{"area_code":"716","is_legitimate_code":true,"explanation":"Area code 716 is a legitimate New York area code. The code itself is not a scam, but scammers can spoof any number — including 716 — 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":100,"total_complaints":386,"top_subjects":["Other","Reducing your debt (credit cards, mortgage, student loans)","Calls pretending to be government, businesses, or family and friends"],"most_complained":[{"number":"(716) 863-0835","complaints":20,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/7168630835"},{"number":"(716) 457-0253","complaints":11,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/7164570253"},{"number":"(716) 271-6853","complaints":10,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/7162716853"},{"number":"(716) 351-3820","complaints":8,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/7163513820"},{"number":"(716) 203-3200","complaints":7,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/7162033200"}],"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/716/scam","source":"North American Numbering Plan Administrator via areacode.fyi","data_date":"2026-11-02"}