{"area_code":"251","is_legitimate_code":true,"explanation":"Area code 251 is a legitimate Alabama area code. The code itself is not a scam, but scammers can spoof any number — including 251 — 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":56,"total_complaints":236,"top_subjects":["Other","Reducing your debt (credit cards, mortgage, student loans)","Dropped call or no message"],"most_complained":[{"number":"(251) 289-9052","complaints":16,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/2512899052"},{"number":"(251) 766-2195","complaints":12,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/2517662195"},{"number":"(251) 356-1468","complaints":10,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/2513561468"},{"number":"(251) 349-0149","complaints":10,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/2513490149"},{"number":"(251) 349-8654","complaints":8,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/2513498654"}],"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/251/scam","source":"North American Numbering Plan Administrator via areacode.fyi","data_date":"2026-08-02"}