Area Code 202: Location, Time Zone, Scams & How to Block

If you’re a resident of the United States, you’ve probably come across the enigmatic area code 202 at least once. Maybe you got a call from a number you didn’t know, and when you looked up the area code, you found out it was from the District of Columbia. But what is Area Code 202 exactly, and why is it so infamous? Here is all the information you require for Area Code 202.

Where is Area Code 202?

Area Code 202 is the telephone area code for the District of Columbia, which includes the nation’s capital, Washington D.C., as well as parts of Maryland and Virginia. The area code was established in 1947 as one of the original North American Numbering Plan codes.

What is Area Code 202?

The Washington, D.C., metro area uses the area code 202 for telephone calls. In addition to parts of Maryland and Virginia, it encompasses the whole District of Columbia. Both landline and mobile phone numbers use the area code.

The Time Zone of Area Code 202

Area Code 202 is in the Eastern Standard Time zone (EST). As a result, while it is 12 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) in Washington, D.C., it is 9 a.m. PST in California.

The History of Area Code 202

Area Code 202 was one of the original North American Numbering Plan codes established in 1947. Initially, the area code covered the entire District of Columbia and was shared with Maryland and Virginia. In 1990, area code 703 was introduced to serve northern Virginia, and in 1991, area code 301 was introduced to serve Maryland.

The Industries of Area Code 202

As the area code for the nation’s capital, Area Code 202 is primarily associated with government-related industries. This includes federal government agencies, think tanks, lobbying firms, and political organizations. Other industries represented in the area include education, healthcare, and technology.

Is the 202 Area Code a Scam?

Unfortunately, Area Code 202 has become synonymous with scam phone calls. The most common scam involves the caller posing as a government agent or law enforcement officer and demanding payment for unpaid taxes, fines, or other fees. These calls are fraudulent and should be reported to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Some Spam Phone Numbers from Area Code 202

Here are some examples of spam phone numbers originating from Area Code 202:

How to Block 202 Area Code Scam Calls?

Use a Call Blocking App

It’s smart and effective to use a third-party call-blocking app like RealCall on your phone. RealCall is able to block all unwanted calls behind the screen and let go of important phone calls based on your customized settings.

Use Your Phone’s Built-In Call Blocking Features

Many smartphones have built-in call-blocking features. They can allow you to block specific phone numbers or area codes. Check your phone’s settings to see if this feature is available.

Join the National Do Not Call Registry

You can cut down on the number of telemarketing calls you get, including calls from scammers by joining the National Do Not Call Registry. Visit www.donotcall.gov to register your phone number.

Do Not Answer Unknown Calls

It’s better to ignore calls from numbers or area codes you don’t recognize. Let the call go to voicemail; if it’s important, the caller will leave a message.

Report Scam Calls

If you receive a scam call, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The website is www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov. These reports are used by the FTC to find con artists and stop their operations.