The 761 area code is currently an unassigned and inactive telephone area code within the North American Numbering Plan (NANP). This means that no phone numbers are presently in service with this prefix, and you cannot receive a legitimate call from a 761 number.
While the code is not in use today, it is reserved for future implementation. This article will explain the official status of the 761 area code, where it has been proposed for future use, and what it means if you see this number on your caller ID.
What is the Current Status of the 761 Area Code?
As of September 2025, the 761 area code is not active anywhere in the United States or Canada. It is held in reserve by numbering plan administrators to be deployed when an existing area code in a high-demand region is close to running out of available phone numbers.
Because the code is unassigned, any call that appears to come from a 761 number is a result of “caller ID spoofing,” where a scammer deliberately falsifies the caller ID information.
Where Has the 761 Area Code Been Proposed for Use?
The 761 area code has been officially planned as a future “overlay” for the 310 and 424 area codes in California. This region covers the western part of Los Angeles County, a densely populated area with a constant need for new phone numbers.
If and when this plan is implemented, the 761 area code would serve the same geographic area, including prominent cities such as:
- Beverly Hills
- Santa Monica
- Malibu
- Culver City
- Torrance
- Redondo Beach
- Portions of Los Angeles, including Pacific Palisades and the LAX airport area.
The introduction of the 761 code will happen when the supply of 310 and 424 numbers is nearly exhausted.
What to Do If You Receive a Call from Area Code 761
Since the 761 area code is not in service, any call you receive that displays this code on your caller ID is not legitimate. It is a spoofed call, almost certainly from a scammer or robocaller.
Here’s what you should do:
- Do not answer the call. There is no valid reason to receive a call from this area code.
- Do not call the number back. This could connect you to a premium-rate number or confirm to scammers that your number is active.
- Block the number. This will prevent them from calling you again from that specific spoofed number.
- Never provide personal information like your credit card number, Social Security number, or passwords.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 761 area code in California?
Not yet. While it is officially planned to serve as an overlay for the 310/424 region in western Los Angeles County, it has not been activated as of September 2025.
When will the 761 area code be activated?
There is no official activation date set. Telecommunication authorities will implement the new code only when the demand for new phone numbers makes it necessary. This process typically takes several months of advance notice to the public.
Can I get a 761 phone number?
No, it is not possible to get a phone number with the 761 area code because it is not currently in service.
What is an area code overlay?
An area code overlay is when a new area code is added to the same geographic region as existing ones. This means residents of the 310/424 area will eventually have three area codes (310, 424, and 761) in their community. A key result of an overlay is that 10-digit dialing (area code + number) becomes mandatory for all local calls.
Conclusion
In summary, the 761 area code is an unassigned code reserved for future use in western Los Angeles, California. It is not currently active, so any calls appearing to be from this area code are spoofed and should be treated as potential scams. Until officially implemented, think of the 761 area code as a placeholder for the future telecommunications needs of a very busy region.
