{"area_code":"309","is_legitimate_code":true,"explanation":"Area code 309 is a legitimate Illinois area code. The code itself is not a scam, but scammers can spoof any number — including 309 — 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":66,"total_complaints":2162,"top_subjects":["Reducing your debt (credit cards, mortgage, student loans)","Other","Dropped call or no message"],"most_complained":[{"number":"(309) 301-1881","complaints":282,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/3093011881"},{"number":"(309) 301-1140","complaints":231,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/3093011140"},{"number":"(309) 301-1878","complaints":210,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/3093011878"},{"number":"(309) 301-1798","complaints":171,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/3093011798"},{"number":"(309) 312-9603","complaints":151,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/3093129603"}],"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/309/scam","source":"North American Numbering Plan Administrator via areacode.fyi","data_date":"2026-08-02"}