Area Code 800

Where is area code 800?

Area code 800 is a toll-free prefix in the North American Numbering Plan — the original, in use since 1967. Toll-free codes were introduced so customers could reach a business without paying for the call: the charge is billed to the number's owner instead of the caller.

Unlike a geographic area code, 800 says nothing about where the caller is. The same toll-free number can be answered in a call centre on the other side of the country, or overseas. New toll-free codes are opened as earlier ones fill up, which is why 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844 and 833 all exist side by side.

Because a toll-free number can be rented in minutes and dropped just as quickly, these codes are a favourite of telemarketing and fraud operations. Across our archive, 800 accounts for 59,606 caller reports on 9,407 distinct numbers. Legitimate businesses use these codes too — the code alone cannot tell you which you are dealing with, only a check of the specific number can.

What is area code 800?

Area code 800 is a toll-free code in the North American Numbering Plan. A call to a 800 number is free for the caller because the business receiving it pays for the call.

Where is a 800 number located?

Nowhere in particular. Toll-free codes carry no geographic meaning — a 800 number can be answered in any state, or routed overseas to a call centre. The code tells you nothing about where the caller is.

Are 800 numbers safe?

Toll-free numbers are used by banks, airlines and support desks, and equally by telemarketing and fraud operations, because they are cheap to rent and easy to abandon. Our archive holds 59,606 reports covering 9,407 800 numbers. The code alone cannot tell you which you are dealing with — only checking the specific number can.

What is the difference between 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844 and 833?

Functionally nothing. They are all toll-free and behave identically; each was opened as the previous range filled up, starting with 800 in 1967. A newer code such as 833 does not indicate anything about the business using it.

Can a 800 number be spoofed?

Yes. Caller ID has no built-in verification, so a caller can display a toll-free number they do not own. Scammers sometimes spoof the real support line of a bank or retailer so the call appears genuine.

A 800 number claims to be my bank. Is it?

Do not assume so. Hang up and dial the number printed on your card or on the company's official website. A legitimate institution will never object to being called back on its published number.

How do I report a spam call from 800?

Report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and add your number to the Do Not Call registry at donotcall.gov. Block the number on your handset as well — most phones and carriers now offer this directly.