{"area_code":"805","is_legitimate_code":true,"explanation":"Area code 805 is a legitimate California area code. The code itself is not a scam, but scammers can spoof any number — including 805 — 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":113,"total_complaints":697,"top_subjects":["Other","Calls pretending to be government, businesses, or family and friends","Reducing your debt (credit cards, mortgage, student loans)"],"most_complained":[{"number":"(805) 637-7243","complaints":218,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/8056377243"},{"number":"(805) 637-7456","complaints":40,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/8056377456"},{"number":"(805) 390-0115","complaints":14,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/8053900115"},{"number":"(805) 630-2201","complaints":10,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/8056302201"},{"number":"(805) 329-5798","complaints":8,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/8053295798"}],"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/805/scam","source":"North American Numbering Plan Administrator via areacode.fyi","data_date":"2026-08-02"}