If you’ve recently seen a call or text from the 957 area code, you might be trying to place it on a map. With new area codes being introduced across the country, it can be a challenge to keep track of which numbers belong to which regions.
Unlike some unfamiliar numbers that turn out to be unassigned or part of a scam, the 957 area code is a legitimate, active area code in the United States. This guide will tell you exactly where it’s located and why it was created.
The Location of the 957 Area Code: The Land of Enchantment
The 957 area code is assigned to the state of New Mexico.
Serving the Entire State of New Mexico
What makes the 957 area code somewhat unique is that it doesn’t just serve one city or a small portion of the state. Instead, it covers the entire state of New Mexico from border to border.
Major Cities Covered
Because it’s a statewide code, a phone number with the 957 area code could originate from any of New Mexico’s diverse cities and regions, including:
- Albuquerque
- Santa Fe
- Las Cruces
- Rio Rancho
- Roswell
- Farmington
- Carlsbad
So, if you see this area code, you can be confident the call is coming from somewhere within the state of New Mexico.
Why Was the 957 Area Code Created?
The introduction of a new area code is typically a sign of a growing population and an increasing demand for new phone numbers for cell phones, landlines, and other connected devices.
An Overlay Plan for a Growing State
The 957 area code was implemented as an “overlay.” An overlay is a common solution in telecommunications where a new area code is added to the same geographic region as existing area codes. This provides a fresh supply of millions of new phone numbers without having to split the state into different zones.
A Companion to the 505 and 575 Area Codes
The 957 area code works alongside New Mexico’s established area codes: 505 (which serves Albuquerque and Santa Fe) and 575 (which serves the rest of the state). All three area codes now cover the same territory. This means that new customers getting a phone number in New Mexico could be assigned a 957, 505, or 575 area code, regardless of where they live in the state.
When It Went Live
To accommodate the rising demand for phone numbers, the 957 area code was officially activated and went into service on October 7, 2023. Because it is still relatively new, many people outside of New Mexico may not yet recognize it.
What to Know About the 957 Area Code
Now that you know its location, here are a few final thoughts.
- It’s a Legitimate Area Code: A call from a 957 area code is very likely from a real person, family, or business in New Mexico. It is not an unassigned number or one exclusively associated with scams.
- Standard Safety Precautions Still Apply: Even though the area code is real, scammers can “spoof” any number. If you receive an unexpected call from the 957 area code and do not know anyone in New Mexico, it’s wise to be cautious. Let the call go to voicemail and never provide personal or financial information to an unsolicited caller.
In conclusion, the 957 area code is the newest addition to New Mexico’s telecommunication landscape, serving the entire state since late 2023. By staying informed about new area codes like this one, you can better understand where your calls are coming from in our connected world.
