If you receive a call from an 888 number, your immediate response might be one of suspicion. For example, you might wonder where the call is coming from, or you may question whether it’s even from a legitimate business.
The truth is, 888 area codes are toll-free area codes used by businesses all across the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, and beyond. This article will explain a little about what 888 area codes are, why and how people get them, and why they are beneficial for businesses and their customers. After reading this article, you will come away with a better understanding of area code 888 details and locations.
Contents
What Are 888 Numbers?
888 area codes are one of seven toll-free area codes commonly used by customer service teams and businesses throughout the United States, as well as Canada and the Caribbean. Phone numbers with an 888 area code can be called for free by people living in these countries, as well as the countries and territories included in the North American Numbering Plan (NANP).
Even when calling from far away, you needn’t worry about having to pay long-distance rates when calling 888 numbers. This is because any international fees incurred by the calling party are charged to the business or customer service team instead.
888 area code numbers can be used in any timezone and any geographic location within NANP. Unlike local numbers, toll-free numbers are not limited to one timezone. This is especially useful for companies that want to establish a far-reaching presence.
Are 888 Numbers Scams?
Toll-free numbers are not always scams. In fact, much of the time, 888 numbers are perfectly legitimate and used by businesses and customer service teams. However, these days, most numbers can be customized, meaning that just about anyone can get an 888 area code number if they want to.
Because of this, it is still important to exercise caution when accepting calls from 888 numbers—as with any unknown number. If you are unsure about the legitimacy of a call, you can always ask the name of the company and look it up online to check its reputation. You can also make sure that the number the business gives you matches the one listed online through this method.
If you follow these steps and are still unsure about the legitimacy of the caller, it would be best not to engage any further and simply block the number instead.
How Do I Call or Text 888 Area Code Numbers?
Dialing an 888 area code number is as simple as dialing any other regular phone number. As a matter of fact, the process is basically identical. When inputting the number into your phone, simply replace the usual area code with the toll-free code—888, in this case.
Some 888 numbers support text messages as well as phone calls. These texts, like the calls, can be made for free to text-enabled toll-free numbers. The business can likewise reply via text.
How Do I Block 888 Numbers?
In the event a scammer does reach out to you with an 888 number, your best course of action would be to block them. This is quite simple to do but depends on what kind of phone you have.
For Android users:
- Navigate to Recent Calls in your phone app.
- Next, click the three dots in the upper right-hand corner of the app and select “Settings” from the dropdown menu.
- Beneath “General,” click on “Blocked numbers.” This takes you to a list of numbers you have previously blocked.
- Here, you can add more numbers to block. Simply press “Add a Number” and input the number you wish to block.
For Apple users:
- As with Android, navigate to Recent Calls.
- Find the circled “i” icon and press it.
- Finally, click “More Information” and choose the block option.
Why Are 888 Area Code Numbers Good for Business?
Toll-free numbers benefit not just customers but businesses and their owners as well. This section will cover some of the main benefits of using them.
Free Calls Draw in Customers
Customers are more likely to be drawn to a business with toll-free numbers. People are less likely to get in touch with a business if it costs money to do so. By covering call fees with an 888 number, businesses make themselves more accessible and attractive to prospective customers.
Toll-free numbers also encourage loyalty from customers. If they are already paying money for services or goods from a business and have to pay to call them on top of that, the customer may begin to feel that they’re putting in more than they’re getting out. In the end, they might even take their business somewhere else.
Widen Your Customer Base
888 area code numbers aren’t only smart from a financial standpoint; they also help businesses expand outside of their local area, even abroad. Local numbers are more likely to draw the attention of people living in a particular city or region. Phone numbers with 888 numbers signal that a business serves customers from all over, meaning that the company isn’t tied down to just one area code location.
Furthermore, if a customer receives a call from a local number from a different location—for example, if they are in Philadelphia and receive a call from Austin—it is more likely to raise the alarm with them. They would no doubt find it strange that they were receiving a call from another city entirely and might suspect they were receiving a spam call.
Businesses Can Save Money, Too
Businesses, as well as their customers, can save money with toll-free numbers. Obtaining a 888 number can allow you to make calls and send texts free of charge to countries within NANP. Prices vary between different landline and cellular phone providers, but Voice over IP (VoIP) services forego additional charges for outgoing calls and texts.
How Do I Obtain an 888 Number?
There are a couple of different ways to obtain an 888 number. If it is something you are interested in doing, it’s well worth investigating these options.
Speak With the Federal Communications Commission
One way to get an 888 number would be to speak with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The FFS has Responsible Organizations, RespOrgs, that are responsible for assigning toll-free numbers. These numbers can be purchased through auction and are first-come, first-served.
Use a VoIP Service
There are a number of VoIP services that allow toll-free calls and some that additionally support MMS and SMS, too. Most of the time, you’ll receive a toll-free number when you sign-up for the VoIP service. A bonus of VoIPs from companies like MightyCall is that they’re totally virtual, meaning they don’t need any physical setup.
Conclusion
This article has explained what 888 area code numbers are, whether or not they are scams, and why they can be useful for both businesses and their clientele.
There are numerous benefits to 888 area code numbers, including, but not limited to, saving customers money and ensuring that businesses can reach a wide client base. Business owners would do well to consider obtaining an 888 area code if they want their company to stand out to prospective customers.
