Is the area code 929 spam? How to stop it

Area code 929 serves New York City, NY, excluding Manhattan. This area code has a bad reputation online, and is frequently quoted as one of the area codes to avoid. Is this actually true? Not according to our research. Read on to find out why.

Dorota Martin

Is area code 929 spam?

Area code 929 is not spam. It’s an area code that serves New York City, NY, excluding Manhattan. According to our research, area code 929 gets reported as spam occasionally in New York City—it’s the 15th most frequently reported source of spam in this area.

In other words, area code 929 is more likely to be spam if you live in New York City, but it’s not among the ones most frequently reported.

Related: How to block an area code

Spam is annoying. Get your contact info off the internet with Incogni.

What are the top 10 area codes residents of New York City report as spam?

Here is the list.

Do you want to find the most frequently reported area codes where you live? Check our article on spam area codes which includes an updated list. 

Why do 929 numbers keep calling you?

The likely reason why you keep receiving calls from 929 numbers is that sensitive information, such as your telephone number, has been exposed in a data breach or is being sold on data broker sites. While there isn’t much you can do if your data has been breached, you should consider removing your information from data broker sites.

Which phone numbers starting with the 929 area code are reported the most in New York City?

Among the few spam calls originating from the 929 area code, certain numbers are reported repeatedly. Below is a list of the most frequently reported 929 numbers in New York City.

What are calls starting with 929 area code about?

Based on information from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the 929 area code is predominantly associated with spam calls related to medical and prescription offers, accounting for about 10.81% of these calls. Another significant category is imposter calls, with scammers pretending to be government agencies, making up 9.01%. Calls regarding debt reduction for credit cards, mortgages, and student loans represent 5.59% of the total. Additionally, there are some instances of lotteries, prizes, and sweepstakes-related calls (2.88%), warranties and protection plans (1.62%), and vacation and timeshare offers (1.08%). 

Other subjects include energy and utility solutions (1.08%), charity appeals (0.72%), work-from-home opportunities and other money-making schemes (0.72%), and home improvement and cleaning services (0.54%). Computer and technical support-related calls are less frequent, coming in at 0.36%.

61.78% of spam calls reported in New York City originate from New York City

Spam and scam calls are widespread in the US, prompting many to seek online advice for how to deal with them. Often, this advice suggests avoiding certain “spam are codes” believed to be problematic nationwide. However, the tactics of scammers and spam callers have evolved over time.

Incogni’s research team conducted an analysis of the top ten most reported area codes in each state, using data from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The research showed that no specific area codes consistently rank as sources of unwanted calls across different states. Instead, the list varies and changes over time, and is unique to each state.

Nationally, as much as 59.81% of all spam calls reported to the FTC come from the same state as the recipient. In New York City, this proportion is in keeping with the national average, with 61.78% of spam calls reported originating from New York City itself. The area codes people should be most suspicious about are those coming from a local area code. 

How to recognise a scam call

Recognizing a scam call can be challenging, as scammers use various tactics to deceive you. Typically, these calls come from an unknown number, most likely from a local area code, and insist on immediate action or ask you to share personal information, such as your Social Security number or bank account details.

Watch for signs like pre-recorded messages, urgent requests for payment or financial data, offers that seem too good to be true, and threats or high-pressure tactics. Some scammers claim to represent a well-known company or institution. Being cautious and skeptical about phone calls coming from unfamiliar numbers is the key to identifying a scam call.

How to recognise a scam text message

One of the common tactics used by text-message scammers is to include malicious links within their text messages. These links may request personal or financial information, or ask you for an immediate payment. Be cautious of messages that create a sense of urgency or use alarming language to provoke a quick response, and don’t click on any links.

What to do if the 929 area code keeps calling you?

Or any other area code for that matter, as this advice is valid for all suspicious calls and messages. Here are the steps you can take to combat scam and spam calls: 

1. Be passive. When it comes to unwanted communications, it’s best to adopt a passive approach. Avoid answering calls from numbers you don’t recognize. This reduces the risk of engaging with scammers. 
2. Verify the caller’s identity. If you receive a suspicious call, take the time to verify the caller. Instead of responding directly, reach out to the organization they claim to represent though official channels such as contacting tech support or visiting their official website.
3. Block future calls and text. Use the tools available on your phone to prevent future texts and calls from the same number from reaching you. To find out more, check our article on how to stop spam texts on Android & iPhone.
4. Register with the Do Not Call list and report. To proactively reduce the number of unsolicited calls you receive, register your number with the FTC’s National Do Not Call Registry. Doing so can significantly decrease the number of unwanted calls you receive, although it may not stop scam calls. 
5. Report scams. These can be reported to the FTC, which plays a key role in combating scams. By reporting scams and suspicious numbers, you contribute to their database, helping to curb scam and prevent scammers from targeting others.

How to prevent spam and scam calls in the future 

Stay informed and vigilant about the amount of personal and financial information you share online. Scammers often find your number in places like social media platforms and people search sites, and use it to target you with scam calls.

Protecting your online data means updating your privacy settings on websites and apps to prevent sensitive information from being exposed, and proactively asking for your data to be removed. It’s a tedious task, but it’s the only way to stop being targeted in the long term.

For comprehensive, step-by-step instructions, read our guide on how to remove personal information from the internet.

Alternatively, consider using Incogni’s data removal solution. It can save you hours on manual removal requests and effectively reduce spam and scam calls by cutting spammers off from your contact details at the source.

Other area codes often considered spam:

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