{"area_code":"573","is_legitimate_code":true,"explanation":"Area code 573 is a legitimate Missouri area code. The code itself is not a scam, but scammers can spoof any number — including 573 — 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":14,"total_complaints":68,"top_subjects":["Other","Reducing your debt (credit cards, mortgage, student loans)","No Subject Provided"],"most_complained":[{"number":"(573) 876-2600","complaints":17,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/5738762600"},{"number":"(573) 691-9628","complaints":9,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/5736919628"},{"number":"(573) 310-3066","complaints":5,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/5733103066"},{"number":"(573) 844-4386","complaints":4,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/5738444386"},{"number":"(573) 983-3179","complaints":4,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/5739833179"}],"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/573/scam","source":"North American Numbering Plan Administrator via areacode.fyi","data_date":"2026-08-02"}