{"area_code":"840","is_legitimate_code":true,"explanation":"Area code 840 is a legitimate California area code. The code itself is not a scam, but scammers can spoof any number — including 840 — 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":6,"total_complaints":18,"top_subjects":["Reducing your debt (credit cards, mortgage, student loans)","No Subject Provided","Calls pretending to be government, businesses, or family and friends"],"most_complained":[{"number":"(840) 236-0432","complaints":3,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/8402360432"},{"number":"(840) 837-4199","complaints":3,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/8408374199"},{"number":"(840) 210-0977","complaints":3,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/8402100977"},{"number":"(840) 200-0847","complaints":3,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/8402000847"},{"number":"(840) 210-0967","complaints":3,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/8402100967"}],"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/840/scam","source":"North American Numbering Plan Administrator via areacode.fyi","data_date":"2026-08-02"}