{"area_code":"256","is_legitimate_code":true,"explanation":"Area code 256 is a legitimate Alabama area code. The code itself is not a scam, but scammers can spoof any number — including 256 — 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":68,"total_complaints":335,"top_subjects":["Other","Dropped call or no message","Calls pretending to be government, businesses, or family and friends"],"most_complained":[{"number":"(256) 274-0005","complaints":34,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/2562740005"},{"number":"(256) 645-8028","complaints":15,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/2566458028"},{"number":"(256) 583-9911","complaints":13,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/2565839911"},{"number":"(256) 502-4285","complaints":10,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/2565024285"},{"number":"(256) 695-1701","complaints":8,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/2566951701"}],"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/256/scam","source":"North American Numbering Plan Administrator via areacode.fyi","data_date":"2026-08-02"}