{"area_code":"617","is_legitimate_code":true,"explanation":"Area code 617 is a legitimate Massachusetts area code. The code itself is not a scam, but scammers can spoof any number — including 617 — 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":99,"total_complaints":453,"top_subjects":["Other","Reducing your debt (credit cards, mortgage, student loans)","Dropped call or no message"],"most_complained":[{"number":"(617) 675-4444","complaints":37,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/6176754444"},{"number":"(617) 337-3042","complaints":18,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/6173373042"},{"number":"(617) 469-2300","complaints":17,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/6174692300"},{"number":"(617) 925-5731","complaints":12,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/6179255731"},{"number":"(617) 272-8815","complaints":10,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/6172728815"}],"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/617/scam","source":"North American Numbering Plan Administrator via areacode.fyi","data_date":"2026-11-02"}