Is area code 561 spam?

561 is the area code for southern Florida and covers West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, and Wellington. Does it also stand for scam and fraudulent calls? Not according to the latest data.

Dorota Martin

Is area code 561 spam?

If you see 561 on your phone and live in Florida, then you’re right to be suspicious. Area code 561 is the sixth most frequently reported area code in this state. That said, according to information published by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), it’s rarely reported as a source of unwanted calls in other states.

In other words, it’s mainly Florida residents who run the risk of scams when the call originates from 561. 

Related: How to block an area code

What are the other most frequently reported area codes in Florida? Here’s the list:

64.61% of spam calls in Florida originate from Florida 

Spam and scam calls are a real plague in the US, so it’s only natural for people to look for advice on the internet. Most online sources list so-called “spam area codes” to be universally avoided nationwide. This could have been true in the past, but then the people behind spam and scam calls got smarter. How do we know this?

Incogni’s research team analyzed the ten most commonly reported area codes in each state, exploring whether these codes overlap across states. The findings, based on FTC data, reveal that no specific area codes consistently top the list of unwelcome calls nationwide. Instead, the list keeps changing over time and differs by state. 

Moreover, a substantial portion (59.81%) of all spam calls logged with the FTC originate from within the same state as the recipient of the call. 

In Florida, this tendency is even more pronounced, with as much as 64.61% of spam calls in the state originating from Florida, surpassing the national average. This highlights the particular importance for Floridians to be vigilant about calls coming from local area codes.

What is neighbor spoofing

Have scammers moved to Palm Beach County to improve their fraud success ratio? Even if they did, it was probably more for the tan. This is because changing one’s area code for another is easy. This technique is called “phone number spoofing” or, in this case, “neighbor spoofing.”

In neighbor spoofing, the caller intentionally changes their number to another, creating the impression that the call originates from a local region. Scammers know that calls from local numbers tend to be trusted more, and it’s a vulnerability they try to exploit.

What are the spam calls from 561 usually about?

Based on the information published by the FTC, the 561 area code has been a source of various spam calls. The most common type involves medical and prescription-related offers, accounting for 7.13% of these calls. Not far behind are imposter calls, where the caller pretends to be a government official, business, or family member  or friend, making up 6.5% of the calls. Debt reduction topics, including credit cards, mortgages, and student loans, are the subjects of 3.80% of the calls. 

Other common spam calls subjects include home improvement and cleaning services (3.33%), energy and solar utilities (1.74%), and vacation and timeshare offers (1.19%). There are also notable mentions of warranties and protection plans (0.95%), charities (0.87%), and computer and technical support calls (0.63%).

Which phone numbers starting with 561 are reported the most?

The 561 area code is the 5th most complained about source of spam calls, and some numbers starting with 561 are reported more often than others. Below is a compilation of the most commonly reported 561 numbers in Florida:

1. 5612880117
2. 5617834784
3. 5616661651
4. 5618798590
5. 5618799273
6. 5617171893
7. 5617786579
8. 5617261346
9. 5617261080
10. 5616320224

How to manage spam calls on your cell phone

If you see an incoming call from an unknown caller on your cell phone, the safest approach is to let it ring out. It’s generally advisable not to engage with numbers you don’t know. Resist the temptation to answer it, and let them leave a message on your voicemail instead. If it’s a legitimate call, the person calling you will leave a message. 

If you are sure the call is spam, you can block it using your phone’s privacy and security features. Both iOS phones (iPhones) and Android phones come with options to block unwanted communication. You can also download third-party spam-prevention apps if this is not enough. 

Read our complete guide on how to stop spam on iPhone, Android, and landline.

What to do if you see a text message from an unknown number

You can view the message, but steer clear of any links, as these could potentially be phishing attempts directing you to a fraudulent site. If the text looks like it’s been sent by a legitimate business, verify the company’s official website or contact their official customer service line. 

• To find out more, check our article on how to stop spam texts on Android & iPhone.
• Find out how to report spam texts in our dedicated article.
• Learn why you are receiving so many spam calls here.

How to reduce spam and scam calls in a lasting way

Reporting spam calls is a crucial step in preventing their proliferation—it can create a positive impact for both you and others who might fall victim. Add your phone numbers to the FTC’s National Do Not Call Registry. This registry aims to reduce the volume of unwanted calls from telemarketers and researchers. While being on the registry may not entirely stop scam calls, there’s a good chance it will reduce the frequency of other unsolicited calls. If, despite being registered, you still receive spam calls and text messages, you can contact the FTC and file a complaint. 

Other area codes often considered spam:

• Is area code 276 spam?
• Is area code 929 spam?
• Is area code 786 spam?
• Is area code 470 spam?
• Is area code 325 spam?