{"area_code":"773","is_legitimate_code":true,"explanation":"Area code 773 is a legitimate Illinois area code. The code itself is not a scam, but scammers can spoof any number — including 773 — 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":114,"total_complaints":743,"top_subjects":["Other","Dropped call or no message","Calls pretending to be government, businesses, or family and friends"],"most_complained":[{"number":"(773) 801-3815","complaints":85,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/7738013815"},{"number":"(773) 945-4513","complaints":45,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/7739454513"},{"number":"(773) 634-5314","complaints":42,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/7736345314"},{"number":"(773) 302-0549","complaints":39,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/7733020549"},{"number":"(773) 302-0539","complaints":25,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/7733020539"}],"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/773/scam","source":"North American Numbering Plan Administrator via areacode.fyi","data_date":"2026-08-02"}