{"area_code":"518","is_legitimate_code":true,"explanation":"Area code 518 is a legitimate New York area code. The code itself is not a scam, but scammers can spoof any number — including 518 — 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":229,"total_complaints":861,"top_subjects":["Reducing your debt (credit cards, mortgage, student loans)","Other","Dropped call or no message"],"most_complained":[{"number":"(518) 375-1086","complaints":26,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/5183751086"},{"number":"(518) 370-3689","complaints":23,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/5183703689"},{"number":"(518) 617-3308","complaints":14,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/5186173308"},{"number":"(518) 720-2214","complaints":13,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/5187202214"},{"number":"(518) 474-3817","complaints":12,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/5184743817"}],"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/518/scam","source":"North American Numbering Plan Administrator via areacode.fyi","data_date":"2026-08-02"}