Decoding the Location of the 057 Code
Where is the 057 code from?
The 057 code is a national telephone area code for the Republic of Ireland. It specifically serves a large portion of the Irish Midlands region. This is not a mobile number prefix but a geographic code assigned to landline phone numbers in specific counties.
Key Counties and Towns Covered by the 057 Code
When you see the 057 code on your caller ID, the call is originating from one of several key towns and surrounding areas in Ireland’s heartland. The primary locations covered by this area code include:
- County Laois: Including the major town of Portlaoise.
- County Offaly: Covering towns like Tullamore and Birr.
- Parts of County Kildare, County Westmeath, and County Galway.
How to Recognize a Call from the 057 Code
A call from within Ireland will appear as 057 followed by a seven-digit number. If the call is coming from outside of Ireland, it will be preceded by the Irish country code, +353. The format would be +353 57 followed by the local number (the leading ‘0’ is dropped in international format).
Is the 057 code associated with scams?
While the 057 code itself is a legitimate and standard Irish area code, like any other phone number, it can be “spoofed” by scammers. Fraudsters can manipulate caller ID to make it appear as though they are calling from a legitimate Irish landline. The legitimacy of the call depends on the caller’s intent, not the area code itself.
Best Practices for Handling Unexpected Calls
What to Do if You Receive a Suspicious 057 Code Call
If you receive an unexpected call from a number with the 057 code, especially if you do not have any known contacts in the Irish Midlands, exercise caution. Be wary of any caller who creates a sense of urgency or asks for personal or financial information, such as your bank details or PPS number.
The Risk of Calling Back an Unknown Number
It is generally not advisable to call back an unknown number, including one with the 057 code. If the call is important, the person will likely leave a voicemail or try to contact you through another method. This protects you from potential premium-rate number scams.
Blocking and Reporting Unwanted Calls
If you are receiving persistent, unwanted calls from any number using the 057 code, use your phone’s built-in features to block the number. You can also report nuisance calls to your phone service provider and the appropriate regulatory authorities in your country.
