501 Area Code Scam Texts and Calls Scamming - Fraud 0 0 11 1 Mar 1, 2026 2026-03-01T18:43:11-05:00 Mar 1, 2026 2026-03-01T18:46:36-05:00 Online Threat Alerts (OTA) 501 area code scams involve scammers using Arkansas-based, spoofed, or VoIP numbers to conduct phishing, smishing (text scams), and impostor fraud. They often pose as government officials (Department of Justice) or offer fake prizes/trips to steal personal information and money. Do not answer or return calls from unknown 501 numbers; block them immediately. 501 Area Code ScamsImposter Scams: Callers pretend to be local police or federal agents, threatening arrest or seizure of funds to steal savings.Phishing/Smishing Texts: Messages like "Hello" or fake, urgent alerts (e.g., missed payments) are sent to confirm your number is active.Prize/Vacation Scams: Automated messages claiming you won a trip to places like Orlando or a reward card."Wrong Number" Routine: Scammers send a text pretending to be someone else to gain trust.Protect YourselfDo Not Reply: Do not respond to texts from unknown numbers, even to say "stop".Hang Up: If you receive a call, do not share personal or financial information.Verify Independently: If a claim sounds urgent (e.g., a "missed payment"), contact the agency directly through an official website.Block and Report: Use your phone's built-in features to block the number and report it as junk/spam.