{"area_code":"216","is_legitimate_code":true,"explanation":"Area code 216 is a legitimate Ohio area code. The code itself is not a scam, but scammers can spoof any number — including 216 — 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":141,"total_complaints":559,"top_subjects":["Other","Dropped call or no message","Calls pretending to be government, businesses, or family and friends"],"most_complained":[{"number":"(216) 243-5163","complaints":12,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/2162435163"},{"number":"(216) 202-2174","complaints":9,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/2162022174"},{"number":"(216) 699-7824","complaints":9,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/2166997824"},{"number":"(216) 376-8847","complaints":9,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/2163768847"},{"number":"(216) 493-5165","complaints":8,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/2164935165"}],"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/216/scam","source":"North American Numbering Plan Administrator via areacode.fyi","data_date":"2026-08-02"}