{"area_code":"212","is_legitimate_code":true,"explanation":"Area code 212 is a legitimate New York area code. The code itself is not a scam, but scammers can spoof any number — including 212 — so individual calls can still be fraudulent.","spoofing_note":"An area code only shows where a number is registered, not who is calling. Caller ID can be spoofed, so the code alone is not proof a call is local, safe, or fraudulent.","ftc_complaints":{"numbers_with_complaints":90,"total_complaints":807,"top_subjects":["Calls pretending to be government, businesses, or family and friends","Other","Medical  & prescriptions"],"most_complained":[{"number":"(212) 270-6000","complaints":43,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/2122706000"},{"number":"(212) 384-1000","complaints":40,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/2123841000"},{"number":"(212) 561-5775","complaints":38,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/2125615775"},{"number":"(212) 931-0828","complaints":37,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/2129310828"},{"number":"(212) 962-0268","complaints":34,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/2129620268"}],"note":"These are FTC Do Not Call complaints filed about specific numbers shown with this area code — frequently spoofed. The area code itself is not a scam.","source":"FTC Do Not Call Reported Calls"},"advice":"Judge the call by what it asks for (urgency, gift cards/crypto, confirming codes or SSN), not by the area code. When unsure, hang up and call back on an official number.","canonical_url":"https://areacode.fyi/212/scam","source":"North American Numbering Plan Administrator via areacode.fyi","data_date":"2026-08-02"}