888 Area Code
Toll-free numbers
The 888 area code is reserved for toll-free numbers. It is the second toll-free NPA in the NANP, opened to relieve 800.
How 888 is used
Numbers in 888 are dialed as a full ten-digit number (1-888-NXX-XXXX) and are free to the caller; the called party pays a per-minute fee. They are issued through RespOrgs using the Somos toll-free database and are fully portable between carriers. 888 numbers are functionally interchangeable with 800, 833, 844, 855, 866 and 877.
- Purpose
- Toll-free numbers
- Assignee
- Somos, Inc. (toll-free Responsible Organizations under FCC rules)
- Dialed as
- 1-888-NXX-XXXX
History
Creation: Area code 888 was placed into service on March 1, 1996 as the second toll-free NPA, relieving 800 nearly thirty years after 800 itself was introduced. Its launch was accompanied by a high-profile FCC effort to make 888 numbers interoperable with existing 800 numbers and to address vanity-number protections. The success of 888 set the template for the rapid release of further toll-free codes 877, 866, 855, 844 and 833.
Relieved: Area code 888 was activated to relieve 800.
Mnemonics: Prior to 1995, the middle digit of area codes was restricted to 0 or 1 — codes created before then cannot form mnemonics.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toll-free_telephone_numbers_in_the_North_American_Numbering_Plan.
Other special-use area codes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is area code 888 used for?
The 888 area code is reserved for toll-free numbers. It is the second toll-free NPA in the NANP, opened to relieve 800.
How is 888 dialed?
Dial 1-888-NXX-XXXX.
Are 888 numbers free to call?
Yes. 888 is a toll-free area code: the called party (the business) pays the per-minute charge to its toll-free carrier, and the caller pays nothing. 888 numbers are interoperable with 800, 833, 844, 855, 866, 877 and 888 numbers.
Who called me from a 888 number?
A 888 number is toll-free, used by businesses and call centers, and also by robocallers. Toll-free caller ID is easy to spoof, so a 888 number does not identify a specific company. Recently, 24,673 unwanted-call complaints were reported to the FTC for numbers showing the 888 code (83% flagged as robocalls).
Is 888 a scam area code?
No. 888 is a legitimate toll-free code used by real businesses. But scammers use and spoof toll-free numbers too, so 888 on your caller ID proves nothing on its own.
How do I block calls from 888 numbers?
Block the specific 888 number from your recent-calls list (iPhone: Block this Caller; Android: Block or report spam), turn on spam filtering from your carrier, and register at DoNotCall.gov. You can block all toll-free calls, but that also stops legitimate businesses from reaching you.
Who assigns 888 numbers?
Somos, Inc. (toll-free Responsible Organizations under FCC rules)
What did 888 relieve or replace?
Area code 888 was activated to relieve 800 as that pool of numbers neared exhaustion.
When did area code 888 go into service?
March 1, 1996. It was the 2nd area code used for Toll-free.