{"area_code":"657","is_legitimate_code":true,"explanation":"Area code 657 is a legitimate California area code. The code itself is not a scam, but scammers can spoof any number — including 657 — 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":54,"total_complaints":215,"top_subjects":["Other","Reducing your debt (credit cards, mortgage, student loans)","Dropped call or no message"],"most_complained":[{"number":"(657) 279-1319","complaints":15,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/6572791319"},{"number":"(657) 800-6906","complaints":7,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/6578006906"},{"number":"(657) 667-1257","complaints":7,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/6576671257"},{"number":"(657) 842-3544","complaints":6,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/6578423544"},{"number":"(657) 669-3025","complaints":6,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/6576693025"}],"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/657/scam","source":"North American Numbering Plan Administrator via areacode.fyi","data_date":"2026-11-02"}