323 Area Code — Los Angeles (Central), CA

Everything about the 323 area code: location, time zone, major cities, 5,070 reported scams in 2023, and how to protect yourself from 323 spoofed calls.

📍 Los Angeles (Central), CA 🕐 Pacific Standard Time 🛡️ MODERATE ⚠️ 5,070 scams
5,070Scams reported 2023
MODERATESafety rating
5.4Risk level /10
Estimated 1.2 millionPopulation

Where is area code 323?

Area code 323 serves Los Angeles (Central), CA. It was established in 1991 and is one of the original area codes in the North American Numbering Plan.

Major Cities in Area Code 323

The 323 area code covers Los Angeles (Central), CA. Major cities and communities include:

  • Los Angeles (Central)
  • Hollywood
  • Beverly Hills

History of Area Code 323

Area code 323 was established in 1991 and serves Los Angeles (Central), CA.

  • Covers downtown LA and Hollywood
  • Split from 213 area code

Nearby Area Codes

Related area codes near 323:

Los Angeles (Central), CA Scam Hotspots

  • Hollywood - entertainment scams
  • Downtown - BEC scams
  • Koreatown - immigration scams

Most Reported Scams in Los Angeles (Central), CA

Scam TypeIncidents (2023)Avg LossVictim Profile
Bail Scam1340$4,500Ages 35-65
Fake Tech Support1120$1,900Ages 55+
Rental Scam980$3,200Ages 22-35

Common 323 Scam Patterns

Government Impersonation

Scammers pretending to be from IRS, Social Security, or local authorities

Common prefixes: 800, 888, 877

  • Threatening immediate arrest
  • Demanding immediate payment
  • Requesting gift cards or wire transfers

Auto Warranty Scams

Automated calls about extended car warranties

Common prefixes: 833, 844, 855

  • Pre-recorded messages
  • Urgent warranty expiration claims
  • Pressure to provide vehicle information

Tech Support Fraud

Fake technical support calls claiming computer problems

Common prefixes: 866, 877, 888

  • Claims of detected viruses
  • Requests for remote computer access
  • Microsoft/Apple impersonation

Legitimate Callers From 323

Government

  • Social Security Administration — Benefits and verification calls (official prefix: 800-772) verify
  • Internal Revenue Service — Tax-related communications (official prefix: 800-829) verify

Utilities

  • — Service and billing notifications

Healthcare

  • — Appointment reminders and follow-ups

Los Angeles (Central), CA Authorities & Reporting

  • Police: Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD): (323) 846-6525
  • Consumer protection: Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs: (323) 890-5000
  • Fraud unit: LAPD Major Crimes Division - Fraud and Cyber Crime Group: (213) 485-3600
  • Emergency: 911 (for emergencies), (323) 846-4911 (non-emergency police dispatch)

Immediate steps if you suspect a scam:

  • Document the call details
  • Report to FTC at ftc.gov/complaint
  • Contact local authorities
  • Alert your bank if needed

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the 323 area code?

The 323 area code serves Los Angeles (Central), CA. Major cities include Los Angeles (Central), Hollywood, Beverly Hills. It was established in 1991.

Is the 323 area code a scam?

The 323 area code itself is legitimate — it covers Los Angeles (Central), CA. But scammers spoof local numbers: 5,070 scams were reported in 2023, with common types including utility 36%, government 25%, banking 20%, other 21%. Always verify unknown callers.

What time zone is area code 323?

Area code 323 is in the Pacific Standard Time (PST).

How do I report a scam call from 323?

Report scam calls to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov, the FCC, and Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs: (323) 890-5000. For Los Angeles (Central), CA, contact LAPD Major Crimes Division - Fraud and Cyber Crime Group: (213) 485-3600 to file a complaint.

How can I protect myself from 323 area code spam calls?

Block unknown numbers, use caller ID / spam-blocking apps, never share personal info with unsolicited callers, and verify callers through official channels. CyberForget's phone tools help check whether a number is linked to known scams.

Worried about a call from 323?

Check whether a phone number is linked to known scams and data breaches with CyberForget's free tools.

Check a Phone Number →