{"area_code":"276","is_legitimate_code":true,"explanation":"Area code 276 is a legitimate Virginia area code. The code itself is not a scam, but scammers can spoof any number — including 276 — 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":35,"total_complaints":130,"top_subjects":["Other","No Subject Provided","Dropped call or no message"],"most_complained":[{"number":"(276) 244-6787","complaints":7,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/2762446787"},{"number":"(276) 378-8832","complaints":6,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/2763788832"},{"number":"(276) 582-6159","complaints":6,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/2765826159"},{"number":"(276) 242-4879","complaints":6,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/2762424879"},{"number":"(276) 285-6065","complaints":5,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/2762856065"}],"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/276/scam","source":"North American Numbering Plan Administrator via areacode.fyi","data_date":"2026-10-21"}