{"area_code":"865","is_legitimate_code":true,"explanation":"Area code 865 is a legitimate Tennessee area code. The code itself is not a scam, but scammers can spoof any number — including 865 — 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":71,"total_complaints":284,"top_subjects":["Other","Calls pretending to be government, businesses, or family and friends","Reducing your debt (credit cards, mortgage, student loans)"],"most_complained":[{"number":"(865) 419-6973","complaints":11,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/8654196973"},{"number":"(865) 326-1457","complaints":11,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/8653261457"},{"number":"(865) 234-6052","complaints":8,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/8652346052"},{"number":"(865) 465-0887","complaints":8,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/8654650887"},{"number":"(865) 851-4663","complaints":8,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/8658514663"}],"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/865/scam","source":"North American Numbering Plan Administrator via areacode.fyi","data_date":"2026-08-02"}