The 982 area code is not currently in use as an assigned, major geographic area code by the North American Numbering Plan (NANP). While some search results mention prefixes beginning with “982” in specific local service areas (like parts of Pennsylvania or New York) or a very small, specific town in Idaho, the general consensus is that 982 is a reserved code.
In the context of the larger US telephone system, calls appearing to come from a generally unassigned or rarely-used area code like 982 are highly suspicious and may be an indication of a scammer using Caller ID Spoofing.
This guide will clarify the status of the 982 area code, detail where the few known numbers are located, and provide actionable steps to protect yourself from potential fraud.
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Location and Status of the 982 Area Code
Unlike codes like 212 (New York) or 305 (Miami), the 982 area code does not represent a single, large geographic region.
The Current Status of 982
As of the latest information from the North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA), 982 is generally a reserved or unassigned area code in the United States. This means:
- No Primary Region: It is not assigned to an entire state or a major metropolitan area.
- Limited Local Use: While some local carriers may have received specific three-digit prefixes beginning with 982 (e.g., 982-XXXX) in localized regions, these are typically small, non-publicized allocations. For example, some phone number data shows 982– prefix usage in specific communities in Pennsylvania and New York as a prefix within an existing area code overlay, not as an area code itself.
- Idaho Exception: There is an extremely limited prefix usage in the town of Clayton, Idaho, where it is used as a central office code in the 208/986 overlay region. This usage is highly specific and not reflective of a widespread 982 area code.
Time Zone
Since 982 is not a generally assigned area code, it does not have an official, unified time zone. Calls originating from localized prefixes will follow the time zone of that specific location:
- Prefixes allocated in New York and Pennsylvania would follow the Eastern Time Zone (UTC-5/UTC-4 DST).
- The rare usage in Idaho would follow the Mountain Time Zone (UTC-7/UTC-6 DST).
- The Risk of Scam Calls from Area Code 982
If you receive a call from a 982 number, you should proceed with caution. The lack of a major service area makes it a prime candidate for fraudulent activity.
The Problem with Unassigned Codes
Scammers often use unassigned or newly allocated area codes to take advantage of the following:
- No Local Recognition: Since the number is unfamiliar, victims may believe it is a legitimate new number from a business or a new contact, rather than an obvious foreign or spoofed number.
- Spoofing: Scammers use Caller ID Spoofing technology to mask their true number and display a fake 10-digit number. By using an unassigned or ambiguous area code like 982, they avoid direct traceability.
Actionable Steps to Handle 982 Calls
If a phone call or text message arrives from an unfamiliar (982) number, follow these steps:
- Do Not Answer: Avoid answering calls from unknown numbers. Answering confirms your line is active, which can lead to more spam calls.
- Do Not Call Back: Some international scam calls (like the “one-ring scam” from the Caribbean) use deceptive area codes that are technically premium-rate numbers. Calling back can result in exorbitant charges on your bill.
- Do Not Engage: Never provide personal information, financial details, or confirm any private data to an unsolicited caller, regardless of how official they sound.
- Block the Number: If the number calls repeatedly, use your mobile phone’s built-in call blocking feature or a carrier-provided spam blocker app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 982 area code used in Canada?
No. The 982 area code is part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), which includes the US, Canada, and several Caribbean nations. However, 982 is not currently assigned to any major region in Canada. Canadian area codes often use specific digit combinations (like 204 or 431 in Manitoba).
How do I report a scam call from a 982 number?
If you receive a suspicious call from a 982 number, you can report it to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). You should also check if your phone number is registered on the National Do Not Call Registry to reduce calls from legitimate telemarketers.
What is “Caller ID Spoofing?”
Caller ID Spoofing is the practice of manipulating the information transmitted to your caller ID display to disguise the true source of the call. Scammers use this technique to make calls appear local or legitimate, even when they are calling from another state or country.
Are there any major cities in the 982 area code?
No, the 982 area code does not cover any major cities. The small, localized use of the 982 prefix in a few isolated phone exchanges (such as a tiny portion of New York, Pennsylvania, or Idaho) means it is not associated with a metropolitan area like Seattle or Chicago.
