{"area_code":"234","is_legitimate_code":true,"explanation":"Area code 234 is a legitimate Ohio area code. The code itself is not a scam, but scammers can spoof any number — including 234 — 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":59,"total_complaints":252,"top_subjects":["Other","Reducing your debt (credit cards, mortgage, student loans)","Dropped call or no message"],"most_complained":[{"number":"(234) 702-0206","complaints":24,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/2347020206"},{"number":"(234) 353-3743","complaints":12,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/2343533743"},{"number":"(234) 255-5731","complaints":10,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/2342555731"},{"number":"(234) 277-7383","complaints":10,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/2342777383"},{"number":"(234) 385-2026","complaints":9,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/2343852026"}],"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/234/scam","source":"North American Numbering Plan Administrator via areacode.fyi","data_date":"2026-08-02"}