{"area_code":"826","is_legitimate_code":true,"explanation":"Area code 826 is a legitimate Virginia area code. The code itself is not a scam, but scammers can spoof any number — including 826 — 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":7,"total_complaints":25,"top_subjects":["Reducing your debt (credit cards, mortgage, student loans)","Other"],"most_complained":[{"number":"(826) 232-2860","complaints":7,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/8262322860"},{"number":"(826) 202-8081","complaints":3,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/8262028081"},{"number":"(826) 252-2775","complaints":3,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/8262522775"},{"number":"(826) 252-2627","complaints":3,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/8262522627"},{"number":"(826) 252-2216","complaints":3,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/8262522216"}],"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/826/scam","source":"North American Numbering Plan Administrator via areacode.fyi","data_date":"2026-08-02"}