{"area_code":"738","is_legitimate_code":true,"explanation":"Area code 738 is a legitimate California area code. The code itself is not a scam, but scammers can spoof any number — including 738 — 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":8,"total_complaints":29,"top_subjects":["Dropped call or no message","Other"],"most_complained":[{"number":"(738) 333-0057","complaints":5,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/7383330057"},{"number":"(738) 333-0020","complaints":4,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/7383330020"},{"number":"(738) 333-0031","complaints":4,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/7383330031"},{"number":"(738) 333-0013","complaints":4,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/7383330013"},{"number":"(738) 333-0016","complaints":3,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/7383330016"}],"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/738/scam","source":"North American Numbering Plan Administrator via areacode.fyi","data_date":"2026-08-02"}