The user searching for the 699 area code is looking for a geographical location, but the most important fact is that this code is currently unassigned for standard public phone service in the North American Numbering Plan (NANP).
The 699 area code is a Non-Geographic Area Code (NGPA), meaning it is not tied to a specific city, state, or province. It is reserved by the NANP Administrator (NANPA) for specialized network services. More importantly, like other non-geographic codes in the 600-700 range, it has been associated with Traffic Pumping scams and other fraudulent activity.
This article clarifies the status of the 699 area code, explains the related scam risk, and provides essential consumer safety advice.
Status of Area Code 699
The 699 area code is one of several non-geographic codes reserved for future or specialized use within the North American system.
| Detail | Information |
| Area Code Status: | Unassigned / Reserved (Non-Geographic) |
| Geographic Location: | None. |
| Primary Association: | Traffic Pumping / Access Stimulation Scams. |
| Closest Assigned Codes: | 669 (San Jose, California) and 700 (Interconnect Services – also Non-Geographic). |
Non-Geographic Area Codes (NGPAs)
NGPAs are distinct from regular area codes (like 212 or 303) and are not mapped to a location. They are used for services such as:
- Toll-Free services (800, 888, etc.).
- Premium-rate services (900).
- Specialized network routing (500, 521, 700).
The 699 code is reserved in this non-geographic category, often for service providers rather than end-users.
Critical Warning: The 699 Code and Traffic Pumping
The 699 area code has been specifically flagged in the past for its association with “Traffic Pumping” or “Access Stimulation” schemes.
How Traffic Pumping Works:
- The Partnership: Scammers partner with small, often rural, telephone companies that charge high rates for incoming calls (called access fees).
- The Call Volume: The scammer generates massive amounts of automated phone traffic (robocalls) to numbers using the non-geographic 699 code.
- The Charges: The call is routed through the high-rate rural carrier, who bills the long-distance providers (like AT&T or Verizon) an inflated amount. This often leads to excessive charges being passed down to the consumer or business who placed or received the calls.
- The Call Type: Calls using 699 may be one-ring calls designed to trick you into calling back (like the 809/473 scam) or may involve automated messages trying to keep you on the line.
Actionable Safety Advice:
- Do Not Answer or Return Calls: Never answer or call back any number displaying the (699) XXX-XXXX area code. Since it is non-geographic, there is no legitimate public reason for an individual to call you from this code.
- Monitor Your Bill: Regularly review your phone bill for unusual connection fees or high international/premium-rate charges.
- Report Suspicion: If you receive persistent, unsolicited calls from 699, report the activity to your carrier and file a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is 699 a valid area code in the US?
No. The 699 area code is not a valid geographic area code in the U.S. It is reserved for non-geographic, specialized services. All US geographic area codes are three digits (NPA) followed by a seven-digit number, but 699 is only reserved for internal network use.
Is 699 an international country code?
No. The code 699 is not a country calling code recognized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Country codes that begin with +6 typically cover countries in Southeast Asia and Oceania (e.g., +61 for Australia).
What is the most reliable way to block calls from 699?
Since the 699 code is often used in fraud, your mobile carrier’s built-in spam-blocking apps (like T-Mobile’s Scam Shield or Verizon’s Call Filter) are often the best defense. You can also contact your carrier to ensure that all premium-rate services are blocked on your line.
Conclusion
The 699 area code is a reserved, non-geographic code with a known association with costly Traffic Pumping scams. The most effective way to protect yourself from potential fraud and bill inflation is to never answer or return any unsolicited call that displays the (699) XXX-XXXX sequence on your caller ID.
