The search query “110 area code” is usually initiated by a user seeking to verify the location of an unknown phone number, which is necessary due to the number’s invalid format.
The 110 area code is not a valid geographic area code within the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), which governs the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean. Under NANP rules, area codes cannot begin with the digit ‘1’ or ‘0’. Therefore, any incoming call displaying (110) XXX-XXXX is highly suspicious and should be treated as a potential scam or robocall using number spoofing technology.
This article clarifies the invalid status of 110 and provides essential security steps for handling such calls.
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The Invalid Status of Area Code 110
The three-digit codes in the NANP are officially designated as Numbering Plan Areas (NPAs).
Why 110 is Not a Real Area Code
- NANP Rule: All valid three-digit area codes (NPAs) must adhere to the format NXX, where N (the first digit) must be a number between 2 and 9.
- 110 Violation: Since the 110 sequence begins with a ‘1’, it is structurally disallowed from being a functional geographic area code.
- Conclusion: The code 110 is officially unassigned and is not currently in use for any special services (like 500 or 888) within North America.
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The Scam Risk: Calls from (110) XXX-XXXX
If your caller ID displays a number starting with 110, you are almost certainly the target of illegal activity.
- Caller ID Spoofing: This is the deceptive practice used by scammers to change the caller ID display to a number other than their actual one. They often use unassigned or obscure codes like 110 because these numbers are not traceable and may be incorrectly assumed to be a valid domestic call.
- The Motive: The objective is to confuse you into answering the call or returning a missed call, thereby confirming your phone line as active and marking you as a potential target for future fraud.
International Context
While 110 is sometimes used as a police emergency number in a few countries (like China or Japan), it is not an international country code, nor is it a U.S. area code.
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Actionable Steps for Handling 110 Calls
The safest strategy for dealing with any invalid or unassigned area code is non-engagement.
- Do Not Answer: Never pick up calls from (110) XXX-XXXX. Allowing the call to go to voicemail prevents the caller from confirming your line is live.
- Do Not Call Back: Returning the call can lead to premium-rate service charges if the number is routed through a scam service, and it will flag your number as responsive to robocallers.
- Block and Report: If you receive frequent calls from this prefix, use your smartphone’s built-in block number You can also report the suspicious number to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) via their website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is 110 a country code?
No. The code 110 is not assigned to any country by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). All country codes are either one, two, or three digits (e.g., +1, +44, +63).
Will I be charged if I answer a 110 call?
You will not be charged by your carrier simply for answering a call from a spoofed number. However, the call is likely an attempt to lure you into a financial scam (e.g., tech support, IRS impersonation) where the real cost is the risk of identity theft or fraudulent payments.
Is there any city that uses 110 as its area code?
No. Because of the mandatory NANP dialing rules, no city in the United States, Canada, or any NANP territory uses 110 as its area code.
