{"area_code":"357","is_legitimate_code":true,"explanation":"Area code 357 is a legitimate California area code. The code itself is not a scam, but scammers can spoof any number — including 357 — 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":null,"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/357/scam","source":"North American Numbering Plan Administrator via areacode.fyi","data_date":"2026-08-02"}