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Trying to figure out if you should answer a call from a number with an area code you don’t recognize can be nerve-racking; is it a telemarketer or scammer, or is it an important number? So, what about the 855 area code on your caller id?
The 855 area code is not connected to any geographic area in the United States. Instead, it is like the 1-800 number. 855 is an area code designation for toll-free calls.
So you may be wondering, should I answer the call? Well, here’s everything you need to know before answering an 855 area code number,
Where Is Area Code 855?
The area code 855 does not belong to a particular area in the United States.
Area code 855 can call most North American countries and territories that use the NANP (North American Numbering Plan). This allows you to receive calls from places like Canada and the Bahamas.
The Federal Communications Commission, or FCC, created the 855 area code to create a larger pool of available toll-free numbers.
Toll-Free Numbers Area Codes
A toll-free number is a number that starts with one of the toll free area codes, 855 in this case.
Large companies and businesses use this area code to make free calls to their clients. This way, they can make large amounts of calls each day about their inquiries, and do not pay.
Under the NANP (North American Number Plan), there are many toll free area codes besides 855. Here are a few:
- 800
- 833
- 844
- 866
Without 855, long-distance calls can be very expensive but is even good for local numbers.
Consider that this doesn’t apply to mobile phones, and prepaid phones can still incur charges.
Who is Calling from the 855 Area Code?
The number is toll-free for callers to contact anyone they would like.
The 855 area code is most commonly used by:
- Telemarketers
- Businesses
- Scam callers
- Long distance calls
If you are getting a call from a number with an 855 country code, it is coming from Cambodia, not the United States, Canada, or anywhere in North America.
If you’re getting a call from “0”, this might be equally suspicious. We have the details on who could be calling from 0 for you.
Let’s look at some of these points in further detail below.
Businesses
Large corporations and businesses use area code 855 to make many phone calls all over the country without being charged for each call.
This is so they can speak with their clients all over the world without having to worry about expenses.
This also shows that the company can afford to have an 855 number, so it shows they are more reputable.
Telemarketers
Telemarketers use area code 855 to make large amounts of calls trying to sell their products without spending money making the calls.
They hope to make money from every call rather than losing money.
Scam Calls
Scam callers use 855 to make free calls to people and scam them over the phone without paying the costs of the calls made.
They use this to scam people from all over the world, which is not trackable, which benefits them because you won’t be able to report them if you don’t know where they’re located.
Should I Answer Calls from the 855 Area Code?
There is a chance it could be an important call for you to answer, but it could just be a spam call.
To prevent unexpected 855 calls, make a list of 855 numbers which frequently call. You should also save them to your contacts in your phone, even if they are scam calls.
If it is a legitimate business and someone trying to contact you, they are more likely to leave you a voicemail than a scammer.
If you want to avoid being charged for toll-free phone calls, contacting your phone company regarding the charge for toll-free numbers would be ideal.
The phone company should be able to give a price estimate for toll-free calls.
If your phone company charges for toll-free calls, then answering the call will leave a charge on your account at the end of the billing cycle.
Can you Text an 855 Number?
Even though the free benefits for an 855 number are limited to landlines, can you text an 855 number?
You can text an 855 number as long as the company or person with the 855 number has opted to enable text messages. Some 855 numbers might text you to engage you.
This is very important because you might not know who is texting you from an 855 number.
You can also incur charges if you don’t have an unlimited phone plan. Some companies will inform you that there may be charges on your account for texting them.
