Are you receiving phone calls from an unknown number with the area code 850? If you are wondering where this area code is located, what time zone it is in, and whether or not it is a scam, keep reading. In this article, we will provide you with all the information you need to know about area code 850.
Where is Area Code 850?
Tallahassee, Pensacola, and Panama City are all included in the Florida Panhandle’s area code 850, which is used for North American phone numbers. From Escambia County in the west to Franklin County in the east, the area code covers the western part of the Florida Panhandle.
What is Area Code 850?
Area code 850 is one of the original area codes established in 1997 when the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) was created. The NANP is a system used for assigning telephone numbers in North America, including the United States, Canada, and some Caribbean countries.
The Time Zone of Area Code 850
Area code 850 is in the Central Time Zone (CT) and observes daylight saving time. During daylight saving time, the time in area code 850 is one hour ahead of standard time.
The History of Area Code 850
Area code 850 was created in 1997 when the demand for telephone numbers in the Florida Panhandle exceeded the available supply of numbers in the existing area codes. At the time of its creation, area code 850 covered the entire Florida Panhandle, from Escambia County in the west to Taylor County in the east.
In 2001, area code 850 was split, and the eastern portion of the Florida Panhandle, including Tallahassee, was assigned a new area code, 850. The western portion of the Florida Panhandle retained the 850 area code.
The Industries of Area Code 850
The economy of area code 850 is diverse, with industries ranging from tourism and agriculture to defense and technology. Some of the largest employers in the region include the military installations of Eglin Air Force Base, Hurlburt Field, and Tyndall Air Force Base, as well as the healthcare and education sectors.
Is 850 Area Code a Scam?
Like any other area code, 850 is not immune to scams. Scammers can use local area codes to trick people into thinking that the call is from a local business or organization. Some of the most common phone scams that use area code 850 include IRS scams, social security scams, and lottery scams.
Some Spam Phone Numbers from Area Code 850
If you receive a call from a number that you do not recognize, you may want to look up the number to see if it has been reported as a spam or scam number. Some of the spam phone numbers associated with area code 850 include:
How to Block 850 Area Code Scam Calls?
You can take the following actions to protect yourself against scammers:
- Never answer calls from unfamiliar numbers.
- Immediately hang up if you answer a call and later realize it’s a scam.
- Never provide any personal information, like your social security number or bank account details when you are on the line.
- Use call-blocking software to block unwanted calls like RealCall.
It’s the easiest and the most effective to block scam calls and texts and robocalls via a call-blocking app like RealCall. It guards your phone against risky numbers and contacts. Apart from automatically blocking all unwanted calls behind the screen, RealCall also can filter necessary and normal calls based on the customized blocking rules set by you. Due to AI technology and machine learning, RealCall gives users the highest protection. The more you use it, the better it works for you.
- Report scam calls to the Federal Trade Commission