352 Area Code — Gainesville, FL

Everything about the 352 area code: location, time zone, major cities, 2,847 reported scams in 2023, and how to protect yourself from 352 spoofed calls.

📍 Gainesville, FL 🕐 Eastern Time 🛡️ MODERATE ⚠️ 2,847 scams
2,847Scams reported 2023
MODERATESafety rating
5.6Risk level /10
Approximately 600,000Population

Where is area code 352?

Area code 352 serves Gainesville, FL. It was established in 1953.

Major Cities in Area Code 352

The 352 area code covers Gainesville, FL. Major cities and communities include:

  • Gainesville
  • Ocala
  • Leesburg
  • The Villages

History of Area Code 352

Area code 352 was established in 1953 and serves Gainesville, FL.

Nearby Area Codes

Related area codes near 352:

Common 352 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 352

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

Gainesville, FL Authorities & Reporting

  • Police: Gainesville Police Department: (352) 955-1818
  • Consumer protection: Florida Division of Consumer Services: 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352)
  • Fraud unit: Gainesville Police Economic Crimes Unit: (352) 393-7501
  • Emergency: 911, Gainesville Fire Rescue: (352) 334-5059, Alachua County Sheriff's Office: (352) 955-1818

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 352 area code?

The 352 area code serves Gainesville, FL. Major cities include Gainesville, Ocala, Leesburg, The Villages. It was established in 1953.

Is the 352 area code a scam?

The 352 area code itself is legitimate — it covers Gainesville, FL. But scammers spoof local numbers: 2,847 scams were reported in 2023, with common types including utility 36%, government 28%, banking 28%, other 20%. Always verify unknown callers.

What time zone is area code 352?

Area code 352 is in the Eastern Time (ET).

How do I report a scam call from 352?

Report scam calls to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov, the FCC, and Florida Division of Consumer Services: 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352). For Gainesville, FL, contact Gainesville Police Economic Crimes Unit: (352) 393-7501 to file a complaint.

How can I protect myself from 352 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 352?

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

Check a Phone Number →