The 622 area code is a non-geographic area code reserved for specialized telecommunications services within Canada. Unlike most North American area codes that denote a specific city or region, 622 is used nationwide for services such as mobile satellite communications and other non-traditional phone services.
If you receive a call from the 622 area code, it is highly unlikely to be a standard call from a residential landline or a typical cellular phone. This article will break down the true purpose of the 622 area code, explain what “non-geographic” means, and advise you on the risk of these numbers being used for scam activity.
What Defines the 622 Area Code?
The 622 area code is part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) but belongs to a group of codes reserved for services that are not limited by a physical geographic location.
| Detail | Description |
| Location | Non-Geographic (Nationwide in Canada) |
| Country | Canada |
| Type | Specialized Telecommunications Services (6YY NPA) |
| Time Zone | Does not have a fixed time zone, but generally operates on Eastern Time for administrative purposes. |
| Activation Date | Introduced on March 23, 2015. |
The Purpose of Canadian Non-Geographic Codes (6YY)
The 622 area code is categorized as a 6YY Non-Geographic Numbering Plan Area (NPA), alongside other codes like 600, 633, and 644. These codes are not assigned to traditional phone services.
The primary purposes for which numbers in the 622 area code are reserved include:
- Mobile Satellite Services (MSS): Providing coverage for users in remote or Northern Canadian areas where terrestrial infrastructure is not available.
- Caller-Pays Cellular: Though less common today, it historically supported models where the calling party paid a premium for the connection.
- ISDN and Telex Applications: Reserved for certain types of specialized data and communication services.
In short, if a number starts with (622), it is a dedicated line for a specialized Canadian telecommunications service, not a local call from a city like Toronto or Vancouver.
Is the 622 Area Code a Scam Risk?
The question of whether the 622 area code is a scam is complicated. While the code itself is reserved for legitimate special services, scammers frequently use non-geographic or unfamiliar area codes for fraudulent activity.
The “One-Ring” Scam and Non-Geographic Codes
Any phone number, regardless of its true purpose, can be used for malicious activity in two primary ways:
- Caller ID Spoofing: This is the most common scam technique. Scammers use technology to temporarily display 622 (or any other number) on your Caller ID even though they are calling from overseas or from a different system. This is done because a familiar-looking three-digit code increases the likelihood of you answering or calling back.
- Premium Number Scams: Historically, non-geographic or “Nationwide” codes like 600 (the precursor to 622) were sometimes associated with premium-rate services. If you return a missed call from such a number, you risk connecting to a paid service or being charged high international/long-distance rates. However, 622 is not generally on the list of common international “one-ring” scam codes (which usually originate from the Caribbean or international toll numbers).
Actionable Advice: Treat calls from 622 with caution, as it is a highly unfamiliar number for general public use.
Steps to Protect Yourself from Suspicious Calls
If you receive a call or text from the 622 area code and you are not expecting a specialized satellite communication, follow these tech support best practices:
- Do Not Answer: If you do not recognize the number, let it go to voicemail. Legitimate callers will leave a message explaining the purpose of their call.
- Do Not Call Back: Never immediately return a missed call from an unfamiliar number, especially one that only rang once. Returning the call could connect you to a premium-rate service.
- Check for Voicemail: If a voicemail is left, listen carefully. Scammers often pressure you to act quickly (e.g., “Your account has been suspended!”). Legitimate businesses will provide detailed contact information, not threats.
- Use Call Blocking: Utilize the call-blocking features provided by your mobile carrier or use third-party apps to screen or block calls flagged as spam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 622 area code the same as a 900 number?
No, the 622 area code is not the same as a 900 number. While both are non-geographic, 900 numbers are premium-rate services in the U.S. and Canada where the caller is charged a fee per minute (often for entertainment or psychic hotlines). The 622 area code is reserved for specific utility and satellite telecommunication services.
Where is the 622 area code located?
The 622 area code does not have a specific city or town location. It is reserved for Canadian Non-Geographic Services, meaning the number can originate from anywhere the specialized service is used across Canada, particularly for mobile satellite or nationwide communication systems.
What is the time zone for area code 622?
Since the 622 area code is non-geographic and spans Canada, it technically has no single time zone. However, official records often list its primary time zone as Eastern Time (ET) for administrative and system-wide management purposes.
Should I answer a call from the 622 area code?
It is generally recommended not to answer or immediately return a call from the 622 area code unless you are specifically expecting a communication from a mobile satellite or specialized Canadian telecom provider. If the call is legitimate, the caller will leave a verifiable message.
Conclusion
The 622 area code is a unique identifier within the North American Numbering Plan, specifically reserved for Canadian Non-Geographic Services like satellite communications. While it does not correspond to a geographical city, its unfamiliar nature means numbers are sometimes spoofed by scammers. The best consumer tech support advice is to exercise extreme caution, avoid returning calls, and let unknown numbers go to voicemail to protect yourself from potential high-cost connections or fraud.
