If you are trying to locate the state or city for area code 485, the most important detail to know is that 485 is not an active geographical area code in the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), which covers the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean.
Area code 485 is currently classified as an unassigned code, reserved by NANP for future use. However, you might still encounter the number for a few reasons, including international phone numbers or, more commonly, scams.
This article clarifies the status of the 485 area code in North America, lists where it is reserved for future implementation, and advises on what to do if you receive a call from this unusual code.
The Status of Area Code 485 in North America
The North American Numbering Plan (NANP) maintains a list of three-digit codes reserved for future geographic assignment as population and device usage grow. 485 falls into this category.
Is 485 Active in the US or Canada?
- United States: The code 485 is not currently assigned to any state or territory within the U.S.
- Canada: The code 487 (a nearby code) is reserved as a future overlay for southwestern Ontario (covering London, Windsor, and Kitchener-Waterloo). While 485 is unassigned, it is in the general numerical range that NANP draws from for future expansion.
The Mystery of the 485 Code
Because 485 is not active, any call appearing with this area code is likely a case of spoofing—where a scammer or robocaller is manipulating caller ID data to display a non-existent or unassigned number.
Note on I-485: Do not confuse the telephone area code 485 with Interstate 485 (I-485), which is a major auxiliary highway encircling Charlotte, North Carolina. The freeway designation is unrelated to telephone service.
Where 485 (or Similar Codes) Might Be Used
Although 485 is unassigned in North America, this sequence of numbers is used in some international locations as a local area code or prefix.
International Usage
Internationally, the numerical sequence 485 may be an area code within a country’s larger international dialing code.
- Mexico: The number sequence 485 is listed as an area code for a specific region within the state of San Luis Potosí, Mexico. When dialing this from abroad, you would use Mexico’s country code (+52) followed by 485 and the local number.
- Sweden: The code 485 is used for phone numbers in the Öland region of Sweden.
- Other Regions: The prefix 485 is used within the numbering schemes of several other countries, often associated with a mobile carrier or region.
| Location | Code Context |
| San Luis Potosí, Mexico | Local area code within the +52 Country Code |
| Öland, Sweden | Local area code within the +46 Country Code |
Safety & Troubleshooting: Calls from 485
If you receive a call that displays Area Code 485, you should treat it as suspicious and highly likely to be a scam or a robocaller, especially if you are located in the United States or Canada.
Why the Call May Be a Scam
Scammers deliberately use unassigned codes like 485 because they know consumers may search for the number online and find no definitive location. This tactic can cause confusion, leading you to answer or call back an otherwise untraceable number.
Actionable Advice:
- Do Not Answer or Call Back: If you do not recognize the number, do not answer it. Never call back an unknown number, particularly one with an unusual or non-existent area code, as it could be a fraudulent “one-ring” scam designed to charge you premium international fees.
- Block the Number: If the same number calls repeatedly, use your phone’s built-in block feature or your mobile carrier’s spam-blocking app (like AT&T ActiveArmor or T-Mobile Scam Shield) to suppress future calls from that specific number.
- Use Lookup Tools for Context: If you must investigate the number further, use a reverse phone number lookup tool to see if the full 10-digit number has been flagged for spam or fraud by other users.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When will Area Code 485 be assigned to a state?
There is no public timeline for when or if Area Code 485 will be assigned to a specific geographical area in the U.S. or Canada. Assignment occurs only when existing area codes in a region are on the verge of running out of numbers.
Are there any other unassigned area codes I should watch out for?
Yes. The NANP reserves a range of codes for future use, including many in the 48X range (485, 486, 489) and other numerical ranges (like 200, 255, etc.) that are often exploited by scammers due to their lack of official affiliation.
If I receive a call from +52 485, where is it from?
If the call includes the international prefix +52 followed by 485, the call is originating from the San Luis Potosí region of Mexico. This is a legitimate calling sequence, but you should still exercise caution if the call is unexpected.
