If you are trying to find the location or legitimate source of the area code 926, the key fact is that this number is not currently in use. Area Code 926 is unassigned and is not tied to any city, state, or geographic region within the United States or Canada.
The appearance of 926 on your Caller ID is a definitive indication that the number has been spoofed (falsified) and is part of a scam attempt or high-volume spam campaign. This sequence of digits is currently reserved for future telecommunications needs but is not active for phone number assignment.
This comprehensive guide clarifies the status of the 926 area code, explains the methods scammers use, and provides essential consumer advice for protecting your information.
The Unassigned Status of Area Code 926
The North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA) manages all 3-digit area codes. Codes are reserved in blocks for future use when existing phone number inventories in active areas are projected to run out. The 926 area code is currently reserved.
Key Facts About Area Code 926
| Detail | Information |
| Status in the NANP | Unassigned (Dormant) |
| Location | None (Not a geographic area in the US, Canada, or Caribbean) |
| Time Zone | None (Not applicable) |
| Legitimate Use | None. No person or business can legitimately be assigned an active phone number beginning with 926. |
Note: The digits 926 may exist as a central office exchange (the middle three digits) within a larger, valid area code, but 926 itself is not an Area Code.
The Scam Tactic: Caller ID Spoofing
A call or text message from the 926 area code is confirmation that the caller is using Caller ID Spoofing.
- How Spoofing Works: Scammers utilize Voice over IP (VoIP) software to manually set the phone number that appears on your device. They intentionally use codes that are either unassigned (like 926) or are easily recognizable as foreign (like +92 for Pakistan) to launch high-volume, anonymous campaigns.
- The Goal: To trick the recipient into answering or returning the call, where the scammer will attempt to steal personal information, install malware, or trick the victim into making a payment.
Actionable Steps: What to Do If You Get a 926 Call
Since the call is guaranteed to be fraudulent, you must take immediate protective action:
- Do NOT Answer or Engage: Never pick up the phone for an unknown number from this code. Answering confirms your number is active and ensures you receive more spam. Do not press any buttons and do not reply to any text messages (even with “STOP”).
- Do NOT Call Back (Toll Fraud Risk): If the phone rings once and hangs up (a common “one-ring” scam), do not return the call. The number may be connected to an international premium-rate line, resulting in massive, unexpected charges on your phone bill.
- Block and Report: Block the specific number on your smartphone. Report the incident to your mobile carrier and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to help track and combat the source of the fraudulent traffic.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is 926 related to any international country code?
No. The sequence 926 is not an international country code. For comparison, the country code for Pakistan is +92, which is a common source of scams involving international numbers.
Can a local call show up with a 926 area code?
No. Your local phone service will always use your assigned area code (e.g., 214, 407, 617). Any call appearing from the 926 area code is utilizing a fraudulent, non-existent number.
If 926 becomes a real area code in the future, will I be notified?
Yes. If NANPA assigns 926 to a region, the Public Utilities Commission of that state or province will issue official notices months in advance, and a long permissive dialing period (where 7-digit dialing still works) is typically required before 10-digit dialing becomes mandatory.
Conclusion
The Area Code 926 is not a valid location but a clear signal of an attempted scam using a spoofed number. The safest action upon receiving a call from this unassigned prefix is to ignore it, block the number, and remain vigilant against future fraudulent attempts.
