Spam area codes & numbers to avoid | Research

Unexpected as it may sound, the data published by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) clearly show that the majority (59.81%) of calls reported as spam come from the victim’s own state. In some states, this average is much higher than that. 

The Incogni team analyzed the FTC’s data sets, which provide detailed information on unwanted call complaints filed by people registered with the Do Not Call (DNC) Registry. 

Our researchers found that scammers now operate according to a targeted, state-level strategy, as very few reported numbers are shared across states, let alone used nationwide.

What are the area codes to be wary of today, if any? And should we change how we think about spam and scam calls? Let’s dive in.

Updated on: Feb 27, 2025

Key findings

• Most recommendations on how to avoid spam provide misleading information, highlighting specific spam area codes to avoid across the US. Data shows that spam area codes differ for each state. 
• Almost two out of three spam calls (59.81%) are made from a local number originating in the state in which the receiver lives (or at least it appears so as the number could be spoofed). 
• With the exception of toll-free numbers, very few spam area codes are reported in more than one state.

The majority of spam and scam numbers are from your own county or state

The FTC is an authority that supports the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in its fight against illegal calls in the US, championing the development of preventive measures and solutions. One of these measures is the DNC registry, where private consumers can register their numbers to help prevent spam calls.  

The data published by the FTC lists phone numbers, including the area code, and what each unwanted call was about, on a state level. It shows that, on average, nearly 60% of the most frequently reported area codes originate from the recipient’s state.

If we take the example of California, which reports the most unwanted calls overall, 72.94% of all numbers people complain about start with a Californian area code. Texas, whose residents report receiving the second-highest unwanted call volume, also reports local codes most frequently (68.80%). The same is true for most unwanted calls reported across all states.

The percentage of same-state calls varies depending on where you live but remains very significant. How do phone scammers make their calls appear local in every state? They use a tactic called caller-ID or area-code spoofing.

Related:

• How to block an area code
• How to block No caller ID on iPhone
• How to stop number spoofing

Why do you keep getting calls from random numbers in your area?

The reason why you keep getting calls from random numbers in your area may be area-code spoofing. Area-code spoofing is a tactic where individuals manipulate caller ID to display a phone number from a specific area code, making it appear as if the call was coming from a legitimate caller, such as a local company. Scam callers use this technique to increase the chance of having their call answered. 

Say you live in Western Iowa and receive a call from a number starting with area code 531, Nebraska—somewhere you’ve never been. It looks immediately suspicious, so you decide to ignore it. But what if the call is from an unknown number with a local area code? After all, this could be your car mechanic, your kid’s school, or a recruiter from the local job agency.

This is precisely why scammers use area-code spoofing. 

Caller-ID spoofing is forbidden under federal law when used with the intent to defraud or cause harm (the Truth in Caller ID Act). Those who use it to commit crimes face penalties of up to $10,000.

Worst spam area code in each state

Instead, each state has its own unique list of most frequently reported numbers.

Another important discovery the FTC data brings to light is that phone scams come from very different numbers and area codes depending on where you live. In other words, the numbers rarely overlap from one state to another. For instance, California and Colorado’s top-ten spam area codes are entirely different. This finding goes against the popular spam area code advice found online: that some area codes are more likely to be spam or scams than others.

If you want to know your state’s most frequently reported area code, check out our tool below.

Toll-free numbers most common source of spam across the states

Although spam area codes vary significantly from one state to the next, some are reported as spam in almost every state. These are not exactly area codes but toll-free numbers. According to the data published by the FTC, the most significant volume of unwanted calls across the US comes from numbers starting with 833, 855, 888, 800, 866, and 844.

The most frequently reported spam numbers

While toll-free numbers take up center stage on the list of numbers most frequently reported as spam, unwanted calls also come from “regular” numbers. Most notably 315 696-1920 and 773 788-4782, both ranked in the top five. Here is the list of not just area codes, but full numbers that have been a source of nuisance for US residents across all states.

Never answer calls from these area codes

As a rule of thumb, avoid answering calls from unknown numbers. Also, be aware that any call from a toll-free number starting with 833, 855, 888, 800, 866, and 844 or a local area code (from the same state where you live) is more likely to be spam.

How to manage scam texts and calls

It’s hard to know in advance if the unknown caller on your phone screen is a scammer. This is why the best approach is to always let it ring out rather than picking up. A scam caller will hang up without leaving a message. 

If you accidentally pick up a call from a scammer, do not talk or engage with them in any way; hang up immediately. Once you do, block the number on your phone to prevent further unwanted calls from it.

We all know that it’s not just about calls. Recent years have also seen a surge in scam text messages. These usually contain links and come from people pretending to represent legitimate companies. Once you click, you’re taken to a potentially fraudulent website and asked to make a payment or give up some personal information. The safest approach is not to click on these and contact the company’s support to verify the message instead. 

To find out how to start blocking numbers on your device, read our in-depth articles:

How to stop spam texts on Android and iPhone.

How to remove personal information from the internet.

How to prevent unwanted calls

To prevent spam calls, phone scams, fraudulent text messages, and robocalls from bothering you again, start by registering your phone with the FTC’s Do Not Call Registry. While it won’t completely prevent these calls from happening, it will significantly reduce their frequency. 

Second, take better care of your online hygiene. Many of us tend to overshare sensitive personal information online—like filling out social media profiles with our contact details, where everyone can see them. 

We also inadvertently leave digital breadcrumbs when, for example, installing apps and giving them access to our contacts. In the US, websites can also collect information about visitors without asking for consent. Scam callers and telemarketers take advantage of the availability of our data online and use it for their purposes. 

That said, your data is still (mostly) in your hands. Although it’s a tedious process, you can remove it from websites, people search sites, and social media. For comprehensive, step-by-step instructions for how to do that, read our guide on how to remove personal information from the internet. Alternatively, try the Incogni data removal solution and save hours on manual removal requests by letting us do the work for you. 

The future is now: data protection laws critical for fighting spam

The extent of the spam-call problem is ultimately related to the accessibility of personal data online. Careful digital hygiene is critical if you want to eliminate spam altogether. Taking proactive measures at the root by removing your contact information from people search sites, social media platforms, and the broader internet is unequivocally the most effective approach available today. Advocacy efforts for more comprehensive data protection laws will play a pivotal role in curbing spam in the future.

Is area code <blank> spam?

Is the area code 531 a scam?

The area code 531 is not a scam. It’s a regular area code that covers Omaha, Lincoln, Norfolk, Superior, and most of eastern Nebraska. However, if you live in this area, you are more likely to be targeted by phone scams from this number. 

Is area code 628 spam?

Area code 628 is real, but scammers sometimes exploit it to make misleading calls. Our research shows that scams often involve pretending to be someone you know or medical issues. If you get a call like this, hang up and contact the organization directly to confirm. Always double-check before providing personal information.

Is area code 771 spam?

Area code 771 is legit, but scammers might use it to make fake calls. We’ve found that scams often involve pretending to be someone you trust or reducing debt, creating urgency. If someone contacts you about these matters and requests your details, hang up and call the official number to verify. It’s important to confirm before sharing any information.

Is area code 934 spam?

Area code 934 is real, but scammers sometimes exploit it to make fraudulent calls. Our research shows that scams often involve medical issues or reducing debt. If you get a call like this, hang up and contact the organization directly to confirm. Always double-check before providing personal information.

Is area code 334 spam?

The 334 area code in Alabama receives many spam calls, as they often come from local numbers. To reduce these unwanted calls, it’s a good idea to sign up for the Do Not Call Registry or use a data removal service.

Is area code 659 spam?

Area code 659, which covers parts of Alabama, can be used for spam or scam calls, just like any other area code. Always be cautious with unsolicited calls regardless of the area code.

Is area code 520 spam?

Area code 520 is used in Arizona, but scammers sometimes use it for spam calls. According to our research, these calls often involve fake medical offers asking for personal information. If you get a call like this, hang up and verify with the company directly. Always be cautious and don’t share personal details unless you know the caller’s identity.

Is area code 325 a spam?

Area code 325 is real, but scammers sometimes use it to trick people. We’ve found they often focus on medical topics or pretend to be from businesses or family. If you get a call like this, hang up and call the official number to verify. Legitimate organizations won’t pressure you for personal information over the phone.

Is area code 747 a spam?

Area code 747 is legit, but scammers might use it to make deceptive calls. Our research shows that scams often involve medical topics or pretending to be from businesses or family, creating urgency. If you get a call like this, hang up and contact the organization directly to verify. It’s always safer to confirm before sharing any personal details.

Is area code 872 a spam?

Area code 872 is real, but scammers sometimes exploit it to make misleading calls. Our research indicates that scams often involve medical issues or pretending to be from trusted sources. If you get a call like this, hang up and contact the organization directly to confirm. Always double-check before providing personal information.

Is area code 681 a spam?

Area code 681 is real, but scammers sometimes use it to make deceptive calls. We’ve found that scams often involve medical issues or pretending to be from trusted sources. If you get a call like this, hang up and call the official number to verify. Be cautious and confirm before giving out any personal information.

Is area code 802 a spam?

Area code 802 isn’t spam, but scammers can use it to deceive people. We’ve learned that scammers often focus on medical issues or pretend to be someone you trust. If you get a suspicious call, hang up and call the official number to verify. Trust your instincts and be cautious with unsolicited calls.

Is area code 914 a spam?

Area code 914 is real, but scammers sometimes use it to make deceptive calls. We’ve learned that scams often involve medical issues or pretending to be from trusted sources. If you get a call like this, hang up and call the official number to verify. Be cautious and confirm before giving out any personal information.

Is area code 929 a spam?

Area code 929 isn’t spam, but scammers can use it to trick people. Our research indicates that scammers often focus on medical issues or pretend to be someone you trust. If you get a suspicious call, hang up and contact the organization directly to verify. Always be wary of calls that unexpectedly ask for personal information.

Is area code 561 a spam?

Area code 561 isn’t spam, but scammers can use it to deceive people. We’ve found that scammers often focus on medical issues or pretend to be someone you trust. If you get a suspicious call, hang up and call the official number to verify. Trust your instincts and be cautious with unsolicited calls.

Is area code 862 a spam?

Area code 862 is legit, but scammers might use it to make deceptive calls. We’ve learned that scams often involve medical topics or pretending to be from businesses or family, creating urgency. If someone contacts you about these matters and requests your details, hang up and call the official number to verify. It’s important to confirm before sharing any information.

Is area code 910 a spam?

Area code 910 isn’t spam, but scammers can use it to deceive people. We’ve found that scammers often focus on medical issues or pretend to be someone you trust. If you get a suspicious call, hang up and call the official number to verify. Trust your instincts and be cautious with unsolicited calls.

Is area code 931 a spam?

Area code 931 is legit, but scammers might use it to make misleading calls. We’ve found that scams often involve medical topics or pretending to be from businesses or family, creating urgency. If someone contacts you about these matters and requests your details, hang up and call the official number to verify. It’s important to confirm before sharing any information.

Is area code 213 a spam?

Area code 213 isn’t spam, but scammers sometimes use it to make fake calls. We’ve done some research and found that many of these scams involve debt reduction or pretending to be someone you trust. If you get a call asking for personal info, it’s smart to hang up and check by calling the company or agency directly. Always be careful with calls that try to rush you.

Is area code 276 a spam?

Area code 276 is legit, but scammers might use it to try and trick you. Our research shows these calls often focus on medical issues or debt reduction, making them sound urgent. If someone calls about these topics and asks for your details, it’s best to hang up and verify by calling the official number. Staying calm and not rushing into sharing information is key.

Is area code 475 a spam?

Area code 475 isn’t spam, but scammers can use it to deceive people. We’ve found that scammers often focus on medical issues or pretend to be someone you trust. If you get a suspicious call, hang up and call the official number to verify. Trust your instincts and be cautious with unsolicited calls.

Is area code 516 a spam?

Area code 516 isn’t spam, but scammers can use it to trick people. Our research shows that scammers often pretend to be someone you trust or focus on medical issues. If you get a suspicious call, hang up and contact the organization directly to verify. Always be wary of calls that unexpectedly ask for personal info.

Is area code 559 a spam?

Area code 559 is real, but scammers sometimes exploit it to make deceptive calls. Our research indicates that scams often involve medical issues or pretending to be from trusted sources. If you get a call like this, hang up and contact the organization directly to verify. Always double-check before providing personal information.

Is area code 562 a spam?

Area code 562 is legit, but scammers might use it to make misleading calls. Our research shows that scams often involve reducing debt or medical topics, creating urgency. If you get a call like this, hang up and contact the organization directly to verify. It’s always safer to confirm before sharing any personal details.

Is area code 626 a spam?

Area code 626 is legit, but scammers might use it to make deceptive calls. We’ve learned that scams often involve pretending to be someone you trust or medical topics, creating urgency. If someone contacts you about these matters and requests your details, hang up and call the official number to verify. It’s important to confirm before sharing any information.

Is area code 629 a spam?

Area code 629 isn’t spam, but scammers can use it to deceive people. We’ve found that scammers often focus on medical issues or pretend to be someone you trust. If you get a suspicious call, hang up and call the official number to verify. Trust your instincts and be cautious with unsolicited calls.

Is area code 689 a spam?

Area code 689 isn’t spam, but scammers can use it to trick people. Our research shows that scammers often focus on medical issues or reducing debt. If you get a suspicious call, hang up and contact the organization directly to verify. Always be wary of calls that unexpectedly ask for personal information.

Is area code 828 a spam?

Area code 828 is legit, but scammers might use it to make misleading calls. Our research indicates that scams often involve medical topics or pretending to be from businesses or family, creating urgency. If you get a call like this, hang up and contact the organization directly to verify. It’s always safer to confirm before sharing any personal details.

Is area code 936 a spam?

Area code 936 isn’t spam, but scammers can use it to deceive people. We’ve learned that scammers often focus on medical issues or reducing debt. If you get a suspicious call, hang up and call the official number to verify. Trust your instincts and be cautious with unsolicited calls.

Is area code 940 a spam?

Area code 940 is legit, but scammers might use it to make deceptive calls. Our research indicates that scams often involve medical topics or pretending to be from businesses or family, creating urgency. If you get a call like this, hang up and contact the organization directly to verify. It’s always safer to confirm before sharing any personal details.

Is area code 970 a spam?

Area code 970 is real, but scammers sometimes use it to make misleading calls. We’ve found that scams often involve pretending to be someone you know or medical issues. If you get a call like this, hang up and call the official number to verify. Be cautious and confirm before giving out any personal information.

Is area code 305 a spam?

Area code 305 isn’t spam, but scammers can use it to trick people. Our research shows that scammers often focus on medical issues or impersonate someone familiar to gain trust. If you get a suspicious call, hang up and verify by contacting the official number. Trust your gut and be wary of unsolicited requests for personal info.

Is area code 320 a spam?

Area code 320 is legit, but scammers might use it to make fake calls. Our research shows that scams often pretend to be from trusted sources or involve medical issues, creating urgency. If you get a call like this, hang up and contact the organization directly to check. It’s always safer to confirm before sharing any personal details.

Is area code 423 a spam?

Area code 423 is legit, but scammers might use it to deceive you. We’ve learned that they often focus on medical topics or debt reduction, making the calls sound urgent. If someone contacts you about these matters and asks for your details, hang up and call the official number to verify. It’s important to confirm before sharing any information.

Is area code 470 a spam?

Area code 470 is real, but scammers sometimes use it to make fake calls. Our research shows that scams often involve debt reduction or medical issues, creating a sense of urgency. If you get a call like this, hang up and contact the organization directly to verify. Always take a moment to think before responding to unexpected requests for personal info.

Is area code 478 a spam?

Area code 478 is legit, but scammers might use it to make fake calls. Our research indicates they often involve medical topics or pretend to be from businesses or family. If you get a call like this, hang up and contact the organization directly to confirm. It’s always better to be safe and double-check before sharing personal details.

Is area code 507 a spam?

Area code 507 is real, but scammers sometimes use it to make misleading calls. We’ve found that scams often involve medical issues or pretending to be from trusted sources. If you get a call like this, hang up and call the official number to verify. Be cautious and confirm before giving out any personal information.

Is area code 609 a spam?

Area code 609 is real, but scammers sometimes use it to make fake calls. We’ve found that scams often involve medical issues or pretending to be from trusted sources. If you get a call like this, hang up and call the official number to verify. Be cautious and confirm before giving out any personal information.

Is area code 618 a spam?

Area code 618 isn’t spam, but scammers can use it to trick people. Our research indicates that scammers often focus on medical issues or pretend to be someone you trust. If you get a suspicious call, hang up and contact the organization directly to verify. Always be wary of calls that unexpectedly ask for personal information.

Is area code 660 a spam?

Area code 660 is legit, but scammers might use it to make fake calls. Our research indicates that scams often involve medical topics or pretending to be from businesses or family, creating urgency. If you get a call like this, hang up and contact the organization directly to verify. It’s always safer to confirm before sharing any personal details.

Is area code 786 a spam?

Area code 786 is real, but scammers sometimes exploit it to make deceptive calls. Our research shows that scams often involve medical issues or pretending to be from trusted sources. If you get a call like this, hang up and contact the organization directly to confirm. Always double-check before providing personal information.

Is area code 912 a spam?

Area code 912 is legit, but scammers might use it to make fraudulent calls. Our research shows that scams often involve medical topics or pretending to be from businesses or family, creating urgency. If you get a call like this, hang up and contact the organization directly to verify. It’s always safer to confirm before sharing any personal details.

Is area code 279 a spam?

Area code 279 is real, but scammers sometimes use it to make fake calls. We’ve found that these scams often involve medical topics or pretend to be from trusted sources. If you get a call like this, hang up and contact the organization directly to confirm it’s legit. Always double-check before giving out personal information.

Is area code 415 a spam?

Area code 415 isn’t spam, but scammers can use it to make misleading calls. Our research indicates that scammers often use medical issues or impersonate someone you trust to deceive you. If you get a suspicious call, hang up and contact the organization directly to make sure it’s legit. Always be cautious with calls that request personal information.

Is area code 705 a spam?

Area code 705 is legit, but scammers might use it to make misleading calls. We’ve learned that scams often involve pretending to be someone you trust or energy-related topics, creating urgency. If someone contacts you about these matters and requests your details, hang up and call the official number to verify. It’s important to confirm before sharing any information.

Is area code 708 a spam?

Area code 708 is real, but scammers sometimes exploit it to make fraudulent calls. Our research indicates that scams often involve medical issues or pretending to be from trusted sources. If you get a call like this, hang up and contact the organization directly to confirm. Always double-check before providing personal information.

Is area code 743 a spam?

Area code 743 isn’t spam, but scammers can use it to deceive people. We’ve found that scammers often focus on reducing debt or medical issues. If you get a suspicious call, hang up and call the official number to verify. Trust your instincts and be cautious with unsolicited calls.

Is area code 754 a spam?

Area code 754 is real, but scammers sometimes use it to make misleading calls. We’ve learned that scams often involve medical issues or pretending to be from trusted sources. If you get a call like this, hang up and call the official number to verify. Be cautious and confirm before giving out any personal information.

Is area code 769 a spam?

Area code 769 isn’t spam, but scammers can use it to trick people. Our research indicates that scammers often focus on medical issues or pretend to be someone you trust. If you get a suspicious call, hang up and contact the organization directly to verify. Always be wary of calls that unexpectedly ask for personal information.

Is area code 833 a spam?

Area code 833 is real, but scammers sometimes use it to make fraudulent calls. We’ve found that scammers often focus on reducing debt or pretending to be from trusted sources. If you get a call like this, hang up and call the official number to verify. Be cautious and confirm before giving out any personal information.

Is area code 855 a spam?

Area code 855 isn’t spam, but scammers can use it to trick people. Our research shows that scammers often focus on reducing debt or pretending to be someone you trust. If you get a suspicious call, hang up and contact the organization directly to verify. Always be wary of calls that unexpectedly ask for personal information.

Is area code 531 a scam?

Area code 531 is used in places like Omaha and Lincoln, Nebraska, and isn’t a scam. However, our research shows scammers sometimes use it for fake medical offers asking for personal details. If you get a call like this, hang up and check with the company directly. Never share personal info unless you’re sure who you’re talking to.

Is area code 334 spam?

Area code 334 in Alabama often gets spam calls, especially with fake medical offers. Our research indicates these calls try to get your personal details. To reduce these calls, join the Do Not Call Registry or use a data removal service. Always verify offers through official channels before sharing information.

Is area code 659 spam?

Area code 659, used in parts of Alabama, can be part of spam calls. Our research shows scammers often use it for fake medical offers, trying to get your personal info. Be cautious with any unexpected calls. Always verify the call’s legitimacy before giving out personal details.

Is area code 463 spam?

463 is a legitimate Indiana area code but, according to our findings, it’s among the state’s most-reported spam codes. Bad-faith actors primarily exploit it for medical and prescription spam calls together with impersonation scams (callers pretending to be from the government, businesses, or the target’s family). Around 60% use neighbor spoofing—faking local numbers to increase the chances you’ll answer. Indiana residents lodged the highest volume of complaints.

Is area code 478 spam?

478 is a valid Georgia area code, but we found that it’s one of the state’s top spam numbers. It’s typically misused for medical and prescription spam calls as well as impersonation scams (callers pretending to be from the government, businesses, or the target’s family) targeting Georgia residents. About 71% use neighbor spoofing to make them appear local.

Is area code 479 spam?

479 is a legitimate Arkansas area code, but it’s among the state’s most-reported spam codes. We found that malicious actors primarily use it for medical and prescription spam calls along with impersonation scams (callers pretending to be from the government, businesses, or the target’s family). Roughly 72% use neighbor spoofing—faking local numbers to trick you into picking up. Arkansas residents are the primary targets.

Is area code 518 spam?

518 is a legitimate New York area code, but it’s one of the state’s most-reported spam codes. According to our findings, most calls involve medical and prescription spam, alongside impersonation scams (callers pretending to be from the government, businesses, or the target’s family). Roughly 62% use neighbor spoofing to appear as though they’re from nearby. New York residents lodged the majority of complaints.

Is area code 530 spam?

530 is a valid California area code, but we found that bad actors frequently abuse it for medical and prescription spam calls together with impersonation scams (callers pretending to be from the government, businesses, or the target’s family). California residents are the main targets. About 73% of these calls use neighbor spoofing—the high spoofing rate makes these scams particularly effective.

Is area code 539 spam?

539 is a legitimate Oklahoma area code, but it’s among the state’s top spam codes. Our research shows malicious actors primarily using it for medical and prescription spam calls as well as impersonation scams (callers pretending to be from the government, businesses, or the target’s family). Roughly 70% use neighbor spoofing tactics to appear local. Oklahoma residents see the most activity from this code.

Is area code 564 spam?

564 is a real Washington area code, but we’ve found that it’s frequently exploited by bad-faith actors. Calls typically involve impersonation scams (callers pretending to be from the government, businesses, or the target’s family) along with medical and prescription spam targeting Washington residents. About 57% of these calls use neighbor spoofing—faking local numbers to appear more trustworthy.

Is area code 571 spam?

571 is a legitimate Virginia area code, but it’s one of the state’s most-reported spam codes. According to our research, most calls involve medical and prescription spam alongside impersonation scams (callers pretending to be from the government, businesses, or the target’s family). Around 60% use neighbor spoofing to appear as though they’re from nearby. Virginia residents lodged the highest volume of complaints.

Is area code 601 spam?

601 is a valid Mississippi area code, but we’ve found that it’s actually the top spam code in the state. Bad actors heavily exploit it for medical and prescription spam calls, together with impersonation scams (callers pretending to be from the government, businesses, or the target’s family). Roughly 68% use neighbor spoofing—faking local numbers to trick you into answering. Mississippi residents are the primary targets.

Is area code 605 spam?

605 is a legitimate South Dakota area code, but it’s the most-reported spam code in the state. We found that calls typically involve medical and prescription spam as well as impersonation scams (callers pretending to be from the government, businesses, or the target’s family). About 59% use neighbor spoofing tactics to appear local. South Dakota residents see the highest volume of activity from this code.

Is area code 636 spam?

636 is a real Missouri area code, but we found that it’s among the state’s top spam numbers. Malicious actors primarily use it for medical and prescription spam calls together with impersonation scams (callers pretending to be from the government, businesses, or the target’s family) targeting Missouri residents. Around 63% use neighbor spoofing—faking local numbers to increase response rates.

Is area code 640 spam?

640 is a legitimate New Jersey area code, but we’ve found bad actors frequently abusing it for medical and prescription spam calls along with fake charity solicitations. New Jersey residents report the most activity. Roughly 59% of these calls use neighbor spoofing to appear as though they’re from nearby. This overlay code is relatively new to bad-faith actors’ arsenals.

Is area code 641 spam?

641 is a valid Iowa area code but, according to our findings, it’s one of the state’s top spam codes. Most calls involve medical and prescription spam calls alongside impersonation scams (callers pretending to be from the government, businesses, or the target’s family). About 65% use neighbor spoofing tactics—faking local numbers to make you more likely to pick up. Iowa residents are the main targets.

Is area code 657 spam?

657 is a legitimate California area code, but we’ve found malicious actors regularly exploiting it for medical and prescription spam calls, as well as impersonation scams (callers pretending to be from the government, businesses, or the target’s family). California residents see frequent activity from this code. Roughly 73% of these calls use neighbor spoofing—the local appearance is designed to lower your defenses.

Is area code 669 spam?

669 is a real California area code, but it’s commonly used for impersonation scams (callers pretending to be from the government, businesses, or the target’s family) as well as medical and prescription spam calls. We found that California residents lodged the most complaints. About 73% of these calls use neighbor spoofing to appear local. Always be skeptical of unexpected calls from this area code.

Is area code 706 spam?

706 is a legitimate Georgia area code, but our research shows that it’s among the state’s most-reported spam codes. Bad actors primarily use it for medical and prescription spam calls together with impersonation scams (callers pretending to be from the government, businesses, or the target’s family). Roughly 71% use neighbor spoofing—faking local numbers to trick you into answering. Georgia residents lodged the highest volume of complaints.

Is area code 724 spam?

724 is a valid Pennsylvania area code, but we found that it’s one of the state’s top spam numbers. Calls typically involve medical and prescription spam calls along with impersonation scams (callers pretending to be from the government, businesses, or the target’s family) targeting Pennsylvania residents. About 58% of these calls use neighbor spoofing to appear local.

Is area code 725 spam?

725 is a legitimate Nevada area code, but it’s among the state’s most-reported spam codes. We’ve found that spammers exploit it for medical and prescription spam calls alongside debt-reduction offers. Around 65% use neighbor spoofing tactics to appear as though they’re from nearby. Nevada residents are the primary targets.

Is area code 740 spam?

740 is a real Ohio area code, but it’s one of the state’s top spam numbers. According to our findings, most calls involve medical and prescription spam, together with impersonation scams (callers pretending to be from the government, businesses, or the target’s family). Roughly 73% use neighbor spoofing—faking local numbers to increase the chances you’ll pick up. Ohio residents lodged the majority of complaints.

Is area code 762 spam?

762 is a legitimate Georgia area code, but we found it among the state’s most-reported spam codes. Bad actors primarily use it for medical and prescription spam calls as well as impersonation scams (callers pretending to be from the government, businesses, or the target’s family). About 71% use neighbor spoofing to appear local. Georgia residents see significant activity from this relatively new overlay code.

Is area code 770 spam?

770 is a valid Georgia area code, but it’s actually the top spam code in the state. According to our findings, calls typically involve medical and prescription spam calls together with impersonation scams (callers pretending to be from the government, businesses, or the target’s family). Roughly 71% use neighbor spoofing—faking local numbers to trick you into answering. Georgia residents report the highest volume of suspicious activity from this number.

Is area code 772 spam?

772 is a legitimate Florida area code, but malicious actors commonly abuse it for medical and prescription spam calls along with impersonation scams (callers pretending to be from the government, businesses, or the target’s family). We found that Florida residents report frequent activity. Around 65% of these calls use neighbor spoofing tactics to appear as though they’re from nearby. Always verify unexpected calls before sharing personal details.

Is area code 803 spam?

803 is a real South Carolina area code, but it’s the most-reported spam code in the state. We found bad-faith actors heavily exploiting it for medical and prescription spam calls alongside impersonation scams (callers pretending to be from the government, businesses, or the target’s family). About 63% use neighbor spoofing—faking local numbers to make you more likely to pick up. South Carolina residents are the primary targets.

Is area code 806 spam?

806 is a legitimate Texas area code, but we’ve found that it’s frequently misused for medical and prescription spam calls, as well as impersonation scams (callers pretending to be from the government, businesses, or the target’s family). Texas residents see most of the activity. Roughly 69% of these calls use neighbor spoofing—the local appearance is meant to make you more likely to answer.

Is area code 813 spam?

813 is a valid Florida area code, but we’ve found bad actors heavily exploiting it for medical and prescription spam calls as well as impersonation scams (callers pretending to be from the government, businesses, or the target’s family). Florida residents report high volumes of spam from this code. About 65% use neighbor spoofing tactics to appear local. Always be cautious with unexpected calls from this area code.

Is area code 820 spam?

820 is a legitimate area code, but bad actors frequently abuse it for medical and prescription spam calls together with impersonation scams (callers pretending to be from the government, businesses, or the target’s family). We found that California residents report the most activity from this code. Roughly 73% of these calls use neighbor spoofing—faking local numbers to trick you into answering. This is a newer area code overlay.

Is area code 830 spam?

830 is a real Texas area code, but we found that it’s commonly exploited for medical and prescription spam calls along with impersonation scams (callers pretending to be from the government, businesses, or the target’s family). Texas residents are the main targets. About 69% of these calls use neighbor spoofing to appear as though they’re from nearby. Always verify the caller’s identity before providing any information.

Is area code 843 spam?

843 is a legitimate South Carolina area code, but it’s one of the state’s top spam codes. We found malicious actors primarily using it for medical and prescription spam calls alongside impersonation scams (callers pretending to be from the government, businesses, or the target’s family). Around 63% use neighbor spoofing—faking local numbers to increase the chances you’ll pick up. South Carolina residents see significant activity from this code.

FAQ

How do spammers get my cell phone number?

Spammers harvest cell phone numbers from publicly available information such as your social media profile or a people search site. Be mindful of the information you share online and frequently remove your data from the internet. Use a data removal service to automate the process. 

How can I check if a phone number is spam?

There’s no official list of spam numbers, so it’s a good idea to be cautious with calls from numbers you don’t know. Be extra careful if the call is from a toll-free number or a local area code. Some apps help block spam calls but might not catch every new number. Trust your gut; if you’re unsure, it’s OK to let it go to voicemail

How do you know if a number is suspicious?

It’s wise to be wary of calls from numbers you don’t recognize. This is especially true for local area codes or toll-free numbers. If you’re not sure, just let it go to voicemail. If it’s important, the caller will usually leave a message.

Do spam callers use your area code?

Yep, spam callers often use your area code to make you more likely to pick up. If you see a local area code, it’s OK to let it go to voicemail. If you do answer and think it’s spam, hang up right away and don’t engage with the caller.

5 area codes to avoid – never answer these

Five area codes associated with scam calls you should never answer:

• Toll-free numbers like 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, or 833
• 767: Commonwealth of Dominica
• 876 and 658: Jamaica
• 441: Bermuda
• 232: Sierra Leone

5 area codes you should also be careful with

• 268: Antigua and Barbuda
• 284: British Virgin Islands
• 473: Grenada
• 664: Montserrat (a British Overseas Territory in the Caribbean)
• 649: Turks and Caicos Islands

Methodology

Incogni’s researchers sought out and downloaded yearly Daily Data Files from the Federal Trade Commission’s Do Not Call (DNC) registry, which is a database listing the phone numbers of individuals who have requested not to be contacted by telemarketers. 

The data represents 286,250 reports submitted to the Federal Trade Commission from 16th October to 8th December, 2023. Incogni researchers combined all the information into one database. Reports without a telephone number, or telephone numbers reported as “111111111” or “0” were removed from the database.

Limitations

Due to the reliance on the self-reports of people who have voluntarily registered their numbers to the Do Not Call Registry, the data may not capture all instances of unwanted calls or be generalizable to the US population as a whole.

The data used in this research is available here: Public dataset.

Sources

1. Federal Communication Commission. “Consumer Guide. What Is a Toll-Free Number and How Does it Work?” Accessed January 3, 2024. https://www.fcc.gov/sites/default/files/what_is_a_toll_free_number_and_how_does_it_work.pdf.
2. Federal Trade Commission. “Data sets. Do Not Call Data.” Accessed December 14, 2023. https://www.ftc.gov/policy-notices/open-government/data-sets/do-not-call-data. 
3. Federal Trade Commission. “National Do Not Call Registry FAQs.” Accessed January 3, 2024. https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/national-do-not-call-registry-faqs.
4. Google search engine results in the US for the keyword “spam area codes.” Search performed January 3, 2024. https://www.google.com/search?q=spam+area+codes&oq=spam+area+codes.