{"area_code":"240","is_legitimate_code":true,"explanation":"Area code 240 is a legitimate Maryland area code. The code itself is not a scam, but scammers can spoof any number — including 240 — 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":87,"total_complaints":402,"top_subjects":["Other","Dropped call or no message","Calls pretending to be government, businesses, or family and friends"],"most_complained":[{"number":"(240) 232-8819","complaints":27,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/2402328819"},{"number":"(240) 824-4796","complaints":23,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/2408244796"},{"number":"(240) 934-0874","complaints":19,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/2409340874"},{"number":"(240) 353-1756","complaints":17,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/2403531756"},{"number":"(240) 574-1026","complaints":11,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/2405741026"}],"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/240/scam","source":"North American Numbering Plan Administrator via areacode.fyi","data_date":"2026-08-02"}