Area Code 202 Scam Calls
The 202 area code (Washington D.C.) is heavily used by IRS impersonation scammers to imply government authority. At least 4 specific 202 numbers are documented in the TIGTA official IRS scam alert database for IRS and government scams.
Reports
Hundreds (TIGTA IRS scam database)
First documented
2018
Last active
2026-03
⚠ Area codes cannot identify individual scammers. Not all calls from this area code are fraudulent. This page documents patterns reported to the FTC and FCC for educational purposes only. Source: FTC consumer.ftc.gov and FCC fcc.gov official consumer alerts.
What the scam says
Callers use 202 numbers to imply Washington D.C. government origin. Scripts include IRS lawsuit threats, tax warrant calls, and Social Security suspension alerts. The caller ID 202 prefix is spoofed using VOIP infrastructure.
4 red flags
202 prefix implies Washington D.C. government — easily spoofed via VOIP
Multiple specific 202 numbers documented: (202) 810-9204, (202) 810-1627, (202) 379-1376, (202) 221-7923
Government agencies never cold-call with threats — first contact is always by mail
Real IRS notices have a CP notice number and specific tax year
What to do
Do not call back unknown 202 numbers claiming government authority
Call the real IRS at 1-800-829-1040 or SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to verify
Report to TIGTA at 1-800-366-4484
Report this scam
Source
TIGTA — multiple 202-prefix numbers in official IRS scam database; FTC government impersonation rule 2025
https://www.tigta.gov/report-scam ↗Related scam numbers
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Frequently asked questions
Is area code 202 a scam?▼
The 202 area code (Washington D.C.) is heavily used by IRS impersonation scammers to imply government authority. At least 4 specific 202 numbers are documented in the TIGTA official IRS scam alert database for IRS and government scams.
Why is a 202 number calling me?▼
Callers use 202 numbers to imply Washington D.C. government origin. Scripts include IRS lawsuit threats, tax warrant calls, and Social Security suspension alerts. The caller ID 202 prefix is spoofed using VOIP infrastructure.
Should I call back a 202 number?▼
Do not call back unknown 202 numbers claiming government authority Call the real IRS at 1-800-829-1040 or SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to verify
What country or region is area code 202?▼
The 202 area code (Washington D.
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Check your message →Source: TIGTA — multiple 202-prefix numbers in official IRS scam database; FTC government impersonation rule 2025
First documented: 2018 · Last active: 2026-03
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