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Phone numbers are usually 10 digits long. Area code forms an important part of your phone number.
This code is based on your place of residence. In the United States, the first three digits of your phone number represent your area code.
That being said, all of us have received calls from numbers with area codes like 800, 833, or 866.
A few weeks ago, I got a couple of calls with the area code 855 within a time interval of just one hour. Both were automated calls regarding some software company.
I got curious about this particular 855 area code, so I took to the best source of information available to satiate my thirst; the Internet.
855 area code phone numbers are toll-free numbers that can be utilized by individuals from anywhere in the United States, Canada, and some other countries. These numbers are mostly used by businesses and companies to communicate with customers and sometimes by scammers.
If you want to better understand the 855 area code numbers and their intricacies, like how they work, how to get one, their benefits and misuse, or how to trace/block them, then this article is tailored for you.
What Exactly is the 855 Area Code?
Most countries in North America and the Caribbean use a telephone numbering plan to take care of the arrangement of digits in a phone number.
It’s called the North American Numbering Plan (NANP). The American Telephone and Telegraph Company (AT&T) devised the NANP in the 1940s.
According to the NANP, your phone number is a combination of two sets of digits; the first three digits show your area code, and the last seven digits represent your unique number in that particular area code.
For instance, the area code for Montana is 406.
So what about the area code 855? Well, it’s not linked to any geographical location.
The phone numbers with area code 855 are toll-free numbers regulated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). That means these numbers are free for you to dial.
These numbers have been around since the 2000s. They are used by people or businesses anywhere in the States and some other adjoining countries.
Also, if you want to call someone living in a different country, then you need to dial a unique calling code associated with that country plus that person’s phone number.
+1 is the calling code for the US, and +855 is the calling code for Cambodia, a Southeast Asian country.
So there is a difference between the country calling code for Cambodia (+855) and the area code for some toll-free numbers in the US (855).
Do 855 Numbers Work with VoIP?
VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. It’s a technology that transmits information (sound/voice) using the Internet.
The calls are not transferred using conventional telephone lines. Rather, they use an Internet connection, but both parties need to be connected to the Internet.
The 855 area code numbers are not compatible with VoIP. They are standard telephone-related services.
You can use your traditional telephone line if you want to contact these numbers. However, these calls won’t cost you anything as they are free of cost.
How do Toll-Free Numbers Work?
When you call a business on their toll-free number, it is routed to a telephone company.
This company then redirects your call to the actual business. You don’t pay any charges for the call, no matter how long the call lasts. The business bears all the costs.
Also, if you call a toll-free number of a business based in another country, the business will have to pay the long-distance charges.
How is the 855 Area Code Different from Other Area Codes?
Most area codes are linked to different geographical locations. For example, the area code of Washington DC is 212, it’s 702 for Las Vegas, while New York City has 19 area codes, and so on.
Area code 855 has no connection with an actual geographical place.
If you receive a call with area code 855, it means that the call could have originated from anywhere in the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean.
Toll-free numbers do not provide much information about their point of origin.
These numbers are typically owned by corporate businesses and used for marketing and customer support.
Benefits of an 855 Toll-Free Number
It’s no news that businesses all over the world use toll-free numbers.
Some time ago, businesses used to line up to get an 800 toll-free number, but now it has become very difficult to get one due to an increase in the number of business ventures over the past 20 years.
Now they crave 855 numbers. It has become like a need for them. This is due to the fact that having a toll-free number brings them many benefits which they can’t overlook.
The most important benefit of having a toll-free number is that it becomes very convenient for customers to call a business since they don’t have to worry about the cost. This shows the customers that the company values them.
Customers provide genuine criticism when they feel valued and appreciated. The business can use this to improve its products and services.
Having a toll-free number and providing good customer service promotes healthy competition among various businesses to up their game so that they don’t lose their customers.
Why Would a Business Get Themselves an 855 Toll-Free Number?
You may be asking yourself, “Why do companies go an extra mile to get an 855 toll-free number when it’s much easier to get a generic phone number?”. Well, the answer is quite simple.
First, toll-free numbers create a good impression. It makes the company look professional and customer-centric. This draws more consumers towards the business.
Additionally, a toll-free number brings a lot of advantages with it for the company. I have discussed some of them in detail here:
Target a Larger Customer Base
Getting a toll-free number can help you enhance your coverage which may lead to growth in your customer base.
Since the 855 toll-free number doesn’t belong to a particular area, it will make an impression on your clients that you serve customers throughout the country.
If you provide a good service via your toll-free number, your reputation will only improve, paving the way for you to take your business to a global level.
In addition to that, a 24×7 toll-free number for customer support will reassure your clients that your team is always there to help them out.
Brand Legitimacy
You need to make a good impression on a potential customer’s mind and stand tall among the competition.
Getting a number with a local area code may help you gain local customers, but it may not be the best move for you when it comes down to business on a national or international level.
Having an 855 toll-free number shows that you are serious about your venture.
Renowned brands worldwide employ toll-free numbers to build trust, show legitimacy and be on top of their game.
Lower the Barrier for Customer Calls
Money plays a major role whenever a customer has to buy something or even call a company about an inquiry, help, or complaint.
Providing your clients a toll-free number to call on for any of their queries where they don’t have to worry about their wallets helps you receive more calls from them.
You also provide them with an easy way to contact your sales/support team, even if they live thousands of miles away.
Your client’s customer service experience is improved because they see that you appreciate them, and that’s why they keep coming back for more.
A toll-free number can also help you convert potential customers into clients.
People don’t want to spend money on a call just to hear about the specifications of a product or the terms of service.
They are more invested in a company that provides them with all this information to make a decision free of cost.
And that’s where a toll-free number comes into play.
A Specific Phone Number is Always More Memorable
There is a very small chance for you to get a unique and memorable number with your local area code.
However, toll-free numbers are catchy and infectious, just like that one song you can’t get out of your head.
Also, when getting an 855 toll-free number, you can choose from a wide range of combinations as you please.
You can select a number with a memorable set of digits or get a Vanity number.
Vanity numbers are those toll-free numbers that have a name or word in them, like 1-855-ROBOTS.
These types of numbers are very easy for clients to remember and hence can help you create a unique identity for your company.
How to Get an 855 Toll-Free Number?
Having an 855 toll-free number associated with your business venture can help you build its authenticity and improve its quality.
It helps you build a good connection with your customers, no matter where they live.
So how do you get one? Well, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is in charge of all the issues related to toll-free numbers.
It sets the rules and regulations for acquiring and utilizing them. The commission provides toll-free numbers on a first-come, first-serve basis.
But the FCC is not directly involved in this process; they just conduct auctions. If you want a toll-free number, you have to go through third parties called “Responsible Organizations” (RespOrgs).
Some of these RespOrgs also provide their own toll-free service.
Are 855 Numbers Safe?
The FCC regulates 855 toll-free numbers, so these numbers are safe. But it doesn’t mean that all the calls you get from these numbers are genuine.
You can get a scam call from any number with any area code. And there is no way to tell whether the call is from a scammer or not without receiving the call.
The same goes for 855 numbers. Sometimes you may get a call from someone using an 855-toll-free number claiming to be a representative from your bank or Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
They may ask you for some personal information or banking details.
If you get such a call, don’t give them your details instantly. Confirm their authenticity by googling their business name and contact number. If you feel suspicious, disconnect the call.
Getting a Call from the 855 Area Code
As mentioned earlier, the 855 area code is a genuine code as per the North American Numbering Plan, encompassing the United States, Canada, and other neighboring countries.
If you get a call from numbers having an 855 area code, don’t overthink it.
Receive the call and get to know who the caller is. Most of the time, it’s a company sales or customer service person.
But if they pose as someone from a government department (e,g the IRS), and ask you for any personal details like your current location or credit card number, then be wary. DO NOT GIVE THEM ANY PERSONAL INFORMATION!
Use the Internet to check their credibility and if you smell anything fishy, hang up the call. You can also report and block those numbers easily.
Tracing an 855 Call
A business gets a toll-free number to get in touch with their customers spread over a large area.
The 855 area code is not linked to any specific geographical location. 855 calls can originate from any place within the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean.
That’s why it is not easy to trace a call from these numbers to a particular place.
But you can use the Internet to find out details about the caller, like their business name and/or office address if it’s a legitimate number.
There are many resources at your disposal, like Google, Reverse Phone book, or the Somos database.
Search the Somos Database
Somos Inc. manages telephone databases for the telecommunications industry of the United States.
The company and FCC signed a contract in 2019, making Somos the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) administrator.
Somos manages a database of toll-free numbers for over 1400 service providers. So if you want to get details about an 855 number, then this database is the right place for you.
For privacy reasons, the details about the owner of a toll-free number are not available online.
However, searching for a toll-free number in Somos Database will give you information about the RespOrg, which provided that specific number to a business.
If you look up a number in the database and it tells you that no one owns that number, then you are dealing with a spammer.
Block Unwanted Calls from the 855 Numbers
If spam callers keep bothering you, you can visit the FCC’s website and add your number to their “Do Not Call” registry. This is to avoid undesirable calls from telemarketers.
That being said, follow these steps if you want to block unwanted calls from 855 numbers on your smartphone.
For iPhone Users
- Go to your Recent calls menu.
- Click on the encircled ‘i’ next to the number you want to block.
- Select More information.
- Choose Block this number and then confirm.
For Android Users
- Go to your Recent calls.
- Click on the number that you want to block and select Details.
- Choose Block number and then confirm.
Keep one thing in mind, though. These steps will only block a particular number. You will still receive calls from other numbers.
You should also check out the area codes to avoid, to prevent any mishaps in the future.
Can I Send a Text to an 855 Number?
855 toll-free numbers let customers get in touch with a company’s sales, marketing, or support team free of cost.
With texting becoming the norm for communication, sometimes the phone numbers linked with the 855 area code are text-enabled.
In those situations, you can send a text to that particular number. The company can also reply to your text.
Contact Your Telecom Service Provider
If you ever get a call from an 855 toll-free number and are unsure about the nature of the call, you can always contact your telecom service provider.
They can provide details about the 855 number, its owner, and its business address.
Even if you get a scam call from one of these numbers, you should report it to your service provider.
It will help them to update their database and assist other people in staying one step ahead of these kinds of scams.
Conclusion
If you get a call from a toll-free number, it could have originated from anywhere around the world.
Business owners use these numbers to build strong relationships with their clients and build their brands.
However, some individuals also use these numbers to scam or fraud people. That’s why you need to keep yourself updated with all the information about such numbers.
If you keep getting calls from toll-free numbers, then you need to be careful about your situation.
Don’t share your personal information with anyone over calls. And report/block such numbers as soon as you smell something rotten.
On the other hand, if you are a business owner, then getting a toll-free number may greatly bolster the growth of your venture.
There are different types of such numbers for you to choose from. 855 is one such number series.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is an 855 number calling me?
855 numbers are toll-free numbers usually owned by businesses. If you get a call from an 855 number, it’s most probably a sales/marketing person from a business venture. But you need to be cautious as scammers can also misuse these numbers.
Are 855 numbers fake?
No, 855 numbers are not fake. They are issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). But you may get scam calls from these numbers.
Are 855 numbers toll-free?
Yes, 855 numbers are toll-free. That means you won’t be charged any money for calling one of these numbers.
How to stop 855 calls?
You can visit the FCC’s website and add your number to their “Do Not Call” registry to stop getting unwanted calls.
You can also stop 855 calls by blocking the particular numbers in your Recent calls section.
