{"area_code":"443","is_legitimate_code":true,"explanation":"Area code 443 is a legitimate Maryland area code. The code itself is not a scam, but scammers can spoof any number — including 443 — 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":126,"total_complaints":531,"top_subjects":["Other","Reducing your debt (credit cards, mortgage, student loans)","Dropped call or no message"],"most_complained":[{"number":"(443) 291-5446","complaints":19,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/4432915446"},{"number":"(443) 292-4892","complaints":18,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/4432924892"},{"number":"(443) 219-6480","complaints":16,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/4432196480"},{"number":"(443) 614-8542","complaints":16,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/4436148542"},{"number":"(443) 275-0163","complaints":10,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/4432750163"}],"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/443/scam","source":"North American Numbering Plan Administrator via areacode.fyi","data_date":"2026-08-02"}