In case you’ve ever been contacted via phone by a number that begins with the 949 area code, you may have questions regarding its origin, purpose, and whether it’s advisable to respond. This piece intends to address these inquiries and offer suggestions on how to prevent fraudulent calls from this specific area code.
Where is Area Code 949?
Area code 949 is a North American Numbering Plan area code that serves Orange County, California, and parts of western San Diego County. It was created in 1998 as a split from the 714 area code and currently covers the cities of Irvine, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, and Lake Forest, among others.
What is Area Code 949?
This particular area code 949, is utilized for phone numbers within this geographical area, encompassing both mobile and landline devices. It is among the most populated area codes in California, with a populace exceeding 2.5 million individuals.
The Time Zone of Area Code 949
The 949 area code is situated within the Pacific Time Zone, also identified as either PST or GMT-8. Hence, if you are dialing from a different time zone, you must consider the time discrepancy prior to placing the call.
The History of Area Code 949
The establishment of the 949 area code became imperative because of the escalating need for phone numbers in the Orange County region. The 714 area code initially served this area, but as the population expanded and new enterprises emerged, it became apparent that an additional area code was required to meet the rising demand.
The Industries of Area Code 949
The 949 area code harbors diverse sectors, such as technology, healthcare, finance, and tourism. Notably, some of the major employers within the vicinity are Broadcom, Verizon Wireless, and the University of California, Irvine.
Is 949 Area Code a Scam?
Unfortunately, like any other area code, the 949 area code is not immune to scams and fraudulent activities. Scammers often use local phone numbers to make their calls seem more legitimate and to trick people into answering. They may try to sell you fake products, steal your personal information, or ask for money.
Some Spam Phone Numbers from Area Code 949
Here are some known spam phone numbers from area code 949:
How to Block 949 Area Code Scam Calls?
If you receive scam calls from the 949 area code, there are several ways to block them:
Add the number to your phone’s block list
Most smartphones have a built-in feature that allows you to block specific phone numbers.
Use a virtual phone system
If you run a business in the 949 area code and receive many scam calls, consider using a virtual phone system that can filter out spam calls.
Use call-blocking apps
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.
In conclusion, the 949 area code serves a populous region in California and is home to a variety of industries. However, it is important to be aware of risky numbers with the 949 area code and all other numbers.