The most direct answer to the query “area code 957” is that 957 is an unassigned telephone area code that is not currently active for placing or receiving calls in any geographic location.
Within the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), 957 is officially reserved for future assignment as a relief code. It is most frequently cited as the future overlay area code for the 505 region in New Mexico, which encompasses major cities like Albuquerque and Santa Fe.
This article clarifies the status of the 957 area code, explains the potential areas it will serve when activated, and provides necessary context regarding its non-geographic use in some network logs.
Status of Area Code 957
While the number is not currently active for public use, the 957 code is designated to alleviate number exhaustion in a specific region.
| Detail | Information |
| Area Code Status: | Reserved / Inactive (Awaiting activation). |
| Geographic Location: | None (Planned for New Mexico, USA). |
| Target Area: | The 505 numbering plan area. |
| Time Zone (When Active): | Mountain Time (MT) (Mountain Standard Time/MST or Mountain Daylight Time/MDT). |
The Proposed New Mexico Overlay
The 957 area code has been formally proposed by the North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA) as an overlay for the existing 505 area code in New Mexico.
- An overlay means that when 957 is finally introduced, it will serve the exact same geographical region as 505.
- Once the 957 area code is activated, all phone calls—even local calls within the 505/957 region—will require 10-digit dialing (Area Code + 7-digit number).
Non-Geographic Use
You may sometimes encounter a phone number prefix (the middle three digits) of 957 used in conjunction with other area codes (e.g., 947-957-XXXX in Michigan). In these cases, 957 is simply a local exchange code and does not determine the geographical location. The location is determined by the active area code (e.g., 947 in Michigan).
Scams and Unsolicited Calls
Since the 957 area code is currently unassigned, any unsolicited call that displays (957) XXX-XXXX on your caller ID should be treated as highly suspicious.
The Spoofing Threat
Scammers frequently “spoof” non-existent or unassigned area codes because they are untraceable and often raise fewer flags on consumer call-blocking apps. The goal is to trick you into answering a seemingly “local” but actually fraudulent call.
Safety Advice for Unfamiliar Calls:
- Do Not Answer: Ignore any incoming call that displays (957) XXX-XXXX.
- Verify the Source: If the caller claims to be from a company or government agency, hang up immediately. Then, find the official phone number for that entity (on their website or a printed bill) and call them back directly to verify the information.
- Check for International Codes: Though 957 is a NANP code, always be cautious of any unfamiliar three-digit code, as some international scam codes (like 809 or 473) can look deceptively similar to domestic area codes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is 957 an international country code?
No. The 957 area code is part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), which includes the US and Canada. It is not an international Country Calling Code (like +52 for Mexico or +95 for Myanmar).
When is area code 957 scheduled to go into effect?
The exact effective date for the 957 area code in New Mexico is determined by the rate of phone number exhaustion in the 505 area. As of the current analysis, the code is reserved, but the activation date has not been officially mandated. Customers in the 505 area will receive extensive advance notice before the 957 code is activated.
What cities will be included in the 957 area code?
The 957 area code will cover the entire region currently served by the 505 area code, including:
- Albuquerque
- Santa Fe
- Gallup
- Farmington
When 957 becomes active, both 505 and 957 will coexist throughout this entire region, and 10-digit dialing will be required.
Conclusion
The 957 area code is a reserved, inactive code slated to become an overlay for the 505 area code in New Mexico. While you cannot currently call a number with the 957 area code, it is an important code to watch for, as its future activation will require over a million residents in Albuquerque and Santa Fe to switch to mandatory 10-digit dialing.
