Trusted Area Code Safety Network
202 area code serves 202 is the area code for Washington, D.C. For a local call within the District, both 7-digit dialing and 10-digit dialing work. However, for calls to the D.C. suburbs of Virginia and Maryland, 10-digit dialing is required. There are no plans for splits or overlays in the 202 area code in the near future.
Pacific Standard Time (PST)
UTC-8 / UTC-7 (DST)
Be cautious with 202 area code calls: This Washington area code is frequently used in phone scams targeting people nationwide. Common scams include fake IRS calls, tech support fraud, and prize/lottery scams.
Most 202 calls are legitimate, but, but this area code is frequently used by scammers. 202 is a legitimate Washington area code, but scammers often spoof it because:
Tip: If you don't recognize the number, screen the call via voicemail. Legitimate callers will leave a message.
Here's how to verify 202 calls:
202 area code serves all of Washington, DC:
Note: 202 is exclusive to Washington, DC and does not overlap with other area codes in the city.
No, 202 is not a New York area code. It's exclusively for Washington, District Of Columbia.
District Of Columbia area codes include:
If someone claims to be calling from New York with a 202 number, it's likely a scam using number spoofing.
202 was one of the original area codes established in 1947 when the North American Numbering Plan began.
If caller claims urgent issue:
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Legitimate companies won't ask for SSN, passwords, or financial details over the phone.
Scammers create urgency. Legitimate calls can wait while you verify.
Use Google Voice (free) or a burner number for online shopping, dating apps, and business listings.
If they claim to be from a company, hang up and call the official number.
Report suspicious calls to FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov
Keep your main number private. Give out your secondary number for deliveries, rentals, and online accounts.
Number A (Private): Family, close friends, work, bank, medical
Number B (Public): Online shopping, dating apps, food delivery, social media, business listings
About 20% of Americans use this strategy. Popular options: Google Voice (free), carrier second lines ($10-20/month), or dual-SIM phones.
All area code geographic assignments and overlay information are sourced directly from the North American Numbering Plan Administration (NANPA) official database and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) public records.
Timezone data verified against the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) timezone database.
Scam risk assessments based on Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Consumer Sentinel Network reports and verified telecommunications security databases.
Data last updated: January 2025 |
NANPA Registry Verified