{"area_code":"231","is_legitimate_code":true,"explanation":"Area code 231 is a legitimate Michigan area code. The code itself is not a scam, but scammers can spoof any number — including 231 — 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":77,"total_complaints":276,"top_subjects":["Other","Reducing your debt (credit cards, mortgage, student loans)","No Subject Provided"],"most_complained":[{"number":"(231) 578-5078","complaints":10,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/2315785078"},{"number":"(231) 430-2528","complaints":8,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/2314302528"},{"number":"(231) 774-2780","complaints":7,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/2317742780"},{"number":"(231) 390-2006","complaints":7,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/2313902006"},{"number":"(231) 571-0080","complaints":6,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/2315710080"}],"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/231/scam","source":"North American Numbering Plan Administrator via areacode.fyi","data_date":"2026-09-13"}