{"area_code":"609","is_legitimate_code":true,"explanation":"Area code 609 is a legitimate New Jersey area code. The code itself is not a scam, but scammers can spoof any number — including 609 — 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":212,"total_complaints":869,"top_subjects":["Other","Reducing your debt (credit cards, mortgage, student loans)","Dropped call or no message"],"most_complained":[{"number":"(609) 490-2008","complaints":42,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/6094902008"},{"number":"(609) 657-1376","complaints":19,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/6096571376"},{"number":"(609) 256-0112","complaints":14,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/6092560112"},{"number":"(609) 532-3277","complaints":11,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/6095323277"},{"number":"(609) 324-5587","complaints":10,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/6093245587"}],"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/609/scam","source":"North American Numbering Plan Administrator via areacode.fyi","data_date":"2026-08-02"}