{"area_code":"331","is_legitimate_code":true,"explanation":"Area code 331 is a legitimate Illinois area code. The code itself is not a scam, but scammers can spoof any number — including 331 — 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":63,"total_complaints":1191,"top_subjects":["Other","Reducing your debt (credit cards, mortgage, student loans)","No Subject Provided"],"most_complained":[{"number":"(331) 888-1773","complaints":260,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/3318881773"},{"number":"(331) 888-1940","complaints":247,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/3318881940"},{"number":"(331) 248-4967","complaints":151,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/3312484967"},{"number":"(331) 888-1662","complaints":134,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/3318881662"},{"number":"(331) 888-1953","complaints":64,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/3318881953"}],"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/331/scam","source":"North American Numbering Plan Administrator via areacode.fyi","data_date":"2026-10-21"}