If you’ve received a missed call from a number starting with +676 or are trying to figure out which American city uses the 676 area code, you can stop searching. The simple answer is: none of them do.
This can be confusing, especially when a mysterious call appears on your phone. However, understanding where this number actually originates from is the first step in protecting yourself from potential scams and unexpected charges. This guide breaks down what the 676 area code really is and what you should do if you see it on your caller ID.
Where in the World Is the 676 Area Code?
While it may look like one, the number 676 is not a North American area code. You won’t find it assigned to any state, city, or region in the United States, Canada, or the Caribbean.
Not in North America
The North American Numbering Plan (NANP) manages area codes for the U.S. and its territories, and the 676 area code is not on that list. So, if you’re thinking it might be a new code for a major city, you can rest assured that it is not.
The Kingdom of Tonga
The number 676 is the international country code for the Kingdom of Tonga, a Polynesian nation of more than 170 islands in the South Pacific. When you see a number formatted as +676, the “+” indicates an international call, and the “676” specifies that the call originates from Tonga.
The Important Difference: Area Code vs. Country Code
It’s easy to mistake a country code for an area code, but the distinction is critical for your phone bill.
- Area Code: A three-digit code used for domestic calls within the U.S. and Canada. Dialing a number with a different area code is typically part of a standard domestic long-distance plan.
- Country Code: A one- to three-digit code used to make international calls. To call another country from the U.S., you must first dial the international access code (011), followed by the country code and the local number. A call to Tonga from the U.S. would be dialed 011-676-XXXXXXX.
Why You Might Be Seeing a Call from the “676 Area Code”
While it’s possible you received a legitimate wrong number, there is a much more common and malicious reason for getting an unexpected call from the 676 area code or other unfamiliar international codes.
The “One-Ring” Phone Scam
This popular scam, also known as “Wangiri” (Japanese for “one and cut”), is designed to exploit your curiosity. Here’s how it works:
- The Call: Scammers using automated systems call thousands of numbers and hang up after just one ring.
- The Missed Call: You see a missed call on your phone from a number you don’t recognize, like one beginning with the 676 area code.
- The Callback: Your curiosity gets the best of you, and you call the number back to see who it was.
- The Trap: The number you call back is a premium-rate international number, similar to a 1-900 number in the U.S. You are immediately hit with high per-minute charges. The scammers, who own the line, get a cut of the money you are charged for the call.
The goal of the scam is to keep you on the line for as long as possible, often by playing hold music or a long recorded message, racking up significant charges on your next phone bill.
What to Do If You Receive a Call from 676
If a number associated with the 676 area code appears on your phone, follow these simple steps to protect yourself.
- Do Not Call Back: This is the most important rule. If you don’t recognize the number, resist the urge to return the call. If the call was legitimate and important, the person would have left a voicemail.
- Block the Number: Use your smartphone’s call-blocking feature to prevent the number from contacting you again.
- Report the Call: You can report the scam attempt to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and your mobile carrier. This helps them track and combat these illegal operations.
- Check Your Phone Bill: Keep an eye on your next bill to ensure there are no unauthorized international charges.
In conclusion, while you might have been searching for the location of the 676 area code, the key takeaway is that it’s actually the country code for Tonga. Be aware that unexpected calls from this or any other unknown international code are often part of a scam. By being informed and cautious, you can easily avoid becoming a victim.
