Receiving a call with a new code number can draw lots of suspicions. Is the call originating from a legit business? Is it a scammer? Where is the call originating from? Why could they be calling? If you have received one in the recent past, worry not for we addressed these and more concerns below.
Where does an area code 540 come from?
The area code 540 is a general purpose that serves the state of Virginia. To be more precise the code is a telephone area code in the North American Numbering Plan for the north-western region of Virginia (Blacksburg, Fredericksburg, Harrisonburg). It was first established on July 15, 1995, after the numbering plan area 703 was divided.
The code lies within the Eastern Time (ET). Today, the area code 540 covers 46 counties and 182 cities in the state of Virginia which means that your call may be originating within the geographical jurisdictions of these counties.
How do I call an area code 540 number?
Unlike the toll-free area codes, the area code 540 is fixed to a particular geographical location, in this case, the state of Virginia. Being a general purpose area code, the 540 code are wired for specific numbers that serve different users within the state of Virginia. The numbers within Virginia are either landline or wireless. To call you to need to enter the telephone prefix carrier numbers which are different depending on the telephone carrier and whether the call recipient is using a landline or wireless call services.
Why should I get an area code 540 for my business?
Since the area code 540 is a general purpose area code, its regulation is mandated by the respective State Corporation Commission (SCC). Virginia's SCC has full responsibility to regulate the 540 code numbers and tired to that particular geographical jurisdiction. This means that all telephones carriers in Virginia have a 540 area code. The rest of the caller ID number is dependent on the telephone carrier you choose for your business.
Is area code 540 a scam?
With the increased use of mobile phones, confidence scams have equally been on the rise. Scammers staging as investors, customer care desks from business entities will often call you prying and fishing for personal information.
If you receive an area code 540, be on the watch! Avoid falling for scams. Ask for the name of the company and quickly do a background check using the information. If there any red flags block the number immediately.
How to block unwanted 540 calls
If the call you received sounded suspicious, you should simply block the number to avoid spamming and ultimately falling for the scam. Here is how you do it!
For Android users:
· Go to recent calls logs
· Find the number
· Click Details
· Tap Block Number
For iPhone users:
· Tap on the encircled (i) on you recent call logs
· Click the more information option
· Tap Block this number
Is Area Code 540 Toll-Free?
No, it is not! Like said earlier, the area code 540 is a general purpose code meaning that it is tired to a particular geographical location; in this case, the state of Virginia.
Toll-Free Area Codes
Toll-free area codes are not tired to geographical locations and hence difficult to tell the call origin by just looking at it. They used in the US, Canada, all countries utilizing the North American Numbering Plan and mostly used as business customer service lines. They include 800, 833,866, 844, 855, 877 and 888.
