515 Area Code

Cities and communities in 515

515 is centred on Des Moines. It is the only area code for this region, so every local number begins with 515.

A geographic area code tells you where a number was issued, not where the phone is today. People keep their numbers when they move, and businesses buy local numbers to look nearby. Use it as a starting point, then confirm with the carrier and line type from a lookup.

515 unwanted-call complaints in the last 30 days

Consumers filed 234 complaints with the FTC and FCC about calls from 218 different 515 numbers. 76% were recorded messages. In 37% of FTC complaints the caller showed the complainant's own area code, the pattern scammers use when they spoof local numbers.

Most common topics: Debt relief (79), Other (72), Medical & prescriptions (16), Impersonation (9).

Source: FTC Do Not Call reports and FCC consumer complaints, updated daily. Complaints are filed by consumers and are not verified.

Most reported 515 numbers

No reports yet for 515 numbers. Be the first to flag a number that called you.

Got a call from a 515 number that is not listed? Add it on the Who Called Me page. Reports show up here and on every lookup within minutes.

Common scam calls from 515 numbers

Scam callers rotate through local-looking numbers because people answer them more often. These are the patterns reported most often across North America and seen with 515 caller IDs.

• "the IRS or Social Security" threats. A recorded voice claims a warrant or unpaid tax bill and demands payment by gift card or wire. Government agencies do not call from 515 numbers to demand instant payment.
• Bank fraud alerts. A caller pretends to be the fraud desk of a bank with branches in Des Moines and asks you to "verify" a card number or one-time code. Hang up and call the number on the back of your card.
• Local-looking spoofed numbers. Scammers spoof 515 numbers so the call looks local. A lookup that shows a VoIP line, or a carrier that does not serve Iowa, is the giveaway.
• Delivery and utility texts. Texts about a missed package or an overdue Des Moines utility bill link to a fake payment page. Trace the sending number before tapping anything.

How to check a 515 number

1. Enter the full ten-digit number in the panel above. The area code is already filled in.
2. Read the line type and carrier. A mobile or landline from a carrier that serves Iowa is usually genuine; a VoIP line spun up yesterday is not.
3. Check the risk level and community reports. If others have flagged the number, do not call back.
4. Still unsure? Unlock Risk Details for the full fraud breakdown on the number.

Frequently asked questions