If you are searching for the location of the 666 area code, the answer is straightforward: Area Code 666 does not exist and has never been assigned to a geographical region within the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), which includes the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean.
The 666 sequence is intentionally avoided due to its widespread cultural and religious association as “the number of the Beast” from the Bible’s Book of Revelation. This article will clarify the status of the 666 code, explain the cultural reasons for its absence, and distinguish between a true area code and a local phone number prefix.
The Status of Area Code 666
The North American Numbering Plan (NANP), the system that governs phone numbers for over 20 countries and territories, follows specific rules for assigning three-digit Area Codes (also known as Numbering Plan Area codes or NPAs).
| Detail | Information |
| Area Code Status: | Unassigned / Reserved. |
| Geographic Location: | None. No state, province, or city uses 666 as its area code. |
| Reason for Absence: | Cultural/Religious Sensitivity. The code is avoided due to the biblical reference to 666 as the “number of the Beast.” |
| Similar Codes: | Many three-digit number sequences that could potentially be Area Codes are reserved, but 666 is the most famous example of a code avoided for social reasons. |
The NANP is run by the North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA), and they confirm that 666 remains unassigned to prevent any public controversy or discomfort for residents and businesses.
Area Code vs. Phone Number Prefix (NXX)
Confusion often arises because, while 666 is not a valid area code (NPA), it can be used as a local three-digit prefix (NXX) within a larger, legitimate area code.
The Full 10-Digit Number Format
A complete North American phone number is structured as:
(Area Code)+(Prefix/Exchange)+(Line Number)
- Area Code (NPA): This is the first three digits and designates the geographic region (e.g., 212 for Manhattan). 666 is NOT valid here.
- Prefix (NXX): This is the middle three digits and designates a specific central office or switch within that area code. 666 IS valid here.
For example, a number like (515) 666-XXXX is a perfectly valid phone number located in the 515 area code region (Des Moines, Iowa). In this case, the number 666 is a local exchange code, not the geographic area code.
Historical Context: The Louisiana Controversy
One of the most notable incidents involving the number 666 involved a local prefix in the small town of Reeves, Louisiana. The town, which was part of the 337 area code, had a phone prefix of 666. Due to significant complaints from residents regarding the number’s religious symbolism, the phone company eventually agreed to change the local exchange prefix to a different sequence in 2007.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is there a chance that Area Code 666 will be assigned in the future?
It is highly unlikely. Due to the strong and controversial cultural symbolism associated with the number 666 in Western society, the NANPA maintains a policy of not assigning it as an area code to avoid public relations issues and consumer backlash.
Are there any international country codes that start with 666?
No. Country codes are typically one to three digits. The codes beginning with ‘6’ are primarily assigned to countries in Southeast Asia and Oceania (e.g., 61 for Australia, 66 for Thailand, 670 for East Timor). No single country has the international country code of +666.
If I receive a call from a number containing “666,” is it a scam?
A number containing “666” as the prefix (e.g., 555-666-XXXX) is not inherently a scam. It is simply a regular phone number. Scammers, however, can spoof any number they choose. The best way to identify a scam is by the nature of the call (e.g., demanding money, threatening arrest, or asking for personal information), not just the number itself.
Conclusion
The search for the 666 area code reveals that it is a non-existent code within North American telephony, reserved out of respect for widespread religious and cultural concerns. While the sequence 666 is a valid local prefix in certain legitimate phone numbers, it will never be used as a three-digit geographic area code. If you encounter a phone number containing this sequence, always look at the full 10-digit number to determine its location and apply standard skepticism to any unsolicited calls.
