The number sequence “666 area code” is unique because it is currently unassigned and unused as a geographic area code in the United States, Canada, or any international country. However, this code has a controversial history within the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) and can still appear as part of a legitimate phone number.
If you have seen a phone number beginning with (666), it is highly likely that the number is spoofed (faked by a scammer) or that the Caller ID is incorrectly displaying a prefix rather than a true area code. This article clarifies the true status of the 666 code and explains its historical and current uses in telecommunications.
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Status of the 666 Area Code
The three-digit code 666 is not an active geographic area code anywhere in the world.
- S. and Canada: Under the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), the 600-series of area codes are actively used (e.g., 661 in California, 662 in Mississippi), but 666 is officially unassigned and remains reserved.
- International: There is no international country calling code designated as +666. The code +66 is for Thailand.
The number 666 is famously referenced in the Bible as the “Number of the Beast,” which caused significant controversy when it was historically associated with phone numbers.
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Historical Controversy: The Louisiana Prefix
The primary source of confusion around the 666 area code stems from its brief history as a local telephone prefix, often mistaken for a full area code.
The small town of Reeves, Louisiana, once had phone numbers beginning with the local prefix 666, making its full number format (337) 666-XXXX (The area code was 337).
- When: The 666 prefix was used in Reeves and other parts of Western Louisiana for several decades, starting in the 1960s.
- The Issue: Due to the religious significance of the number, many local residents petitioned the phone company for years, complaining about having the number associated with their homes and businesses.
- Resolution: In a highly publicized decision toward the end of 2007, the local telephone company finally relented, allowing residents of Reeves to change their prefix (NXX) to 749 free of charge.
This incident highlights that while 666 has never been an area code (NPA), it was a perfectly valid—and locally controversial—central office prefix (NXX).
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The 666 Code as a Valid Phone Exchange (NXX)
While (666) is not a dialable area code, the sequence 666 can still appear legitimately in the middle of a 10-digit phone number in the U.S., specifically as the Central Office Code (NXX).
A standard U.S. number is formatted as: (Area Code) – (Prefix/Exchange) – (Line Number).
- Example: A number like (515) 666-XXXX is an active number in the Des Moines, Iowa area (Area Code 515). Similarly, the 666 exchange is still used in Mt. Kisco, New York.
If you see a number that includes 666 in the middle, it simply means that telephone exchange block has been assigned to a local provider and is a functional, legitimate number in that specific area code.
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Scam Warning: When You See (666) on Caller ID
If your phone displays a call from the number (666) XXX-XXXX, you should proceed with caution for two primary reasons:
- Unassigned Code: Since 666 is not an assigned area code, any call showing this format has a spoofed (faked) caller ID. The real number is being hidden.
- Scam Indicator: Scammers frequently use non-existent or unassigned codes to bypass spam filters and make their calls untraceable. This is a red flag for a potential phone scam or high-volume telemarketing operation.
Actionable Advice:
- Do Not Answer: Never answer a call from a number you do not recognize, especially one that uses a clearly fraudulent area code.
- Do Not Call Back: Calling back a spoofed number will only confirm your number is active and could lead to increased spam calls.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which country code is +66?
The country calling code +66 belongs to Thailand. It is not related to the 666 area code/prefix, but the similarity in digits can sometimes lead to confusion.
Is the number 666 reserved for any special service?
The number 666 has no official designation for emergency or non-emergency services in the U.S. or internationally (like 911 or 411). The only formal reservation is by the North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA), which keeps the 666 area code unassigned for geographic use.
Why was 666 chosen as a phone prefix in the first place?
The assignment of the 666 prefix in areas like Reeves, LA, was purely coincidental. In the early days of telephony, numbers were assigned sequentially, and the triple-six sequence simply came up in rotation. The controversy arose only due to its cultural and religious connotation.
