You’ve most likely received calls from 800 area codes in the past, and you may have even received them recently, but do you know where that area code actually comes from? When someone calls you on your 800 number, what are they calling about? Why does it feel like so many of the companies behind 800 numbers seem to be scammers? Here’s everything you need to know about these mysterious numbers.
History of Area Code 800:
Area code 800 was one of four original North American Numbering Plan area codes created in 1947, and originally covered all of California. In 1984 it was split along area code 213 to create area code 818. New York City received a new overlay, 212; however, by the early 1990s, New York’s 212/646 were close to exhaustion once again. It was decided to add another overlay onto 212 that included 646 as well as 347 and 917 (which were also second-overlay area codes at that time), which would be overlaid with 718. This brought telephone numbers for New York City closer to being used up than before; by 1995 there were two million available prefixes for Manhattan alone.
Are calls from 800 toll-free?
800 area code calls are sometimes toll-free and sometimes not. When a caller is using an 800 toll-free number to connect to a landline or cellphone in your area, there is no charge to you and no cost involved. If someone using an 800 number connects to your phone but it isn’t toll-free – maybe because you live outside of that service area – they are charged by their provider for connecting. This price will vary based on where you live and which carrier they use.
Does Area Code 800 Toll-Free?
800 area code is a toll-free phone number area code in North America. The 800 area code is assigned to overlay zones for geographic regions served by over 200 rate centers. Most of these overlays are in turn overlaid by 888. But if you see an 800 number on your cell phone caller ID or toll-free service provider listing, it can mean one of three things or something else entirely.
How to obtain your own 800 area code number?
The Federal Communications Commission issues 800 area codes. The FCC provides a simple form to fill out, as well as some of its own guidelines and rules. However, there are also some steps that you need to take to obtain your 800 number with ease. First, ask your customer service representative if they have an existing 800 number that they can transfer over to you before filling out an application with FCC on your own.
If not, then you will have to provide an independent contact person who owns their company or organization name in order for them to find whether or not your request is compatible. Remember that any phone numbers used in advertisements must be purchased at least five days before being listed so be sure to plan ahead! Also, note that renewal applications must be submitted no later than 90 days prior to the end date of the validity period.
What is a city in the United States uses the area code 800?
There are actually no cities in America that use area code 800. You might be wondering why it exists in your phone book or other location-based directories. If you’re familiar with some North American geography you’ll understand that 800 covers four Canadian provinces (Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick) plus three U.S. states (Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont). So it’s used as a catchall area code for Canada and parts of America that don’t have their own area codes.
What makes 800 different from other toll-free numbers?
Originally introduced in 1967, 800 numbers were specifically designed to attract toll-free traffic. There are no surcharges and they are not subject to state taxes. When most people think of toll-free numbers they immediately think of 800 area codes; however, there are thousands of different area codes that can be used for toll-free services. 1-888 and 1-877 are popular but less widely recognized because there is a 5 cent per minute surcharge added if you call from a landline and if you call from a mobile phone it can cost up to $1.50 per minute! If you do get charged it is still your responsibility unless you have an 800 package or add-on for your plan which would vary depending on what provider you have.
How do I Block Unwanted 800 calls?
These calls don’t come from a real 800 number. In fact, they are usually coming from outside of your state. To block these unwanted calls Android or iPhone users may do so by installing a call blocking app on their phones.
Is 800 a scam?
As with any toll-free number, you will be charged for any call originating from 800. However, because there is no charge to receive a call from an 800 number (i.e., it rings free), these calls are highly likely to be scams in which callers use your phone line to dialer a series of expensive numbers as part of a massive scam.
Toll-Free Area Codes:
The 800 area code is reserved for toll-free numbers. The four digits following a 1′′ or 0′′ are known as a prefix (e.g., 888). Any other number is most likely not toll-free and will require you to pay long-distance fees for dialing. This means it can be really easy to fall into an unwanted phone bill trap by accidentally calling an 800 number that isn’t toll-free. As well as the 800 area code, the other toll-free area codes are 833, 844, 855, 866, 877, and 888.
Also, check out ” 919 Area Code ” ” 888 Area Code ” ” 760 Area Code “
Hi I’m Bilal Malik, a digital marketing and blogging expert holding years of experience.