{"area_code":"401","is_legitimate_code":true,"explanation":"Area code 401 is a legitimate Rhode Island area code. The code itself is not a scam, but scammers can spoof any number — including 401 — 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":73,"total_complaints":273,"top_subjects":["Other","Dropped call or no message","Reducing your debt (credit cards, mortgage, student loans)"],"most_complained":[{"number":"(401) 203-7947","complaints":16,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/4012037947"},{"number":"(401) 266-2999","complaints":8,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/4012662999"},{"number":"(401) 358-6588","complaints":7,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/4013586588"},{"number":"(401) 770-8700","complaints":7,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/4017708700"},{"number":"(401) 799-2344","complaints":6,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/4017992344"}],"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/401/scam","source":"North American Numbering Plan Administrator via areacode.fyi","data_date":"2026-08-02"}