Let’s clear up the main question right away: No, the 885 area code is not assigned to any city, state, or geographic region in the United States or anywhere else in the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), which includes Canada and parts of the Caribbean. It is currently an unassigned code.
Why Some Codes Are Unassigned
The North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA) manages all the three-digit area codes for the continent. While hundreds of codes are in use, many combinations like the 885 area code are kept in reserve. These unassigned codes may be designated for future use as other area codes run out of available phone numbers or are reserved for specific purposes, such as future toll-free number blocks.
Some reports suggest that 885, along with other “88X” codes, is reserved for future toll-free use after the current prefixes are exhausted. However, as of now, it is not active.
If It’s Not a Real Area Code, Why Is It Calling Me?
If the 885 area code isn’t active, how can a call from it appear on your phone? The answer almost invariably involves a deceptive practice known as caller ID spoofing.
The Technology of Caller ID Spoofing
Scammers and illegitimate telemarketers use technology that allows them to falsify the phone number that shows up on your caller ID. They can make it appear as though they are calling from any number they wish—a local business, a government agency, or even a fake, unassigned number like the 885 area code.
Why Scammers Use Fake Area Codes
Using an unassigned area code is a deliberate tactic. Scammers do this to:
- Evade Call-Blocking: It helps them bypass call-blocking apps that rely on lists of known spam numbers.
- Arouse Curiosity: An unusual or unfamiliar number might make someone more likely to answer the phone out of curiosity.
- Hide Their Location: A fake number makes it nearly impossible to trace the call back to its true origin, giving the scammers a shield of anonymity.
Because the 885 area code is not in service, you can be confident that any call you receive from it is from a spoofer and is almost certainly a scam attempt.
How to Handle a Call from the 885 Area Code
Given the high probability of fraud, your response should always prioritize your security.
Do Not Answer
The best and simplest course of action is to let the call go to voicemail. A legitimate caller with important information will leave a message. A robocaller will simply hang up and move on.
Never Call Back
Resist the urge to call the number back. This action confirms to the spammers that your phone number is active, which can lead to your number being targeted for even more spam calls and texts in the future.
If you do answer by mistake, hang up immediately if the caller asks for any personal, financial, or account information. Legitimate companies will not call you unexpectedly to ask for sensitive data.
Block and Report
Use your smartphone’s built-in feature to block the number. While scammers will likely use a different number next time, it prevents them from bothering you from that specific one again. You can also report the incident to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to help combat these fraudulent operations.
In summary, your search for the location of the 885 area code is over—it doesn’t have one in the United States. You should treat this number as an immediate red flag. By recognizing it as an unassigned code used by scammers, you can take the right steps to protect yourself and your information.
