{"area_code":"816","is_legitimate_code":true,"explanation":"Area code 816 is a legitimate Missouri area code. The code itself is not a scam, but scammers can spoof any number — including 816 — 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":472,"top_subjects":["Other","No Subject Provided","Dropped call or no message"],"most_complained":[{"number":"(816) 404-0710","complaints":30,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/8164040710"},{"number":"(816) 357-4151","complaints":19,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/8163574151"},{"number":"(816) 404-0777","complaints":18,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/8164040777"},{"number":"(816) 670-8171","complaints":11,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/8166708171"},{"number":"(816) 678-0713","complaints":9,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/8166780713"}],"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/816/scam","source":"North American Numbering Plan Administrator via areacode.fyi","data_date":"2026-11-02"}