{"area_code":"740","is_legitimate_code":true,"explanation":"Area code 740 is a legitimate Ohio area code. The code itself is not a scam, but scammers can spoof any number — including 740 — 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":49,"total_complaints":190,"top_subjects":["Other","Reducing your debt (credit cards, mortgage, student loans)","Dropped call or no message"],"most_complained":[{"number":"(740) 247-3990","complaints":10,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/7402473990"},{"number":"(740) 275-8683","complaints":8,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/7402758683"},{"number":"(740) 479-9457","complaints":8,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/7404799457"},{"number":"(740) 905-0073","complaints":7,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/7409050073"},{"number":"(740) 921-1675","complaints":6,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/7409211675"}],"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/740/scam","source":"North American Numbering Plan Administrator via areacode.fyi","data_date":"2026-08-02"}