{"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":96,"total_complaints":478,"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) 946-9819","complaints":27,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/5019469819"},{"number":"(501) 441-0025","complaints":22,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/5014410025"},{"number":"(501) 287-2980","complaints":22,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/5012872980"},{"number":"(501) 585-5666","complaints":17,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/5015855666"},{"number":"(501) 441-0082","complaints":11,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/5014410082"}],"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":"2026-08-02"}