{"area_code":"512","is_legitimate_code":true,"explanation":"Area code 512 is a legitimate Texas area code. The code itself is not a scam, but scammers can spoof any number — including 512 — 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":91,"total_complaints":477,"top_subjects":["Other","Dropped call or no message","Calls pretending to be government, businesses, or family and friends"],"most_complained":[{"number":"(512) 463-4660","complaints":26,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/5124634660"},{"number":"(512) 862-9555","complaints":21,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/5128629555"},{"number":"(512) 884-5022","complaints":21,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/5128845022"},{"number":"(512) 900-3239","complaints":19,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/5129003239"},{"number":"(512) 443-3336","complaints":16,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/5124433336"}],"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/512/scam","source":"North American Numbering Plan Administrator via areacode.fyi","data_date":"2026-08-02"}