{"area_code":"218","is_legitimate_code":true,"explanation":"Area code 218 is a legitimate Minnesota area code. The code itself is not a scam, but scammers can spoof any number — including 218 — 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":42,"total_complaints":160,"top_subjects":["Other","Reducing your debt (credit cards, mortgage, student loans)","Dropped call or no message"],"most_complained":[{"number":"(218) 229-6276","complaints":9,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/2182296276"},{"number":"(218) 396-1570","complaints":7,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/2183961570"},{"number":"(218) 935-6463","complaints":7,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/2189356463"},{"number":"(218) 220-3987","complaints":7,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/2182203987"},{"number":"(218) 461-4190","complaints":6,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/2184614190"}],"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/218/scam","source":"North American Numbering Plan Administrator via areacode.fyi","data_date":"2026-10-21"}