In an age where our phones are constantly bombarded with calls from unknown numbers, it’s natural to be curious—and cautious—about an unfamiliar area code. If you’ve seen the area code 846 on your caller ID, you may be wondering which city or state it belongs to. The answer, however, is simpler and more critical than you might think.
Is Area Code 846 a Real US Area Code?
To be direct, the area code 846 is not a valid, assigned area code within the United States or any other country participating in the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), which includes the US, Canada, and parts of the Caribbean. No city, region, or state uses this three-digit prefix for its phone numbers.
If you are trying to identify the location of the area code 846, your search will come up empty because it is not in legitimate use.
Why Would You Receive a Call from an Invalid Area Code?
Seeing an unassigned area code on your caller ID is an immediate red flag. It is almost always a sign of a fraudulent or spam call where the caller is using a technique called “caller ID spoofing.”
What is Caller ID Spoofing?
Spoofing is the practice of deliberately falsifying the information transmitted to your caller ID display. Scammers use specialized technology to make a call appear as if it’s coming from a completely different number—or in this case, a non-existent area code 846. They do this for several reasons:
- To Hide Their Identity: By using a fake number, they conceal their true location and identity, making them difficult to trace.
- To Appear Local or Unassuming: Sometimes they spoof local numbers to increase the chance you’ll answer. Other times, using a completely fabricated code like 846 can pique curiosity.
- To Bypass Call Blockers: Changing their displayed number frequently helps them get around call-blocking apps and services.
Common Scams Associated with Spoofed Calls
Calls originating from invalid numbers like the area code 846 are almost never for a legitimate purpose. They are typically used to initiate various types of scams, including:
- Phishing Attempts: The caller may pose as a representative from your bank, a government agency like the IRS, or a tech company, trying to trick you into revealing personal information such as passwords, bank account details, or your Social Security number.
- Impersonation Scams: The fraudster might pretend to be a relative in distress or a law enforcement officer, creating a sense of urgency to pressure you into sending money.
- “One-Ring” Scams: While often associated with international numbers, the principle can apply here. The scammer hopes you will be curious enough to call the number back, which could connect you to a premium-rate line that charges exorbitant fees.
What Should You Do If You Get a Call from Area Code 846?
Your response to a call from a non-existent area code should be swift and decisive to protect yourself.
- Do Not Answer: The safest and most effective action is to simply not pick up the phone. If a legitimate caller needs to reach you, they will leave a voicemail.
- Never Call Back: Do not return the call. Calling back an unknown, invalid number can confirm to scammers that your line is active, leading to more spam calls, or it could connect you to a costly premium service.
- Block the Number: Immediately use your phone’s built-in feature to block the number. While scammers will likely switch to a different spoofed number, blocking the one they just used prevents a repeat call from that specific number.
- Report the Call: File a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). These agencies track scam call patterns to take action against fraudulent operations.
In conclusion, the area code 846 is not real. Treat any call from this or any other unfamiliar and unassigned area code as a potential threat and take the necessary steps to protect your personal information and your finances.
