Receiving a phone call from and unknown area code often makes us wonder where this number is coming from. Calls from scammers can come from telephone numbers we do not recognize. What exactly is an 877 number and from what location is it? Is it from nearby? Is it legitimate or is it a scam? Here is everything you need to know about an 877 number.
What is an 877 number and where is it coming from?
An 877 number is one of the toll free numbers assigned by the North American Numbering Plan or the NANP. The first area codes were created through a joint effort by Bell Laboratories and AT&T. The 877 prefix is one of many toll free numbers, along with 800, 833, 844, 855, 866, and 888. Each are three-digit numbers at the start of the dial.
These toll free numbers exist for business and customer service purposes with the charge being placed on the receiver of the call instead of the caller. Toll free numbers don’t have a particular geographical location though these area codes operate mostly in the United States, Canada and the Carribean. If you think the call is from a scammer you can contact the police or the Federal Trade Comission (FTC).
How do I call up an 877 number?
Since all area codes have the same format, you might be inclined to believe that any area code matched with the same number would reach the same place, right? Not really. Area codes are actually routed to a certain location so dialling in 1-800 of this number would yield a totally different result from dialling in 1-877 of the same number.
To avoid confusion, know and remember the number of the service of which you are calling. Calls and texts to toll-free numbers are sometimes not charged against your plan’s voice, data, or messaging limits (but double check with your specific supplier). However, standard data and text messaging rates apply (charges will appear on your mobile phone bill).
How does one get an area code 877 number?
Getting your own toll free number is a good way to make your business more accessible. Toll free number places absolutely no charge on the callers and can reach long distance locations such as Canada and the Carribean, hence giving your business much more exposure.Area code 877 and other toll free numbers are regulated by the FCC or the Federal Communications Commission via their RespOrgs or Responsible Organizations.
These numbers can be obtained via auction and through a first come first serve basis. Some telephone line providers block international calls when using a toll-free number as there can be extra fees or a surcharge associated with doing so. Due to potential fees it may be unwise to use toll-free numbers internationally.
These area code 877 telephone numbers will allow customers in the USA to make free calls to your business. A toll free number can make a great marketing tool as customers will be able call a business using one without having to pay for it normally. The business receiving the call pays. Having an area code 877 number can avoid those awkward "long-distance" charges for your customers as well as allowing them to contact you easily and affordably.
Can I send a text message to an 877 number?
This depends. If the business has placed “text enabled” to their number then you may send the toll free number a text message and communicate via text with the business. If you are unable to text the business then it is because their phone system doesn’t support texting.
What are vanity numbers?
You’ve probably encountered vanity numbers in the past, something similar to 1-877-FLOWERS where the main product or something related to the business is placed in place of the numbers. You can also have your toll free number customized in this format to give it a more creative twist and for better recall for your customers.
Is 877 a scam?
Toll free numbers are typically used by businesses as a low cost way of communicating with customers. These lines are for generally for business to consumer communactions to for any concerns they might have. Unfortunately scammers can sometimes get hold of these numbers and if you have any doubt who is on the other side of the line, it is best to hang up. Never give out personal information.
Confidence tricks such as pretending to be a bank to get people’s personal details are often the techniques of the said scammers. If you think this could be happening, hang up and block the number to prevent further unwanted calls.
How To Block An 877 Number
If you are getting unwanted calls from an 877 number you can block them. Additionally the company can get in legal trouble with the FTC if they repeatedly call you when you have asked them to stop.
You can block numbers by calling your service provider and asking them to block the number for you or you can do it yourself.
For iPhones:
Click on the phone app icon, go to recents and tab the i enclosed within a circle next to the number. Scroll down and tap "Block this caller". You can confirm the person is blocked by going to settings, selecting the phone app and pressing on the blocked callers option. This will display all of the numbers you currently have blocked on your phone.
On devices running Androids operating system it is slightly different:
Click on the phone app, then press the three vertical dots to bring up more options. Hit settings, the press "block numbers".
Click on "Add phone number" and type in the number you would like to block. To finish the process, just click on the plus sign and that contact will be added to your block list.
Is Area Code 877 Toll-Free?
Yes it is. It is toll-free for a customer to call an 877 area code number in a country within the North American Numbering Plan. This includes US, Canada and 22 other countries.
Toll-Free Area Codes
As well as the 877 area code, the other toll-free area codes are 800, 833, 844, 855, 866 and 888. They are toll-free within the USA, Canada and all countries utilising the North American Numbering Plan. They are commonly associated with customer service lines for companies, but can be used by other parties.
Where Do 877 Numbers Originate?
While most area codes are associated with a specific geographical location (following conventions established during the building out of the phone network in the early 20th century), 877 is not.
The three-digit prefix is for toll-free numbers -- one of several others reserved for that purpose. All related toll-free numbers have the characteristic that the last two digits are the same. For instance, the toll-free number prefix 800 has “00” while the toll free numbers 888 and 866 have “88” and “66” respectively.
Who Pays For An 877 Call?
For most calls, the person making the call pays the charge. This way, unwilling recipients can avoid paying fees for calls they don’t want to have. However, with 877 numbers, it’s the reverse. The person receiving the call pays for it.
Phone operators set up these schemes because there are sometimes circumstances in which it makes sense for the person receiving the call to pay. For instance, a company could be delivering sales advice to the customer over the telephone. It makes sense for the firm to manage the payment through the phone network, eliminating the cost to the callers and, instead, paying the cost of the call to the carrier directly. Other charitable or public service lines, such as tax advice helplines, for instance, may also make use of 877 toll-free numbers.
Earlier on this page, we said that 877 numbers were “toll-free”. That’s because if you have an unlimited plan on your phone and you dial an 877 number, you won’t get charged. However, if you do not have an unlimited plan or you are out of minutes for the month, you may still get charged. As such, you will need to consult with your carrier about policies on 877 numbers to find out when and how you must pay.
Does It Cost Money To Call An 877 Customer Service Number?
If you are calling a company’s customer service line from a landline, it is free of charge. However, if you are calling from a mobile, you may need to pay. Because you may be on the phone for a long time talking to a rep, calling an 877 number without an unlimited plan may cause you to rack up high bills.
Can People Complain About 877 Numbers Calling Them?
The FCC has a facility for people to complain about 877 numbers calling them, particularly if they appear illegitimate, or like a scam. Once you alert the agency, it will then investigate the owner of the number, and who has the rights to use it. If it finds evidence of brokering or illegitimate operations, it may revoke the organization’s permission to use the number.
There are many ways that people can file a complaint. You can do it online at consumercomplaints.fcc.gov. You can also get in touch with the agency by phone: 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322); TTY: 1-888-TELL-FCC (1-888-835- 5322) or ASL: 1-844-432-2275.
To mail the FCC, send all correspondence to: Federal Communications Commission, Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, Consumer Inquiries and Complaints Division, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554.
If you get in touch via mail, make sure that you include your name, address, contact information and as much detail about your complaint as possible. The FCC will then use this to launch an investigation and consider whether the owner of the 877 number has been engaging in any illegal practices. By making a complaint, you are helping to protect other members of the public from scams and nuisance calls.
Will The FTC Call On An 877 Number?
The Federal Trade Commision (FTC) will occasionally call members of the public. However, it will not call on an 877 number. Neither will it request any payment over the phone.
The FTC recently issued a press release to that effect. If you submit a report to the agency, it may call you back, but it will never call you toll-free.
Federal agencies, like the FTC, won’t ask you for sensitive information, such as your SSN. Customers who are in doubt when they receive a call should call the agency back using the numbers provided on its website. They should then ask to be reconnected to the agent they spoke with before. If there is no record of a call, then it could be a scam.
Please note that scammers will often use fake FTC caller IDs using 877 numbers. Your handset may tell you that you’re getting a call from the government agency when, in fact, you’re not.
Why Do 877 Toll-Free Numbers Exist?
Given that calling cross-country or even internationally is very cheap or free these days, many people wonder why 877 numbers exist at all. The reason comes down to the cost of connecting calls in the past. In the middle of the 20th century, a person making a long-distance call from New York to Sacramento would have had to pay high connection and operator fees. Workers at an exchange would have to physically connect lines together to allow people to talk to each other.
877 numbers were a way for businesses to assuage people’s concerns about long-distance calls. The system allowed them to pay for the call, instead of the customer, encouraging them to call their sales lines or request a service.
Without 877 numbers, many companies would have struggled to sell their services out of state, even if people wanted or needed them. It was a way to open up the national market and build a business.
Can Individuals Own Toll-Free 877 Numbers?
Just like businesses, individuals can also apply for toll-free numbers. To acquire one, you’ll usually have to work with a third-party -- a trusted agent who understands how the system works.
There are many reasons why an individual may need a toll-free number. For instance, if you run a business and you are self-employed, you may want to avoid charging prospects a fee, just for getting in touch with you to discuss your services.
Generally, 877 numbers are not for personal use. If you can’t demonstrate a legitimate reason for using the number, the FCC may deny your application.
Are All 877 Calls From Telemarketers?
Many businesses use calls for marketing purposes. This way, they can communicate with customers about the latest deals and offers. However, they will rarely use 877 numbers. That’s because these are reserved for users who want to get in touch with companies toll-free.
If you receive a call from an 877 number that appears to be a telemarketer, take caution. It could be a scam.
Why Is It Hard To Get A Good 877 Vanity Number?
The supply of good 877 vanity numbers is low. That’s because they have been around for a long time. Many businesses have already snapped them up, leaving relatively few remaining.
If you are willing to accept a non-vanity number, such as 1-877-4723 which doesn’t spell out a word, then you may have more luck. These numbers are still available.
If you aren’t having much luck getting the 877 toll-free number that you want, you might want to try a vanity number with a different prefix. Remember, most numbers starting with an 8 where the next two digits are the same is a toll-free number. This means that you can choose 833, 844, 855, 866 and 888. There are rules that prohibit you from using 811, so you can’t use these.
What’s The Difference Between 800 And Other Toll-Free Numbers?
800 numbers are the original toll-free numbers and operate in exactly the same way. In the past, most companies used 1-800 in their number prefix because customers recognized it as toll-free, encouraging them to call.
Do 877 Numbers Work Outside Of The US And North America?
Many people need to call businesses in the US and North America when they are abroad. For instance, they might want to call their bank while on vacation in Europe.
Unfortunately, toll-free numbers, such as 877, don’t work outside of the US (unless you’re in Canada) and, therefore, could cost you a fortune to call them. The company on the other end of the line usually won’t warn you about call charges so if you are on the phone for an hour, you could wind up spending over $100.
There are ways around this. For instance, if you are abroad, you may be able to use an operator to route a connect call for you, where the receiving party (the company you want to speak with), agrees to pay the cost of the call.
First, you call an English-speaking operator in your area. Then they call the company you want to contact, asking for permission to connect you. If the company grants permission, they pay the international call bill for you.
How Do You Call An 877 Number Internationally?
If you want to call a toll-free number internationally, you’ll need to know your country’s exit code. The exit code for the US is 011. Dial this, and then the rest of the toll-free number. For instance, 011-800-XXXX-XXXX.
Are Toll-Free Numbers Outside Of US Free To Call?
In most cases, toll-free numbers are not free to call outside of the US. For instance, if a company in Greece advertises toll-free calling on its website, that may only be for people connecting locally. It may not apply internationally.
Who Is Calling From An 877 Number?
If you get a call from a toll-free 877 number, then it is most likely to come from either customer services or business services. Thousands of legitimate brands use these numbers to contact their clients and customers every week.
As discussed above, there is also a risk of scam. Only provide details to the person on the other end of the phone if you call them first via a legitimate channel. Don’t provide any information to anyone out of the blue.
Why Do You Keep Getting Calls From 877 umbers?
If you keep getting calls from 877 numbers, it is likely a scam. Most legitimate companies won’t continually hound you for a response to their customer service reps. If they do call, they will leave a message on your answer phone explaining the reason for the call and then tell you how you can get back in touch with them later.
How Do You Find Out Who An 877 Number Belongs To?
The easiest way to find out who an 877 belongs to is to type it into Google and see what comes up. If it’s a legitimate number it will appear in the first few results, usually on a company or organization website. If it’s not a legitimate number, it will appear on a spam call site where people can report their experiences of particular numbers.
If you can’t find where a call came from on the internet, try searching your email inbox. Often, there’s a match.
If that doesn’t work, try websites such as Pipi, WhoCallsMe, Whitepages and Numberville. Don’t use any pages that ask you to pay to find out who called you.
Are 1877 Numbers Free?
1877 and 877 are the same. Therefore, they are both free. The “1” comes from the US and Canada’s calling codes. Both are +1. By contrast, Mexico is +52 and the UK is +44.
Which Countries Use 877 Numbers?
The majority of 877 calls come from either the US or Canada. However, other North American countries also use the system. These include Anguilla, Guam, Jamaica, North Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, Saint Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, Turks and Caicos Islands, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Cayman Islands and British Virgin Islands.
What Time Zones Do Toll-Free Numbers, Such As 877, Associate with?
Toll-free codes used in the NADP are associated with the New York time zone which is GMT -5. Therefore, if you make a call to one of these numbers, then the quoted time may be different from the time in your region. However, if you are calling from the US or Canada, the call is likely to still be free.
Should You Answer 877 Calls?
Whether you should answer 877 calls is entirely up to you. However, if you do, you should be wary and take precautions. According to the FTC, scammers are constantly looking for ways to fool people into believing that they are receiving calls from a legitimate source, and 877 calls are a great way to do that.
What System Manages Toll-Free Numbers?
National toll-free numbers, such as 877, are managed by the SMS/800 system (by contrast to local toll-free numbers which use NANPA.
Are Toll-Free Numbers Portable?
In the past, toll-free numbers were not portable. However, that changed after engineers reword the SMS/800 system in 1981. From that point onward, a toll number assigned to a specific provider could be moved to another.
Before the current toll-free system, there were Zenith Numbers. Here, callers would reach an operator and then provide them with a specific Zenith. The operator would then use this to connect the call.
Why Isn’t 811 Another Toll-Free Number?
In the US, 811 is reserved for three-digit dialing. Currently, the number is being used to help people locate wires before digging work begins. The NPA 811 is not associated with toll-free operation.
What Are The Benefits Of Getting An 877 Number?
There are many benefits of getting an 877 number.
For starters, you’ll always own it. The carrier doesn’t own it, and you can transfer it between services as you see fit.
In addition, it makes your business look good, if you own one. Not only are calls free, but it comes across as professional. You’re not charging callers to reach you, and you're not just using a generic local number.
Finally, you get a national presence. Toll-free numbers allow you to reach out to customers all over the country, not just those in your area.
