{"area_code":"515","is_legitimate_code":true,"explanation":"Area code 515 is a legitimate Iowa area code. The code itself is not a scam, but scammers can spoof any number — including 515 — 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":46,"total_complaints":210,"top_subjects":["Other","No Subject Provided","Reducing your debt (credit cards, mortgage, student loans)"],"most_complained":[{"number":"(515) 971-7472","complaints":16,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/5159717472"},{"number":"(515) 575-0235","complaints":14,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/5155750235"},{"number":"(515) 979-8288","complaints":10,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/5159798288"},{"number":"(515) 221-2556","complaints":10,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/5152212556"},{"number":"(515) 335-0302","complaints":7,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/5153350302"}],"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/515/scam","source":"North American Numbering Plan Administrator via areacode.fyi","data_date":"2026-08-02"}