{"area_code":"612","is_legitimate_code":true,"explanation":"Area code 612 is a legitimate Minnesota area code. The code itself is not a scam, but scammers can spoof any number — including 612 — 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":82,"total_complaints":374,"top_subjects":["Other","Dropped call or no message","Calls pretending to be government, businesses, or family and friends"],"most_complained":[{"number":"(612) 815-5872","complaints":17,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/6128155872"},{"number":"(612) 866-3442","complaints":14,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/6128663442"},{"number":"(612) 643-5100","complaints":12,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/6126435100"},{"number":"(612) 426-4046","complaints":10,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/6124264046"},{"number":"(612) 229-1078","complaints":8,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/6122291078"}],"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/612/scam","source":"North American Numbering Plan Administrator via areacode.fyi","data_date":"2026-10-21"}