The user searching for “678 area code” is looking for the geographic location and essential information associated with this telephone prefix.
The 678 area code is a telephone overlay code that serves the metropolitan area of Atlanta, Georgia, USA, and its surrounding suburbs. It was introduced to meet the soaring demand for new phone numbers in the fast-growing region, and it covers the exact same territory as the older Area Codes 404 and 770, as well as the newer overlays 470 and 943.
This comprehensive guide identifies the location of the 678 area code, lists the major cities it serves, explains the mandatory dialing rules, and provides context on its place within the Atlanta telecommunications landscape.
Where is Area Code 678 Located?
Area Code 678 is located in the U.S. state of Georgia, specifically covering the entire Atlanta Metropolitan Area. It is not a distinct geographic area but rather an overlay that sits atop the existing 404 and 770 codes.
The Atlanta metro region is one of the most populated and economically important areas in the Southeastern United States, necessitating the use of multiple area codes to ensure a continuous supply of new numbers for cell phones, landlines, and businesses.
Key Details for the 678 Area Code
| Feature | Detail |
| Location | Atlanta Metropolitan Area, Georgia, USA |
| Type | Overlay Code (for 404, 770, 470, and 943) |
| Date Established | January 15, 1998 |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time Zone (ET) (observes DST) |
| Mandatory Dialing | 10-digit dialing (Area Code + 7-digit number) is required for all calls. |
Major Cities and Counties Covered by 678
Since the 678 area code is an overlay, it covers the entire combined numbering plan area of Atlanta. This includes the core city and dozens of major suburban cities and counties.
Principal Cities Served:
The 678 area code is likely associated with numbers in all major cities within the metro area, including:
- Atlanta (Core City)
- Sandy Springs
- Roswell
- Johns Creek
- Alpharetta
- Marietta
- Smyrna
- Decatur
- Dunwoody
Major Counties Covered:
The overlay complex spans across several counties in North Georgia, with the densest populations being in:
- Fulton County (Atlanta)
- Gwinnett County
- DeKalb County
- Cobb County
- Clayton County
- Cherokee County
- Henry County
Historical Context and Dialing Requirements
Area Code 678 was the first overlay code introduced to the Atlanta metropolitan area, marking a significant shift in how residents placed calls.
The Evolution of Atlanta Area Codes
- 404: The original area code established in 1947, which initially covered the entire state of Georgia.
- 770: Introduced in 1995 as a geographic split, covering the suburbs outside of Interstate 285 (the Perimeter), while 404 kept the core.
- 678: Implemented in 1998 as an overlay on top of both 404 and 770. This meant new numbers could be assigned with the 678 prefix in any location previously covered by 404 or 770.
- 470 and 943: Later overlays introduced in 2010 and 2022, respectively, as demand continued to grow.
Mandatory 10-Digit Dialing
The implementation of the 678 overlay code made 10-digit dialing mandatory for all local calls across the entire metro region.
This means that whether you are calling an existing 404, 770, 678, 470, or 943 number, you must dial the full 10-digit number (Area Code + 7-digit number) to connect the call, even if the number is right next door.
- To call any local number in the Atlanta Metro: Dial XXX-XXX-XXXX (e.g., 678-555-1234).
- To call another NANP number (U.S. or Canada) from the 678 area: Dial 1 + Area Code + 7-digit number.
Scam Risk Associated with the 678 Area Code
Area Code 678 is a legitimate, high-volume area code in the United States and is not, by itself, a scam code.
However, because the Atlanta area is a massive commerce and communications hub, its area codes (404, 770, 678) are frequently targeted by scammers using Caller ID Spoofing. Spoofing allows criminals to display a local or recognizable number like 678 on your Caller ID, even if they are calling from another state or country.
The most common scams originating or spoofing Atlanta area codes include:
- Recruitment Scams: Unsolicited calls or texts from ‘recruiters’ with a 678 number offering high-paying jobs, often requiring upfront fees or sensitive data.
- Government/Law Enforcement Impersonation: Callers falsely claiming to be from the IRS, a local Sheriff’s Department, or a state agency (like the Georgia Department of Community Supervision) demanding payment for a fine or warrant.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Do Not Trust Caller ID: Assume any unknown call is potentially a spoofed call, even if it looks local.
- Hang Up on Threats: Government agencies never demand immediate payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. Hang up immediately on any caller that threatens arrest or legal action.
- Verify the Source: If a caller claims to be from a company or agency, hang up and call them back using the official, publicly listed phone number on their website or your billing statement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is 678 a Toll-Free Number?
No, 678 is not a toll-free number. It is a geographic area code for the Atlanta, Georgia, metropolitan area. Toll-free area codes include 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, and 833.
What are the other area codes that serve Atlanta?
The 678 area code is part of a complex overlay that includes 404, 770, 470, and 943. All five of these codes serve the same combined geographic region.
When did 10-digit dialing become required for 678 area codes?
The introduction of the 678 overlay in 1998 made 10-digit dialing mandatory for all calls within the entire Atlanta metro region (404/770/678) to ensure the system could correctly route calls between the multiple area codes.
What is the time difference for Area Code 678?
Area Code 678 is in the Eastern Time Zone (ET). It is during standard time (EST) and during daylight saving time (EDT).
Conclusion
The 678 area code is a long-established and widely used area code covering the expansive Atlanta metropolitan area in Georgia, USA. It functions as a critical part of a multi-code overlay, coexisting with 404, 770, 470, and 943 to handle the communication needs of this massive region.
Remember that all local calls within this region require 10-digit dialing. While the code itself is legitimate, always be vigilant against spoofed calls, especially from unknown numbers, to protect your personal and financial information.
