Key Findings
Area code 504 (New Orleans) ranks #232 nationally with 20,245 FTC complaints from 8,064 unique scam numbers and a 2.5 complaints-per-number ratio. ScamVerify™ analysis places New Orleans in the state that is #1 in America for robocalls per capita at 350 per person annually (WhistleOut 2026).
Medical scams lead at 2,395 complaints (62.1% robocall rate), followed by impersonation at 1,948. But what makes 504 distinctive is the combination of warranty scams (473 at 68.5% robocall) and the hurricane-related charity fraud pattern that targets New Orleans and the Gulf Coast after every storm season. A dedicated warranty scam number (504) 353-9687 has 79 complaints at 100% warranty concentration, and the broader Louisiana charity scam pattern includes a Southeast Louisiana number with 97.8% charity concentration. New Orleans' in-state targeting of 58.1% confirms that nearly half of 504 scam calls reach out-of-state recipients, meaning scammers use New Orleans numbers both to target locals and to launch nationwide campaigns leveraging the city's recognizable area code.
504 in the Louisiana Context
New Orleans ranks #4 among Louisiana's 5 area codes despite being the state's most populous city.
| Area Code | Region | Complaints | Nat'l Rank | In-State % | #1 Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 225 | Baton Rouge | 25,609 | #194 | 66.1% | Impersonation (3,092) |
| 985 | Southeast LA | 21,630 | #219 | 60.2% | Debt (1,918) |
| 318 | Shreveport | 20,439 | #230 | 60.9% | Medical (2,548) |
| 504 | New Orleans | 20,245 | #232 | 58.1% | Medical (2,395) |
| 337 | Lafayette | 12,257 | #293 | 65.8% | Medical (1,392) |
Louisiana's complaints are evenly distributed, and New Orleans is not the state's scam capital. Baton Rouge (225) leads by 26%. For the full Louisiana state analysis, see ScamVerify's Louisiana Phone Scam Report.
504's Scam Category Profile
| Rank | Scam Category | Complaints | Robocall % |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Medical and prescriptions | 2,395 | 62.1% |
| 2 | Government/business impersonation | 1,948 | 63.8% |
| 3 | Debt reduction | 1,202 | 71.7% |
| 4 | Warranties and protection plans | 473 | 68.5% |
| 5 | Energy, solar, and utilities | 226 | 46.0% |
| 6 | Charities | 197 | 36.0% |
| 7 | Home security and alarms | 108 | 47.2% |
| 8 | Computer and tech support | 103 | 66.0% |
Medical leads by 23% over impersonation (2,395 vs. 1,948). Charities rank #6 with 197 complaints at just 36.0% robocall rate, meaning nearly two-thirds use live operators. Hurricane-related charity fraud is a seasonal threat that peaks during Atlantic hurricane season (June through November). A call from a 504 (New Orleans) number about disaster relief carries unique plausibility given the city's hurricane history.
Warranties at 473 (68.5% robocall) are elevated for a city this size. Entergy impersonation drives the energy/utility category at 226 complaints (46.0% robocall), with nearly half using live operators.
The Entergy Connection
Entergy Louisiana is the dominant utility in the 504 area code. Scammers use the standard playbook:
- Threaten immediate power disconnection within 30 minutes
- Demand payment via prepaid debit cards, gift cards, or wire transfers
- Spoof Entergy's caller ID
- Target customers during extreme weather and post-hurricane recovery
Energy/utility scams total 226 complaints with 46.0% robocall rate. The low robocall rate (majority live-operator) makes Entergy scams harder for carrier screening to detect. Entergy's legitimate number is 1-800-368-3749.
Top 10 Most Reported 504 Phone Numbers
| Rank | Phone Number | Complaints | Primary Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | (504) 353-9687 | 79 | Warranties (100%) |
| 2 | (504) 395-5253 | 79 | Robocaller (100%) |
| 3 | (504) 312-6556 | 52 | Mixed |
| 4 | (504) 344-0270 | 49 | Mixed |
| 5 | (504) 324-2400 | 47 | Mixed |
| 6 | (504) 264-1024 | 42 | Mixed |
| 7 | (504) 517-9091 | 39 | Mixed |
| 8 | (504) 372-9236 | 38 | Mixed |
| 9 | (504) 352-0403 | 36 | Mixed |
| 10 | (504) 644-3015 | 35 | Mixed |
(504) 353-9687 is a dedicated warranty scam line with 100% of its 79 complaints for warranties and protection plans, the only pure single-category line in the top 10. (504) 395-5253 is a pure robocaller at 100% with all complaints classified as other/dropped calls. The top 10 numbers are relatively low-count compared to other deep-dive area codes (max 79 vs. 292+ in St. Louis or 507 in Kansas), suggesting 504 scam operations distribute volume across more numbers.
The Tourism and Cultural Angle
New Orleans receives 18+ million visitors annually. The city's tourism identity creates scam opportunities:
- Vacation and timeshare calls offering "free stays" or "VIP experiences"
- Fake festival ticket sales (Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, French Quarter Fest)
- Restaurant reservation scams impersonating popular establishments
- Charity appeals leveraging the city's post-Katrina narrative
Vacation/timeshare scams do not appear in 504's top 8 categories but are present in the broader Louisiana data at 536 statewide complaints (25.2% robocall rate).
504 vs. Other Top Area Codes
| Area Code | Location | Complaints | Per # | In-State % | #1 Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 615 | Nashville TN | 47,465 | 2.5 | 74.6% | Medical |
| 414 | Milwaukee WI | 24,223 | 2.4 | 67.9% | Medical |
| 504 | New Orleans LA | 20,245 | 2.5 | 58.1% | Medical |
| 612 | Minneapolis MN | 21,136 | 2.7 | 70.2% | Impersonation |
New Orleans' 58.1% in-state rate is lower than comparable medical-dominant codes like Nashville (74.6%) and Milwaukee (67.9%), indicating more out-of-state campaign usage. Louisiana's #1 per capita robocall ranking means all the state's area codes, including 504, face elevated scam volume relative to population.
What to Do If You Get a Scam Call From a 504 Number
- Check any 504 number on ScamVerify's phone lookup before calling back. We have 8,064 known scam numbers in the 504 area code.
- Report the call to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to the LA AG at 1-800-351-4889.
- Entergy never threatens disconnection by phone. Verify at 1-800-368-3749. Scammers exploit hurricane season.
- Verify charity calls during hurricane season. A 504 number asking for disaster relief donations may be exploiting New Orleans' hurricane history. Check any charity at give.org.
- Louisiana is #1 for robocalls per capita. At 350 per person annually, treat every unsolicited call with skepticism.
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FAQ
Is area code 504 a scam area code?
No. Area code 504 is a legitimate area code serving New Orleans and surrounding parishes since 1947. It is used by many legitimate businesses, hospitals, and government offices. However, with 8,064 known scam numbers and 58.1% in-state targeting, 504 is exploited for both local and out-of-state campaigns. Louisiana ranks #1 nationally for robocalls per capita at 350 per person.
What types of scams are most common from 504 numbers?
Medical and prescriptions lead at 2,395 complaints (62.1% robocall rate), followed by impersonation at 1,948 (63.8%) and debt reduction at 1,202 (71.7%). Warranties are elevated at 473 (68.5%), and Entergy utility impersonation drives energy scam complaints at 226 (46.0% robocall). Hurricane-related charity fraud is a seasonal threat.
How does 504 compare to other Louisiana area codes?
504 New Orleans ranks #4 among Louisiana's 5 area codes despite being the largest city. Baton Rouge (225) leads at 25,609 complaints. Louisiana's complaints are remarkably evenly distributed, with just a 26% gap between #1 and #4. For full state context, see ScamVerify's Louisiana Phone Scam Report.
Are hurricane charity calls from 504 legitimate?
Many are not. Louisiana has 1,085 statewide charity scam complaints, and calls from 504 about disaster relief should be verified independently. Never donate to unsolicited phone calls. Check charities at give.org or charitynavigator.org. Legitimate disaster relief organizations do not demand immediate phone donations.
How do I report a scam call from 504?
Report to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to the Louisiana AG at ag.louisiana.gov or 1-800-351-4889. For Entergy scams, call 1-800-368-3749.
