{"area_code":"949","is_legitimate_code":true,"explanation":"Area code 949 is a legitimate California area code. The code itself is not a scam, but scammers can spoof any number — including 949 — 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":179,"total_complaints":1026,"top_subjects":["Other","Reducing your debt (credit cards, mortgage, student loans)","No Subject Provided"],"most_complained":[{"number":"(949) 868-3495","complaints":37,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/9498683495"},{"number":"(949) 341-0590","complaints":30,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/9493410590"},{"number":"(949) 468-2718","complaints":30,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/9494682718"},{"number":"(949) 919-8958","complaints":26,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/9499198958"},{"number":"(949) 966-2597","complaints":20,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/9499662597"}],"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/949/scam","source":"North American Numbering Plan Administrator via areacode.fyi","data_date":"2026-08-02"}