What You Need to Know About a 213 Area Code Text Message Scams
Cindy Ellis - August 15, 2025
Cellphones have connected the world in ways that we used to only dream of, but with that connection has come unwanted consequences, with the biggest one being spam. In fact, billions of scam calls are made each month, and the average person receives thousands of these calls and texts every single year. While spam is annoying, scams are even worse, and many scammers have taken advantage of how easily accessible people are via their phones.
Unfortunately, this is where 213 area code text message scams come into play. The good news is that this article helps you protect yourself. What’s more, we help you put a stop to these text messages; this way, you can speak with whom you want to speak with. Read on to learn more about 213 area code text messages and how to stop them.
What Is an Area Code?
Area codes are the first three digits of phone numbers in the United States and some parts of Canada. In fact, even some Caribbean countries also use area codes, so it’s not just a United States thing.
Area codes are part of the 10-digit phone number system that these counties use, which is outlined by the North American Numbering Plan (NANP). You’ll find area codes for most counties, towns, and cities across the United States.
Without area codes, tons of people would end up with the same phone number. Therefore, they’re necessary to ensure that there is some variation.
What Area Code Is 213?
Area code 213 is one of the original area codes. In fact, it was assigned to its region back in 1947. Today, it still covers the same area it was assigned to, which is Los Angeles, California. While this area code covers many parts of Los Angeles, it also covers a handful of the surrounding areas.
For example, area code 213 also covers Huntington Park, Montebello, and some parts of other neighborhoods. While area code 213 is the original area code for Los Angeles, it’s important to note that it’s not the only one.
Los Angeles has one overlay area code, which is 323. This area code also covers other areas and was opened up to parts of LA back in 2017.
Common 213 Area Code Text Message Scams
Unfortunately, there are dozens of phone scams out there. Some involve calling, others involve text messages with links, and some are even multi-stage scams designed to steal your identity. If you’re trying to protect yourself from area code 213 text message spam or scams, it helps to know what some of the latest phone scams are. Learn more about them below.
Fake Package Delivery
One of the most common text message scams is the fake package delivery. You’ll get a text message from area code 213, or any other area code, stating that your package is on the way. The verbiage may differ depending on the scammer, but in most cases, it will involve a package that is out for delivery or one that has been delivered to the wrong address.
The purpose of these messages is to get you to click a link. If you click that link, however, you may accidentally download malware or a virus onto your device. Sometimes, it may even bring you to a login portal that’s designed to steal your password.
Text Messages from Your Financial Institution
Unfortunately, another common area code text message scam involves someone posing as your bank or financial institution. Typically, there will be a link to a login window that looks almost identical to your bank. There may also be a phone number for you to call. If you do this without verifying that it’s actually your bank, they can gain access to your banking information.
This can lead to identity theft, fraud, and stolen money. While you may be able to get some back, in the worst cases, you’ll be out of luck and have to scramble to change all your passwords.
Fake Jobs
With the rise of remote work, millions of job scams have flooded the market. According to CNBC, this is only going to get worse due to AI, and fake job scams were up nearly 120% in 2023. While many of these fake jobs are posted on job boards and in other places online, some scammers are bold and will directly text you.
Due to Los Angeles being a major financial hub, it’s not uncommon for number spoofers to use the 213 area code. Therefore, if you’re getting suspicious text messages about a big job out in LA, and you live across the country, there’s a good chance that it may be a scam.
Romance Scams
Last but definitely not least, romance scams are on the rise. Whether it’s a catfish or someone claiming to have the wrong phone number, romance scams are on the rise. While it may start off as an innocent conversation about a wrong number or a recommendation from a friend, it may evolve into a cash grab or something worse.
For these reasons, if you’re getting random romantic messages from the 213 area code, and you don’t live anywhere near it, there’s a chance that it may be a romance scam.
How to Stop 213 Area Code Text Message Scams
Putting a stop to 213 area code text message scams is simple, especially if you have a reliable reverse phone lookup tool. That said, plenty of apps and other tools can also help you put a stop to these scams. Learn more about your options below.
1. Information.com
The best way to stop text message scams from area code 213 is to use our reverse phone lookup tool. Simply enter the phone number that texted you, and you can learn everything about it. If you’re worried about scams, for example, you can run the number through the tool and verify someone’s identity. Then, if you know it’s a bad actor, you can always block the number and move on.
Another benefit of using our reverse phone number lookup tool is that you can also discover phone numbers or contact information associated with that number. Therefore, if someone is texting you with a 213 area code, but you’re getting spam emails and calls from the same company, you can block all of the associated phone numbers and emails. This way, you never have to be surprised or caught off guard.
2. National Do Not Call Registry
While it may be the National Do Not Call Registry, that doesn’t mean it can’t help you stop spam or scam text messages as well. This is because telemarketers still need to follow phone call rules and regulations when it comes to texting prospects.
Therefore, if you want to stop incoming text scams from area code 213, you can enter your phone number into the Federal Trade Commission’s National Do Not Call Registry. The best part of this method is that entering your information into this system will stop texts or calls from any area code, which is handy if someone tries to get creative and uses area code 323 instead.
3. Block Phone Numbers from Area Code 213
Another great way to put a stop to any texts from the 213 area code is to simply block them. What’s more, if you don’t live in California or know anyone from there, there’s a good chance that anyone texting you from that city is either trying to sell you something or scam you. The good news is that blocking these phone numbers should stop them from contacting you.
That said, area code 213 isn’t the only code that covers Los Angeles. For this reason, if you want to block calls coming from this area, it’s a good idea to block texts from area code 323 as well.
While blocking phone numbers is effective, it’s not perfect. For example, someone can simply get around it by texting you from a different phone number. Therefore, we recommend using our reverse phone lookup tool before you block the number. It can help you discover other numbers to look for, along with email addresses and much more.
Our Final Thoughts on 213 Area Code Text Message Scams
When you get a text message from an area code that you’re not familiar with, it’s understandable to be cautious. Thankfully, you never have to question who’s on the other line with our reverse phone lookup tool. Simply run any phone number from any area code through our tool to learn more about who’s texting you.
If you’re able to verify someone’s identity but you’re still not sure if you’re dealing with a scam, don’t worry, because we have plenty of tips and strategies to help you determine if a text message is a scam.
