{"area_code":"540","is_legitimate_code":true,"explanation":"Area code 540 is a legitimate Virginia area code. The code itself is not a scam, but scammers can spoof any number — including 540 — 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":505,"total_complaints":3303,"top_subjects":["Reducing your debt (credit cards, mortgage, student loans)","Other","Dropped call or no message"],"most_complained":[{"number":"(540) 565-4671","complaints":21,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/5405654671"},{"number":"(540) 879-5069","complaints":17,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/5408795069"},{"number":"(540) 751-4198","complaints":17,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/5407514198"},{"number":"(540) 783-3667","complaints":17,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/5407833667"},{"number":"(540) 386-3691","complaints":15,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/5403863691"}],"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/540/scam","source":"North American Numbering Plan Administrator via areacode.fyi","data_date":"2026-09-13"}