofing" and is widely used to increase the likelihood that victims will answer the phone.

No, never trust caller ID alone. Always hang up and call back using a number from the official website or your account statements. Legitimate organizations will never be offended by this security precaution.

Use call-blocking apps like TrueCaller or RoboKiller, report the numbers to your carrier and the FTC, and consider changing your number if harassment becomes severe. Also, check if your number has been leaked in data breaches.

While all NYC area codes (212, 646, 347, 917, 332, 929) are targeted, 917 is particularly attractive to scammers because it's strongly associated with mobile phones and newer residents who may be less familiar with local scam patterns.

Act immediately: contact your bank to freeze accounts, change all passwords, place fraud alerts on your credit reports, report the incident to local police and FTC, and monitor your accounts closely for any unauthorized activity.

Stay Safe, New York!

Remember These Key Points:

  • Never share personal or financial information over the phone
  • Don't let fear or urgency cloud your judgment
  • When in doubt, hang up and verify through official channels
  • Use call-blocking tools and report suspicious activity
  • Share this knowledge with friends, family, and vulnerable community members

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