{"area_code":"517","is_legitimate_code":true,"explanation":"Area code 517 is a legitimate Michigan area code. The code itself is not a scam, but scammers can spoof any number — including 517 — 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":62,"total_complaints":340,"top_subjects":["Other","Dropped call or no message","Reducing your debt (credit cards, mortgage, student loans)"],"most_complained":[{"number":"(517) 297-1608","complaints":92,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/5172971608"},{"number":"(517) 507-0937","complaints":14,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/5175070937"},{"number":"(517) 489-4054","complaints":10,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/5174894054"},{"number":"(517) 553-1973","complaints":7,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/5175531973"},{"number":"(517) 213-9201","complaints":7,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/5172139201"}],"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/517/scam","source":"North American Numbering Plan Administrator via areacode.fyi","data_date":"2026-08-02"}