Area code 800
Where is area code 800?
Toll-free, not a location
800 numbers can belong to any business in the US or Canada.
| Type | Toll-free (no location) |
|---|---|
| Who pays | The business that owns the number |
| Works from | The US, Canada and most of the Caribbean |
| Dialing format | 1-800-XXX-XXXX |
| In use since | 1966 |
Look up a 800 number
About toll-free 800 numbers
The toll-free codes 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844 and 833 all work the same way. 800 came first, and the others were added as 800 numbers ran out. A 800 number can be answered anywhere, so the code says nothing about where the caller is.
Because toll-free numbers look official, scammers spoof them. Real companies won’t ask you to pay with gift cards, wire money or read out a security code.
Questions
- Where is area code 800?
- Nowhere in particular. 800 is a toll-free code used across the US and Canada. Businesses pick toll-free numbers so customers can call them for free.
- Who calls from 800 numbers?
- Mostly businesses: banks, airlines, delivery firms, customer service lines, debt collectors and telemarketers. Scammers also fake 800 numbers to look official.
- Is a 800 call a scam?
- Not by itself. If a 800 caller asks for payment, gift cards, passwords or one-time codes, hang up and call the company back on the number from its own website or your statement.
- Does it cost money to call 800?
- No. Calls to 800 numbers are free from landlines in the US and Canada. Mobile calls use your plan’s minutes, and calls from other countries may be charged.
Other toll-free area codes
| Area code | Type |
|---|---|
| 833 | Toll-free (no fixed location) |
| 844 | Toll-free (no fixed location) |
| 855 | Toll-free (no fixed location) |
| 866 | Toll-free (no fixed location) |
| 877 | Toll-free (no fixed location) |
| 888 | Toll-free (no fixed location) |