The 456 area code is a unique designation in the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) because it is a non-geographic code that has been officially withdrawn from use. Unlike most area codes (like 212 or 305) that define a physical location, 456 was historically used for specialized, non-location-specific purposes.
As of 2023, the 456 code has been returned to the pool of unassigned numbers and is available for future assignment as a traditional geographic area code, though it has not yet been implemented anywhere.
This guide details the unique history of the 456 area code, its current status, and what it means if you receive a text message or phone call using this number.
- History and Status of the 456 Area Code
The 456 area code was created for a specific, niche purpose in the telecommunications industry, but this need eventually diminished.
The Origin of 456
- Non-Geographic Use (1993–2017): Area code 456 was originally implemented in 1993 as a non-geographic area code dedicated to International Carrier Identification. It was used to route incoming international calls from outside the NANP (U.S., Canada, Caribbean) to specific carriers for specialized, carrier-specific services.
- Withdrawal (2017): Due to a lack of demand and changes in the telecommunications landscape, the International Numbering Committee (INC) determined the code was no longer necessary. It was officially withdrawn from non-geographic use in November 2017.
- Current Status (Unassigned): The code has since been returned to the pool of unassigned NANP codes and is now available for future assignment to a major geographic region in the U.S. or Canada, should an existing area code exhaust its numbers. As of today, no city or region uses 456 as its area code.
Time Zone
Since 456 is currently unassigned as a geographic area code, it has no defined time zone. If it were assigned in the future, its time zone would depend on its location (e.g., Eastern Time if assigned to New York, or Pacific Time if assigned to California).
- Dealing with Messages and Calls from 456
Given that 456 is not an active area code, any contact displaying (456) XXX-XXXX on your caller ID should be analyzed carefully.
The 456 Short Code Exception (T-Mobile)
One significant exception exists: some mobile carriers, notably T-Mobile, use 456 (or other short codes like 457) for internal, non-standard text messages.
- Purpose: These short codes are often used to send legitimate, automated alerts to the primary account holder, such as payment confirmations, plan change notifications, or warnings about data usage.
- Identification: If you receive a text from a four- or five-digit number like 456, and the message relates to your T-Mobile account, it is likely legitimate. You can often verify the message by dialing 611 to contact T-Mobile Customer Service.
Scam Risk from a 10-Digit 456 Number
If you receive a 10-digit phone call from a number starting with (456), treat it as suspicious. Scammers often use unassigned or newly available codes for two reasons:
- Avoid Spam Filters: The number may not yet be flagged in major carrier spam databases.
- Caller ID Spoofing: The caller is using technology to mask their actual number, which could be international, to make the call seem like it comes from a domestic or familiar exchange.
If you receive an unknown 10-digit call from (456), do not answer or call back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Area Code 456 related to the Caribbean area code scams?
No. Area code 456 is not a Caribbean area code. Caribbean scams (like the “One-Ring Scam”) typically originate from area codes like 876 (Jamaica), 473 (Grenada), or 264 (Anguilla), which are part of the NANP and share the +1 country code. Because 456 is not assigned, it poses a low risk for international toll scams, but a high risk for general spoofing scams.
When will the 456 area code be assigned to a location?
There is currently no public timeline for the assignment of the 456 area code. The North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA) holds the code in reserve and will assign it to a geographic area in the U.S. or Canada only when the existing area codes in a region are close to exhausting their available numbering prefixes.
If I receive a text from 456, should I reply?
If you receive a text message from the short code 456 and you are a T-Mobile customer, it is likely a legitimate system message from your carrier. If you are unsure, do not reply, and instead, contact your carrier directly through their official customer service number (usually 611) to verify the message’s authenticity.
