{"area_code":"281","is_legitimate_code":true,"explanation":"Area code 281 is a legitimate Texas area code. The code itself is not a scam, but scammers can spoof any number — including 281 — 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":129,"total_complaints":597,"top_subjects":["Other","No Subject Provided","Dropped call or no message"],"most_complained":[{"number":"(281) 535-8976","complaints":18,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/2815358976"},{"number":"(281) 270-3734","complaints":15,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/2812703734"},{"number":"(281) 699-8863","complaints":15,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/2816998863"},{"number":"(281) 609-3471","complaints":14,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/2816093471"},{"number":"(281) 535-8967","complaints":13,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/2815358967"}],"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/281/scam","source":"North American Numbering Plan Administrator via areacode.fyi","data_date":"2026-08-02"}