{"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":16,"total_complaints":93,"top_subjects":["Other","Reducing your debt (credit cards, mortgage, student loans)","Lotteries, prizes  & sweepstakes"],"most_complained":[{"number":"(227) 263-0472","complaints":41,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/2272630472"},{"number":"(227) 239-9661","complaints":8,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/2272399661"},{"number":"(227) 268-2865","complaints":4,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/2272682865"},{"number":"(227) 206-4869","complaints":4,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/2272064869"},{"number":"(227) 205-3104","complaints":3,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/2272053104"}],"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":"2026-10-21"}