The sequence 768 is designated as an unassigned or non-geographic area code within the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), which includes the United States and Canada. This means that 768 does not cover a single, dedicated geographic region.
However, if you have encountered a full 10-digit phone number starting with (XXX) 768-XXXX, the number is likely active and routed through an existing area code as a specific local exchange prefix (NXX).
This article provides the details on where the 768 prefix is currently in use, identifies its location, and offers critical advice regarding potential scam risks associated with three-digit non-geographic codes.
The Status of Area Code 768
While 768 is not a primary, standalone area code, the sequence is an active component of phone numbers in specific regions.
- Official Status (NANPA): Unassigned/Reserved. The three-digit code 768 is officially reserved for future use or non-geographic purposes by the North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA).
- Actual Usage: The numbers 768-XXXX are active in various established area codes. This is typically due to the structure of phone numbering, where the 768 prefix is a central office code assigned by a carrier within a defined geographic area code.
Key Active Exchanges Using 768
The 768 prefix has been documented in at least two major areas in the United States:
| Full Phone Number Format | Primary Geographic Location | Carrier/Details | Time Zone |
| (580) 768-XXXX | Ardmore, Oklahoma | Used by Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile, and AT&T (CLEC) for both mobile and landline services. | Central (CST) |
| (201) 768-XXXX | Closter, New Jersey | Historically used within the 201 area code (Northern New Jersey). | Eastern (EST) |
Note: The three-digit code 768 also appears as a central office code within the Idaho (208) area code for the small town of Leadore, ID.
If you receive a call from (580) 768-XXXX, the call is originating from the Ardmore, Oklahoma, rate center.
Scam Alert: The Risk of Unassigned Codes
Although 768 is a valid prefix in a few exchanges, any call that appears to be from a standalone (768) XXX-XXXX number should be approached with caution.
Why 768 is a potential scam risk:
- Spoofing: Scammers often use software to “spoof” (fake) their Caller ID. They commonly use unassigned or non-geographic codes because these numbers cannot be traced back to a legitimate, physical location or business.
- Confusion with International Codes: Some international phone codes start with a ‘7’ and are located in the Caribbean, such as +1-767 (Dominica). These are frequently used in “one-ring” or “ding” scams, where the scammer hangs up after one ring, hoping you will call back and incur premium international charges.
Actionable Advice for Unknown 768 Calls:
- Do Not Answer Unknown Numbers: If you do not recognize the 10-digit number, do not answer the call.
- Never Call Back: If you receive a missed call, do not return it unless you are certain of the number’s origin and have verified it is not an international or premium-rate number.
- Block the Number: Use your smartphone’s built-in blocking features or a third-party spam-blocking app provided by your mobile carrier.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the time zone for an active 768 number?
If the 768 prefix is used within the 580 area code (Oklahoma), the time zone is the Central Time Zone (CST/CDT). If it is used within the 201 area code (New Jersey), the time zone is the Eastern Time Zone (EST/EDT).
How do I dial a number using the 768 prefix?
Since 768 is always a local exchange (NXX), you must dial the full 10-digit number, including the three-digit geographic area code that precedes the 768 prefix.
Format: (Area Code) 768-XXXX (e.g., (580) 768-XXXX).
Is there a non-geographic service associated with 768?
While 768 itself is unassigned, other non-geographic codes are reserved for special purposes, such as 500, 566, 577, or 900 (for premium services). Because 768 is unassigned, it should not be associated with a legitimate, dedicated non-geographic service.
