{"area_code":"779","is_legitimate_code":true,"explanation":"Area code 779 is a legitimate Illinois area code. The code itself is not a scam, but scammers can spoof any number — including 779 — 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":17,"total_complaints":72,"top_subjects":["Calls pretending to be government, businesses, or family and friends","Other","Reducing your debt (credit cards, mortgage, student loans)"],"most_complained":[{"number":"(779) 707-5443","complaints":10,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/7797075443"},{"number":"(779) 244-0149","complaints":7,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/7792440149"},{"number":"(779) 903-3226","complaints":6,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/7799033226"},{"number":"(779) 243-6258","complaints":5,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/7792436258"},{"number":"(779) 363-8842","complaints":5,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/7793638842"}],"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/779/scam","source":"North American Numbering Plan Administrator via areacode.fyi","data_date":"2026-08-02"}