301 Area Code — Maryland Suburbs, MD

Everything about the 301 area code: location, time zone, major cities, 5,127 reported scams in 2023, and how to protect yourself from 301 spoofed calls.

📍 Maryland Suburbs, MD 🕐 Eastern Time Zone 🛡️ MODERATE ⚠️ 5,127 scams
5,127Scams reported 2023
MODERATESafety rating
6.5Risk level /10
Approximately 2.5 millionPopulation

Where is area code 301?

Area code 301 serves Maryland Suburbs, MD. It was established in 1988.

Major Cities in Area Code 301

The 301 area code covers Maryland Suburbs, MD. Major cities and communities include:

  • Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Silver Spring, Annapolis, Frederick, Hagerstown

History of Area Code 301

Area code 301 was established in 1988 and serves Maryland Suburbs, MD.

Nearby Area Codes

Related area codes near 301:

Common 301 Scam Patterns

Government Impersonation

Scammers pretending to be from IRS, Social Security, or local authorities

Common prefixes: 800, 888, 877

  • Threatening immediate arrest
  • Demanding immediate payment
  • Requesting gift cards or wire transfers

Auto Warranty Scams

Automated calls about extended car warranties

Common prefixes: 833, 844, 855

  • Pre-recorded messages
  • Urgent warranty expiration claims
  • Pressure to provide vehicle information

Tech Support Fraud

Fake technical support calls claiming computer problems

Common prefixes: 866, 877, 888

  • Claims of detected viruses
  • Requests for remote computer access
  • Microsoft/Apple impersonation

Legitimate Callers From 301

Government

  • Social Security Administration — Benefits and verification calls (official prefix: 800-772) verify
  • Internal Revenue Service — Tax-related communications (official prefix: 800-829) verify

Utilities

  • — Service and billing notifications

Healthcare

  • — Appointment reminders and follow-ups

Maryland Suburbs, MD Authorities & Reporting

  • Police: Montgomery County Police Department (301-279-8000)
  • Consumer protection: Office of the Maryland Attorney General (410-528-8662)
  • Fraud unit: Maryland State Police Fraud Unit (410-528-8662)
  • Emergency: 911, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (301-590-1300)

Immediate steps if you suspect a scam:

  • Document the call details
  • Report to FTC at ftc.gov/complaint
  • Contact local authorities
  • Alert your bank if needed

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the 301 area code?

The 301 area code serves Maryland Suburbs, MD. Major cities include Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Silver Spring, Annapolis, Frederick, Hagerstown. It was established in 1988.

Is the 301 area code a scam?

The 301 area code itself is legitimate — it covers Maryland Suburbs, MD. But scammers spoof local numbers: 5,127 scams were reported in 2023, with common types including utility 27%, government 21%, banking 28%, other 36%. Always verify unknown callers.

What time zone is area code 301?

Area code 301 is in the Eastern Time Zone (UTC-05:00).

How do I report a scam call from 301?

Report scam calls to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov, the FCC, and Office of the Maryland Attorney General (410-528-8662). For Maryland Suburbs, MD, contact Maryland State Police Fraud Unit (410-528-8662) to file a complaint.

How can I protect myself from 301 area code spam calls?

Block unknown numbers, use caller ID / spam-blocking apps, never share personal info with unsolicited callers, and verify callers through official channels. CyberForget's phone tools help check whether a number is linked to known scams.

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