If you have received an incoming call from the 855 area code or are trying to understand its origin, the answer is definitive: Area Code 855 does not belong to a specific city, state, or geographic location.
The 855 area code is a non-geographic toll-free prefix used throughout the entire North American Numbering Plan (NANP), which encompasses the United States, Canada, and several Caribbean nations. It functions similarly to the well-known 1-800 prefix, allowing callers to reach the recipient business or organization without being charged for the call.
This comprehensive guide clarifies the purpose of the 855 area code, details how it works, and provides essential consumer advice for recognizing the many scams associated with this number block.
The Unique Status of Area Code 855
The 855 area code was introduced on October 9, 2010, as part of a series of toll-free codes (800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, and 833) designated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to meet the ever-increasing demand for toll-free business numbers.
Key Facts About Area Code 855
| Detail | Information |
| Location | Non-Geographic (Covers all NANP countries) |
| Type | Toll-Free Service |
| Cost to Caller | Free from landlines; may consume mobile minutes. |
| Time Zone | None (Not tied to a specific time zone) |
| Primary User | Businesses seeking a national presence (sales, customer service, support). |
The central principle of the 855 area code is that the receiving party (the business) covers the cost of the inbound call, making the business more accessible to customers across the continent.
How to Dial an 855 Number
Calling a number with the 855 prefix is simple, regardless of your location within North America.
- Dialing Format: Always dial 1-855-XXX-XXXX. No other prefixes are needed.
Scam Risk: The Problem with Toll-Free Numbers
The 855 area code itself is legitimate and is used by thousands of reputable companies (DoorDash, major banks, insurance providers). However, the toll-free nature that grants it credibility also makes it a prime target for fraudsters.
Why Scammers Use 855 Numbers
- Trust Factor: Scammers rely on consumers associating the 855 prefix with large, established businesses, making the call seem more official than one from a random local or international number.
- Anonymity: Toll-free numbers are easy and inexpensive to acquire through VoIP services and are not linked to a geographical location, which makes tracking the true source of the call difficult for law enforcement.
- Robocalling Volume: The prefix is heavily utilized for mass robocalling campaigns, including those impersonating government agencies (IRS, Social Security) or offering “final warnings” about product warranties.
Actionable Safety Steps
- Verify Identity: If an 855 number calls claiming to be a company you deal with (e.g., your bank), do not provide any information. Hang up immediately and call the official number printed on your bill or found on the company’s website.
- Do Not Answer Unsolicited Calls: If you are not expecting a call from a company, let the 855 number go to voicemail. Replying or answering simply confirms your number is active.
- Use Carrier Tools: Activate your mobile carrier’s spam-blocking features (like T-Mobile Scam Shield or Verizon Call Filter) to help flag high-volume scam calls from this non-geographic prefix.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is +855 a country code?
Yes, but it is not related to the toll-free 855 area code. The international country code +855 is assigned to Cambodia (a country in Southeast Asia). If you see a number starting with a plus sign followed by only 855, it is a mobile number from Cambodia.
Is there a charge to call an 855 number from a mobile phone?
The call is toll-free, meaning you are not charged a long-distance fee. However, if your mobile plan does not include unlimited talk minutes, the call may consume minutes from your monthly allowance.
Can I block all 855 calls?
You can block individual 855 numbers on your device. However, it is generally not advisable to block the entire 855 prefix, as you would prevent legitimate calls from major businesses, hospitals, and customer service departments from reaching you. Use a spam-filtering service instead.
Conclusion
The Area Code 855 is a key identifier for non-geographic, toll-free service across the US and Canada. While it serves a critical role for businesses, consumers must remain highly vigilant. Always prioritize personal security by verifying the caller’s identity through official channels rather than engaging with an unsolicited call from any 855 number.
