518 area code phone numbers reported to the FTC in the last 30 days:
| Phone Number | Complaints | Last Reported |
|---|---|---|
| (518) 644-1387 | ||
| (518) 520-7796 | ||
| (518) 474-3817 | ||
| (518) 558-8660 | ||
| (518) 657-4868 | ||
| (518) 777-1150 | ||
| (518) 757-5698 | ||
| (518) 777-4214 | ||
| (518) 546-0358 | ||
| (518) 401-4904 |
The 518 area code is seeing Social Security impostors and the emotional "grandson in jail" emergency scam. These callers manipulate your fear for a family member or your legal status to steal your cash.
Robotic voices claim SSN suspension due to drug dealing/criminal activities, demanding a callback to prevent legal proceedings.
"This call is from Department of Social Security Administration the reason you have received this phone call from our department is to inform you that there's a legal enforcement actions filed on your social security number for fraudulent activities so when you get this message kindly call back at the earliest possible on our number before we begin with the legal proceedings..."
Scammers pretend a grandchild is jailed for DUI and a fake lawyer demands $6,000 to $10,000 in cash for bail.
"My 'Grandson' called because in was in a car accident and arrested. Wants me to bail him out. He gave me this number (518 300 3676) for his lawyer Robert Stevens. Said lawyer would call from there to tell me how to pay."
Robocalls threaten to serve papers at home/work for non-compliance with a fake case number unless you call back.
"We received a threatening phone call from 518-735-3538, same as others, deep voice male threathening to serve papers at home or work with a case file. This must be stopped."
Robocalls warn of iCloud breaches from Russia/China, urging you to press 1 or call a 518 number for a fake technician.
"This is Molly from Apple support we have found some suspicious activities in your iCloud account that your iCloud account has been breached before using any Apple device please contact Apple support advisor press one to connect with Apple support advisor...or if you wish to contact us later please call us on our toll-free number .5187301561 thank you…."
Promises millions and a new car, sending fake checks and demanding "taxes" be paid via Walmart or Home Depot gift cards.
"Guy claimed to be Todd Slone from PCH claiming I won 5 million 500 thousand.. He even sent me a FAKE check via email and said I need to purchase Visa gift cards and Home Depot gift cards... 'which would be encrypted into my credit card for the purpose of paying taxes on the monies won'..."
Claims a $399 auto-renewal charge is imminent, urging a callback where scammers ask for credit card info to "process a refund."
"Call said my card was charged $399 as my security service license was updated. If I wanted to cancel to call 518-329-9057 immediately"
Leaves urgent threats of prison time over tax fraud, demanding immediate callbacks to avoid arrest.
"Stated 'Crimnal investigative department for the IRS This is the last attempt to contact you or criminal charges will be filed and prison time will follow. Contact 518-217-5564 to avoid prison time.' Knew it was a scam right away because the IRS does not call anyone..."
The 518 area code covers eastern Upstate New York, extending from the eastern Mohawk Valley to the Vermont border, and from the Canada–US border to south of Albany. The bulk of the population is in the Capital District, near Albany, Schenectady, and Troy. It also includes the Upper Hudson Valley counties, Greene and Columbia counties, and some northern parts of Dutchess County.
Area code 838 was added to the 518 numbering plan area in 2017. Both area codes 518 and 838 serve the same geographic region. Ten-digit dialing became mandatory on August 20, 2017.
New York's Capital Region and the North Country - Albany, Schenectady, and Troy - fall under the 518 area code, a corridor defined by state government, semiconductor manufacturing, and higher education. New York State government agencies, GlobalFoundries recruiters, and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute admissions are among the most common callers.