The 946 area code is not an assigned or active geographic area code within the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), which includes the United States, Canada, and several Caribbean nations.
The sequence “946” is currently part of a reserved block of numbers with no official location or public dialing assignment. If you receive a call from a number that displays the prefix 1-946, it is almost always a sign of Caller ID Spoofing—a scammer disguising their true number to appear legitimate or local.
This guide provides the definitive status of the 946 area code, explains why you might be receiving these calls, and offers clear steps to protect yourself from associated phone fraud.
The Official Status of Area Code 946
Area codes in the NANP are constantly evolving, but 946 remains in a reserved status.
| Detail | Status |
| Geographic Location | None (Unassigned/Reserved) |
| Country | Not currently in use in the U.S., Canada, or the Caribbean. |
| Time Zone | N/A (Not tied to a location) |
| Call Risk | High Risk of fraudulent Caller ID Spoofing. |
Important Context: The 946 sequence, while not an area code itself, is sometimes found as a valid exchange prefix (the three digits after the area code) in certain small towns across the US when combined with a legitimate area code (e.g., 320-946-XXXX in Sacred Heart, MN). However, a call starting with 946 as the area code is invalid.
International Confusion: There is an international country code +946 that has been historically associated with Sweden in older databases, though Sweden’s official code is +46. This outdated reference can occasionally cause confusion, but if you are in North America, a 946 call should be viewed as domestic spoofing.
High Risk: Caller ID Spoofing and Scam Tactics
Scammers rely on the fact that most people do not know which area codes are unassigned. They use the fictitious 946 code for illicit purposes.
Why Scammers Spoof 946
- Evading Filters: By using a number that isn’t blacklisted as spam, robocallers attempt to circumvent basic phone and carrier-based spam filters.
- Creating Urgency: Callers will often leave urgent, confusing voicemails (e.g., claiming to be the Chinese Consulate, as reported by some users, or the IRS) to trick you into calling them back immediately.
Actionable Steps for Safety
If your phone rings and displays a number beginning with 1-946-XXX-XXXX, take the following precautions:
- Do Not Answer: Never answer a call from an unfamiliar number, especially one that uses an unassigned area code. Answering verifies your line is active for future fraudulent calls.
- Do Not Call Back: Do not return the call. Any money lost will be difficult, if not impossible, to recover.
- Block the Number: Use your mobile device’s native call-blocking function to block the incoming number.
- Report the Scam: Report the call to your mobile carrier, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Your report helps authorities track illegal scam operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there any legitimate business or city in the US using Area Code 946?
No. No city, state, or U.S. territory currently uses 946 as a functional geographic area code.
Does 946 have a dedicated time zone?
No. Since the 946 area code is unassigned and not tied to any physical location, it does not correspond to a specific time zone.
What should I do if the call claims to be a government agency?
If a caller from the 946 area code claims to be from the IRS, FBI, or any official agency, hang up immediately. Legitimate government agencies do not initiate contact with threats of immediate arrest or demands for payment via unusual methods like gift cards or wire transfers. If you are concerned, call the agency back using an official, published phone number (not the one provided by the caller).
Conclusion
The 946 area code is a deceptive code used by scammers. It is unassigned in the North American Numbering Plan and carries a high risk of fraud through Caller ID spoofing. To ensure your security, ignore any calls from the 946 area code and utilize your phone’s call-blocking features.
