In the vast system of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), which governs telephone numbers for the United States, Canada, and several other countries, hundreds of three-digit area codes pinpoint specific geographic regions. A number that frequently appears in user queries and online forums is the 987 area code. However, investigating this particular code reveals a story not of a place, but of what isn’t there.
The Status of the 987 Area Code
To be direct, there is currently no city, state, or region assigned the 987 area code within the North American Numbering Plan. It is an unassigned code. The NANP Administration meticulously manages the allocation of area codes to prevent conflicts and ensure a sufficient supply for the future. The number 987 remains reserved for potential future use but has not been put into service.
This means if you receive a call that appears to be from the 987 area code, it is a strong indication that the caller ID information has been intentionally spoofed or manipulated.
Why Do Unassigned Area Codes Exist?
The NANP follows specific rules for assigning area codes. One key rule is that area codes cannot have a ‘9’ as the second digit. This rule was part of the original structure of the numbering plan to help telephone switching equipment differentiate between area codes and local exchange codes (the three digits that follow the area code).
While some of these original rules have been relaxed over time to increase the number of available codes (for example, codes with a ‘9’ as the second digit are now being introduced), the 987 area code remains on the list of unassigned numbers. It is held in reserve by telecommunications authorities.
Common Appearances and Potential Scams
Despite being unassigned, the 987 area code does surface in a few specific contexts, which can cause confusion.
Use in Fiction
To avoid using real, in-service telephone numbers and prompting unwanted calls to actual people, television shows, movies, and books often use unassigned or fictional area codes for their characters. The 987 area code is a prime candidate for such use, similar to the widely recognized “555” prefix for fictional local numbers.
Caller ID Spoofing and Scams
More concerning is the use of the 987 area code by fraudulent callers. Scammers use a technique called “caller ID spoofing” to mask their real phone number and display a different one on the recipient’s phone. By using an unassigned and unfamiliar area code like 987, they hope to arouse curiosity or bypass call-blocking apps that target known spam numbers. The goal is often to trick individuals into answering and engaging with a scam, which could range from phishing for personal information to fraudulent sales pitches.
How to Handle Calls from the 987 Area Code
Given that the 987 area code is not legitimate, the best course of action is to be cautious.
- Do Not Answer: It is generally safe to ignore calls from this area code.
- Do Not Call Back: Returning a call to a spoofed number can signal to scammers that your number is active, leading to more unwanted calls.
- Block the Number: Use your phone’s blocking feature to prevent future calls from that specific number.
- Report the Call: You can report scam calls to relevant authorities, such as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States.
In conclusion, while you cannot place a legitimate call to or receive a legitimate call from the 987 area code, understanding its status as an unassigned number is crucial. It empowers you to recognize its fictional use and, more importantly, to protect yourself from potential scams.
