{"area_code":"227","is_legitimate_code":true,"explanation":"Area code 227 is a legitimate Maryland area code. The code itself is not a scam, but scammers can spoof any number — including 227 — 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":12,"total_complaints":46,"top_subjects":["Other","Reducing your debt (credit cards, mortgage, student loans)","Calls pretending to be government, businesses, or family and friends"],"most_complained":[{"number":"(227) 239-9661","complaints":8,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/2272399661"},{"number":"(227) 255-8586","complaints":5,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/2272558586"},{"number":"(227) 239-9169","complaints":4,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/2272399169"},{"number":"(227) 248-9095","complaints":4,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/2272489095"},{"number":"(227) 239-9167","complaints":4,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/2272399167"}],"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/227/scam","source":"North American Numbering Plan Administrator via areacode.fyi","data_date":"2026-08-02"}