The 501 area code is currently plagued by the "Megan" student loan forgiveness scheme and fake arrest warrant threats. Scammers call offering fake debt relief or claim you are in legal trouble to trick you into paying money.
Look up any suspicious number using our scam and spam phone number lookup database. It includes over 29 million Do Not Call and robocall complaints reported to the Federal Trade Commission.
Getting calls from 501 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Arkansas (Little Rock, North Little Rock, Conway) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 501 scams based on user comments:
Arkansans are receiving highly convincing calls and voicemails from "Megan" at "Student Relief." She claims you are pre-qualified for the Federal Student Loan Forgiveness Program and creates false urgency by saying you must act before the programs change or are affected by "litigation happening with the US presidential election."
The U.S. Department of Education does not use third-party robocallers like "Megan" to announce program eligibility. All official communication about federal student loans will come directly from the Department of Education or your designated loan servicer.
"'megan' didn't sound robotic like typical scam calls and I have been waiting for information about my student loans so I almost believed it. 'megan' said this was her call back number but the number the call came from was 231-299-6947."
Scammers are calling 501 numbers with automated messages threatening legal action or even arrest. They often impersonate the IRS or Social Security Administration, warning that you will be "taken into custody by the local cops" for "serious violations" if you don't call them back immediately.
The IRS, SSA, and other federal agencies initiate contact via official U.S. Mail, not with threatening phone calls. Real law enforcement officers do not call ahead to warn you of an impending arrest; it completely defeats the purpose.
"I got a phone call from this number and he kept asking me for my Date of Birth and Social Security number he told me that my Social Security number had been used illegally and I would be arrested if I didn't cooperate. I told him no way... and he told me I would be arrested within the hour!"
You may get a call from someone claiming to be from a vaguely named company like "FCS" or "Account Services" about a "personal financial matter." They will refuse to tell you who they are or why they are calling until you "verify" your identity by providing your date of birth or the last four digits of your Social Security number.
Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, legitimate collectors must identify themselves and their company in every communication. They are also legally required to send you a written debt validation notice within five days of first contacting you.
"She knew my name and address... Wanted me to give her the last 4 digits of my social security and date of birth to verify my info. I asked repeatedly what is the name of your company and what is this about. She kept saying she could not tell me until I verified my SS# and date of birth."
Residents are being bombarded with calls about health insurance and Medicare benefits. These telemarketers are extremely persistent, sometimes calling up to 20 times in just a few days, and will often ignore requests to be placed on a do-not-call list.
While licensed agents can sell Medicare plans, they are not allowed to harass you with dozens of calls. High-pressure tactics and refusing to honor a do-not-call request are major red flags that you are dealing with a bad actor, not a legitimate service.
"Has called 20 times in 4 days about insurance"
A widespread text message scam is targeting Arkansans, claiming you have an unpaid toll from the "PA Turnpike" or "MTA." The message, sent from a 501 number, instructs you to immediately call a toll-free number to settle the debt.
Official tolling agencies, especially from other states, will send a formal bill or violation notice to the vehicle's registered address via U.S. Mail. They do not use text messages from Arkansas area codes to initiate collections.
"I have received a text on 3 different dates from +1(501)-361-0104. On each they have wanted me to call 866-213-2672 regarding my PA Turnpike account."
Scammers are impersonating well-known companies like Verizon, AT&T, and Dell. They may send a text claiming you were "accidentally overcharged" and are due a refund, or call pretending to be tech support about a hacker. Their goal is to get your bank login information or gain remote access to your computer.
Legitimate companies will never call you and ask for your bank password or ask to watch your screen while you log in. Refunds are typically applied as credits to your account, not sent via a link in a text message.
"I got a call telling me that It was Verizon tech support...they wanted me to sigh into my bank account, while there were ABLE TO SEE MY COMPUTER SCREEN I told them with all the scams going on I was not going to give them that information. I was greeted with them hanging up on me!"
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 501 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Arkansas, United States. Area code 501 is a general purpose code that has been in service since January 1, 1947.
Most common 501 scam types are:
You're likely experiencing "Neighbor Spoofing." Scammers fake their caller ID to display local or familiar numbers. If you live in or near Arkansas, or have a 501 phone number yourself, scammers know you're more likely to answer what appears to be a local call.
Calling back to unknown spam number may incur premium charges or at least confirm your phone number is active and lead to more spam and scam calls.
There are three main ways to reduce spam calls:
It's definitely possible to block all specific area code phone numbers. However, we do not recommend this option because it would also prevent friends, family, doctors, and legitimate businesses from reaching you.
Other Arkansas area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: