Scam calls from 331 numbers

Patterns documented by FTC/FCC · numbering data as of July 28, 2026.

Scam calls that display a Aurora-area 331 number usually do not originate there. Spoofing lets a caller present any digits, and 331, with its 221 active prefixes, offers plenty of plausible-looking combinations. Below are the documented schemes most commonly reported behind local-looking calls.

The same territory answers to 630 as well, so spoofers rotate codes within the overlay complex to defeat simple blocking.

If any of these match a call you received, report it: the FTC's fraud reports and the FCC's complaint center are the channels that feed enforcement.

Documented patterns behind 331-looking calls

Neighbor spoofing

A form of caller ID spoofing in which the falsified number matches your own area code and often your NXX prefix, so the call appears to come from a nearby household and feels safe to answer.

Signs: the incoming number shares your area code and first three digits of your local number; answering leads to a robocall, silence, or a sales/scam pitch. Full pattern →

Charity fraud calls

Fundraising calls for fake charities, or for real-sounding causes where almost nothing reaches the beneficiaries. These spike after disasters and around holidays.

Signs: high-pressure appeals tied to a recent disaster; vague answers about how donations are used. Full pattern →

Student loan 'forgiveness' scam

Callers promise loan forgiveness or special repayment programs for an upfront fee, or phish for your FSA ID — which lets them take over your federal student aid account.

Signs: upfront fees for 'enrollment' in forgiveness programs; requests for your fsa id username and password. Full pattern →

Package delivery callback scam

A call or voicemail claims a package could not be delivered and asks you to call back or 'press 1', leading to phishing for personal data or premium-rate charges. The same lure is common by text (smishing).

Signs: delivery notice for a package you never ordered; callback number that does not match the carrier's official lines. Full pattern →

Immigration (USCIS) impersonation

Callers impersonate USCIS or 'immigration officers', claim a problem with your status or paperwork, and demand payment or personal information under threat of deportation.

Signs: threats of deportation unless a 'fee' is paid by phone; spoofed caller id showing uscis numbers. Full pattern →

Amazon / big-brand imposter robocall

A robocall claims a large purchase or suspicious activity on your Amazon (or other retailer) account and asks you to 'press 1' to dispute it, connecting you to an agent who harvests card and login data.

Signs: recording about an order you never placed; transfer to an 'agent' who asks for card numbers or remote access. Full pattern →

Reporting channels

• FTC ReportFraud
• FTC Do Not Call Registry
• FCC Consumer Complaint Center

FAQ

Are all calls from 331 numbers scams?

No — 221 real prefixes serve Aurora subscribers. The point is that the displayed code alone proves nothing either way; judge the call's content and verify independently.

Can I block the whole 331 area code?

Some phones and carrier apps allow prefix-based blocking, but scammers rotate codes (including overlays 630), so blanket blocking mostly costs you legitimate calls. Silencing unknown callers works better.

Where do I report a scam call from a 331 number?

File at ReportFraud.ftc.gov (fraud and losses) and the FCC Consumer Complaint Center (spoofing and robocalls). Include the displayed number, date and what was said.