{"area_code":"618","is_legitimate_code":true,"explanation":"Area code 618 is a legitimate Illinois area code. The code itself is not a scam, but scammers can spoof any number — including 618 — 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":96,"total_complaints":545,"top_subjects":["Other","Reducing your debt (credit cards, mortgage, student loans)","Dropped call or no message"],"most_complained":[{"number":"(618) 526-4251","complaints":166,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/6185264251"},{"number":"(618) 432-4136","complaints":27,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/6184324136"},{"number":"(618) 795-4446","complaints":27,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/6187954446"},{"number":"(618) 624-2277","complaints":8,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/6186242277"},{"number":"(618) 368-5733","complaints":8,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/6183685733"}],"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/618/scam","source":"North American Numbering Plan Administrator via areacode.fyi","data_date":"2026-08-02"}