{"area_code":"986","is_legitimate_code":true,"explanation":"Area code 986 is a legitimate Idaho area code. The code itself is not a scam, but scammers can spoof any number — including 986 — 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":23,"top_subjects":["Dropped call or no message","Other","Reducing your debt (credit cards, mortgage, student loans)"],"most_complained":[{"number":"(986) 200-0138","complaints":4,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/9862000138"},{"number":"(986) 229-0538","complaints":4,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/9862290538"},{"number":"(986) 668-0754","complaints":3,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/9866680754"},{"number":"(986) 866-8798","complaints":3,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/9868668798"},{"number":"(986) 247-7709","complaints":3,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/9862477709"}],"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/986/scam","source":"North American Numbering Plan Administrator via areacode.fyi","data_date":"2026-11-02"}