{"area_code":"201","is_legitimate_code":true,"explanation":"Area code 201 is a legitimate New Jersey area code. The code itself is not a scam, but scammers can spoof any number — including 201 — so individual calls can still be fraudulent.","spoofing_note":"An area code only shows where a number is registered, not who is calling. Caller ID can be spoofed, so the code alone is not proof a call is local, safe, or fraudulent.","ftc_complaints":{"numbers_with_complaints":253,"total_complaints":1156,"top_subjects":["Energy, solar,  & utilities","Other","Medical  & prescriptions"],"most_complained":[{"number":"(201) 534-5824","complaints":63,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/2015345824"},{"number":"(201) 534-5822","complaints":41,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/2015345822"},{"number":"(201) 259-9223","complaints":26,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/2012599223"},{"number":"(201) 500-9357","complaints":23,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/2015009357"},{"number":"(201) 971-2252","complaints":23,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/2019712252"}],"note":"These are FTC Do Not Call complaints filed about specific numbers shown with this area code — frequently spoofed. The area code itself is not a scam.","source":"FTC Do Not Call Reported Calls"},"advice":"Judge the call by what it asks for (urgency, gift cards/crypto, confirming codes or SSN), not by the area code. When unsure, hang up and call back on an official number.","canonical_url":"https://areacode.fyi/201/scam","source":"North American Numbering Plan Administrator via areacode.fyi","data_date":"2026-08-02"}