{"area_code":"442","is_legitimate_code":true,"explanation":"Area code 442 is a legitimate California area code. The code itself is not a scam, but scammers can spoof any number — including 442 — 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":36,"total_complaints":187,"top_subjects":["Other","Reducing your debt (credit cards, mortgage, student loans)","Dropped call or no message"],"most_complained":[{"number":"(442) 261-4140","complaints":22,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/4422614140"},{"number":"(442) 203-5211","complaints":15,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/4422035211"},{"number":"(442) 203-5118","complaints":11,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/4422035118"},{"number":"(442) 465-5114","complaints":9,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/4424655114"},{"number":"(442) 455-0553","complaints":7,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/4424550553"}],"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/442/scam","source":"North American Numbering Plan Administrator via areacode.fyi","data_date":"2026-08-02"}