{"area_code":"213","is_legitimate_code":true,"explanation":"Area code 213 is a legitimate California area code. The code itself is not a scam, but scammers can spoof any number — including 213 — 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":186,"total_complaints":1074,"top_subjects":["Other","Dropped call or no message","No Subject Provided"],"most_complained":[{"number":"(213) 295-3417","complaints":73,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/2132953417"},{"number":"(213) 837-9972","complaints":40,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/2138379972"},{"number":"(213) 646-8216","complaints":36,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/2136468216"},{"number":"(213) 246-3439","complaints":27,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/2132463439"},{"number":"(213) 722-3928","complaints":25,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/2137223928"}],"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/213/scam","source":"North American Numbering Plan Administrator via areacode.fyi","data_date":"2026-10-21"}