272 Area Code — Scranton, PA

Everything about the 272 area code: location, time zone, major cities, 4,278 reported scams in 2023, and how to protect yourself from 272 spoofed calls.

📍 Scranton, PA 🕐 Eastern Time Zone 🛡️ MODERATE ⚠️ 4,278 scams
4,278Scams reported 2023
MODERATESafety rating
4.8Risk level /10
Approximately 225,000Population

Where is area code 272?

Area code 272 serves Scranton, PA. It was established in 2001.

Major Cities in Area Code 272

The 272 area code covers Scranton, PA. Major cities and communities include:

  • Scranton
  • Dunmore
  • Pittston

History of Area Code 272

Area code 272 was established in 2001 and serves Scranton, PA.

Nearby Area Codes

Related area codes near 272:

Common 272 Scam Patterns

Government Impersonation

Scammers pretending to be from IRS, Social Security, or local authorities

Common prefixes: 800, 888, 877

  • Threatening immediate arrest
  • Demanding immediate payment
  • Requesting gift cards or wire transfers

Auto Warranty Scams

Automated calls about extended car warranties

Common prefixes: 833, 844, 855

  • Pre-recorded messages
  • Urgent warranty expiration claims
  • Pressure to provide vehicle information

Tech Support Fraud

Fake technical support calls claiming computer problems

Common prefixes: 866, 877, 888

  • Claims of detected viruses
  • Requests for remote computer access
  • Microsoft/Apple impersonation

Legitimate Callers From 272

Government

  • Social Security Administration — Benefits and verification calls (official prefix: 800-772) verify
  • Internal Revenue Service — Tax-related communications (official prefix: 800-829) verify

Utilities

  • — Service and billing notifications

Healthcare

  • — Appointment reminders and follow-ups

Scranton, PA Authorities & Reporting

  • Police: Scranton Police Department (570-348-4130)
  • Consumer protection: Lackawanna County Office of Consumer Protection (570-963-6764)
  • Fraud unit: Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General Bureau of Consumer Protection (800-441-2555)
  • Emergency: 911, Scranton Police Department Non-Emergency: (570-348-4134

Immediate steps if you suspect a scam:

  • Document the call details
  • Report to FTC at ftc.gov/complaint
  • Contact local authorities
  • Alert your bank if needed

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the 272 area code?

The 272 area code serves Scranton, PA. Major cities include Scranton, Dunmore, Pittston. It was established in 2001.

Is the 272 area code a scam?

The 272 area code itself is legitimate — it covers Scranton, PA. But scammers spoof local numbers: 4,278 scams were reported in 2023, with common types including utility 37%, government 35%, banking 31%, other 28%. Always verify unknown callers.

What time zone is area code 272?

Area code 272 is in the Eastern Time Zone (UTC-5).

How do I report a scam call from 272?

Report scam calls to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov, the FCC, and Lackawanna County Office of Consumer Protection (570-963-6764). For Scranton, PA, contact Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General Bureau of Consumer Protection (800-441-2555) to file a complaint.

How can I protect myself from 272 area code spam calls?

Block unknown numbers, use caller ID / spam-blocking apps, never share personal info with unsolicited callers, and verify callers through official channels. CyberForget's phone tools help check whether a number is linked to known scams.

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