{"area_code":"626","is_legitimate_code":true,"explanation":"Area code 626 is a legitimate California area code. The code itself is not a scam, but scammers can spoof any number — including 626 — 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":85,"total_complaints":636,"top_subjects":["Other","Dropped call or no message","Reducing your debt (credit cards, mortgage, student loans)"],"most_complained":[{"number":"(626) 941-2727","complaints":117,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/6269412727"},{"number":"(626) 877-7833","complaints":85,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/6268777833"},{"number":"(626) 664-1636","complaints":45,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/6266641636"},{"number":"(626) 777-7471","complaints":32,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/6267777471"},{"number":"(626) 548-2674","complaints":21,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/6265482674"}],"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/626/scam","source":"North American Numbering Plan Administrator via areacode.fyi","data_date":"2026-10-21"}