{"area_code":"501","is_legitimate_code":true,"explanation":"Area code 501 is a legitimate Arkansas area code. The code itself is not a scam, but scammers can spoof any number — including 501 — 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":266,"top_subjects":["Other","Reducing your debt (credit cards, mortgage, student loans)","Calls pretending to be government, businesses, or family and friends"],"most_complained":[{"number":"(501) 585-8221","complaints":8,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/5015858221"},{"number":"(501) 468-3658","complaints":7,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/5014683658"},{"number":"(501) 452-3875","complaints":7,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/5014523875"},{"number":"(501) 301-0896","complaints":6,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/5013010896"},{"number":"(501) 781-8689","complaints":6,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/5017818689"}],"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/501/scam","source":"North American Numbering Plan Administrator via areacode.fyi","data_date":"2026-10-21"}