{"area_code":"562","is_legitimate_code":true,"explanation":"Area code 562 is a legitimate California area code. The code itself is not a scam, but scammers can spoof any number — including 562 — 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":64,"total_complaints":381,"top_subjects":["Other","Dropped call or no message","Reducing your debt (credit cards, mortgage, student loans)"],"most_complained":[{"number":"(562) 745-6830","complaints":69,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/5627456830"},{"number":"(562) 574-3803","complaints":39,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/5625743803"},{"number":"(562) 306-1454","complaints":18,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/5623061454"},{"number":"(562) 842-2378","complaints":16,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/5628422378"},{"number":"(562) 850-9494","complaints":13,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/5628509494"}],"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/562/scam","source":"North American Numbering Plan Administrator via areacode.fyi","data_date":"2026-10-21"}