{"area_code":"605","is_legitimate_code":true,"explanation":"Area code 605 is a legitimate South Dakota area code. The code itself is not a scam, but scammers can spoof any number — including 605 — 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":39,"total_complaints":147,"top_subjects":["Other","Dropped call or no message","Reducing your debt (credit cards, mortgage, student loans)"],"most_complained":[{"number":"(605) 291-1907","complaints":9,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/6052911907"},{"number":"(605) 540-5029","complaints":8,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/6055405029"},{"number":"(605) 865-7569","complaints":7,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/6058657569"},{"number":"(605) 981-2013","complaints":6,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/6059812013"},{"number":"(605) 705-3127","complaints":5,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/6057053127"}],"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/605/scam","source":"North American Numbering Plan Administrator via areacode.fyi","data_date":"2026-11-02"}