Have you ever had had a call from a phone number with the 844 area code? If so, you’re definitely not alone, as this code is often used in North America, and unlike many area codes, it doesn’t denote a specific location – so you can’t tell where the caller is from if they are using this code. The 844 area code is not location-specific; it is one of a series of numbers that permits toll-free calling, and is usually associated with businesses that have paid for a special line. It doesn’t even have to be in the US; it could also be in Canada or in one of 23 territories linked to North America.

What Is The 844 Area Code?

The 844 is not actually representative of the area code; instead, it tells you who is paying for the call. Almost all calls to a number starting with the 8 prefix should be paid for by the owner of the number, and not the caller. There are a series of similar numbers, such as 888, 877, 833, 800, 855, and 866. These are all toll-free numbers. These numbers are never assigned as part of a residential landline number, so you won’t have this as part of your phone number.

Where Is The 844 Area Code?

Although the 844 is part of a phone number and looks like an area code, it doesn’t actually tell you anything about the location of the caller in question. You won’t be able to determine where the owner of the line is by using this code. These numbers can be assigned to any location. The caller might be in New York or Houston or almost anywhere else.

The number can be assigned to any business located in:

• The USA,
• The United States Virgin Islands
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Canada
• The Cayman Islands
• Grenada
• Jamaica
• Anguilla
• Barbados
• Dominica
• Guam
• Monserrat
• Puerto Rico
• Saint Lucia
• The British Virgin Islands
• The Bahamas
• The Dominican Republic
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Bermuda
• The North Mariana Islands
• Turks and Caicos Islands
• Sint Maarten
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Trinidad and Tobago

All of these countries follow the North American numbering plan, and therefore can have one of these numbers. Countries that do not follow this numbering plan cannot have one of these numbers – but this is such a wide span, you cannot learn much from the area code 844.

Are Any Area Codes More Than Three Digits?

In the US and countries that follow the North American numbering plan, an area code will always be three digits. However, in other countries, they are sometimes longer or shorter, and can even vary in length within a country. For example, in the United Kingdom, most area codes are four or five digits long.

Is The 844 Area Code Always Toll Free?

In general, numbers that start 844 are free for the caller if the caller is in the USA, but if you are using a cell phone to call, you may be charged. Occasionally, other charges may also apply, depending on the situation. You should check with your cell phone or landline provider to find out if calls to one of these numbers will be free or not. This will give you a much clearer idea of what costs you may incur, or whether the business will shoulder the costs.

When Were 844 Phone Numbers Invented?

The 844 code started being used in 2013. There was too much demand for the traditional business line of 800, and it became necessary for the phone companies to increase how many numbers were available. The codes mentioned above, and 844, were in response to this problem, and seek to ensure that all businesses can get a toll-free line.

Is 844 A Common Scam Code?

If you’ve been a target of scammers at times, you may be wondering how you can avoid this in the future, and feeling wary of area codes that you don’t know. Unfortunately, you can’t tell if the number is a scammer simply by looking at the 844 area code, although you should be aware that this code is sometimes used by scammers. The 844 code was originally used by businesses, and this meant that people came to trust it – which has encouraged scammers to start buying this number for their own use, as many people they call will then automatically assume that they are associated with a proper customer services department.

You should be careful about answering the phone to any number that you don’t recognize. If you aren’t confident in your ability to spot common scams, consider ignoring numbers you are unfamiliar with and letting them go to voicemail so that you can listen to the message and make a decision in your own time, rather than being pressured. You can also research the number online and check whether it comes up as being linked with a scam, or if it’s a legitimate business. Many companies post their numbers on their websites to make it easier for customers to contact and identify them.

Enter the number into a reputable search engine and see what comes up. You can also try entering it accompanied by a phrase such as “scam” and check the results. This may help you to avoid scams, and still get into contact with companies that have a legitimate reason to be calling you. If you find that a number belongs to a scammer, make sure you block it to avoid any future contact with them. You can also contact the police, or the FTC, who will step in if companies are not respecting privacy laws and the wishes of the phone owner.

Who Uses 844 Numbers Legitimately?

An 844 number is usually provided by a business that wants to give its customers access to a free customer services line. To prevent customers from having to pay high charges for calling out of state, businesses often set up a phone line that can be called regardless of where the customer is located. Not all businesses will do this, of course. It depends on the circumstances, the spread of their clients, the size of the business, and the way that it operates. However, if a company has set up one of these lines, it is worth using it so that you can access their customer services department free of charge.

The way this works is that when you dial an 844 number, the phone company forwards the call to the business’s number, along with any additional charges. The business pays the charges (in most situations, but you should check that this is the case before making these calls) and the customer pays nothing for the call. If you are expecting a call from a business and you see the 844 area code on your phone, it is likely to be legitimate, especially if you are dealing with a big business.

Is It Useful To Have An 844 Area Code?

If you’re running a business, there are a few good reasons that you might like to have an 844 area code. Firstly, these numbers help your customers out, and make them more likely to call you. They give the customer a line they can call on from anywhere in the US and other nearby countries, without having to worry about racking up huge charges for long-distance calls. This will increase your popularity and customer satisfaction.

Secondly, many people associate these numbers with big, trustworthy, national businesses. An 844 area code can make your business look more established and important, and may encourage your customers to trust you more. It’s a great way to give yourself more credibility and show that you are a serious player in your market.

How Do I Get An 844 Area Code?

Fortunately, getting one of these numbers is relatively simple. It does come at a cost, but you can view this as a business expense. You should first decide on the number that you want, and check whether it’s available. Try to choose one that is simple, so your customers can remember it. You should also aim for uniqueness, to reduce the chances of another business having already bought it. If you aren’t sure, try researching some example numbers, or look at what other businesses are using.

Aim for something straightforward, with no risk of spelling errors. If you are working in the flower industry, for example, you might want 1-844-FLOWERS. A mailing company might like 1-844-MAIL. You may have to try a few different options if you are in a competitive industry.

The letters in these phone numbers correspond to digits on the telephone keypad, and make it easier for a customer to associate your phone number with your business. It may also make it easier for the customer to remember your number, because they can memorize a word instead of a string of random digits.

Even if you aren’t using the letters, try to make your number memorable. It shouldn’t be complicated or random. You may find that you can make the digits rhyme, follow a logical pattern, or repeat the digits where possible, and this will massively increase the chances of customers being able to rattle off your number from memory. This can help with word-of-mouth advertising, and is useful if customers have to call you often.

How Much Does An 844 Number Cost?

You might be fully convinced that an 844 number would be a great thing, but unsure about whether you can afford it. The cost will vary depending on the provider that you choose, your plan, and the minutes that you need per month, but it can be quite low. Try shopping around for good deals, and checking out the different service providers. Some may be as low as $30 per month for their basic packages, although others will be considerably more than this. You may find you need to upgrade your package if your call volume increases at some point in the future.

Can I Get An 800 Area Code Instead?

You may decide that an 800 area code is more appealing because this is the one traditionally associated with free calling. However, it can be pretty difficult to get an 800 number, because they are in high demand, and there is a limit on how many combinations can be created.

These numbers also tend to be more expensive because they are in higher demand. It might not seem like a big difference to begin with, but remember that you may have to upgrade your package as your business grows, and you won’t want to change your phone number if you can avoid it – as this can lose you business. If you’re determined to have an 800 number, you may be able to find one, but many of the alternative versions with the 8 prefix are just as good, and may prove noticeably cheaper.

Can 844 Numbers Receive Texts?

Some 844 numbers can receive texts, but this depends on the setup with the service provider. You will have to discuss the needs of your business with your service provider, and decide whether you want to set up texting capability for your phone. If you do, make sure you let your customers know that they can text you.

Conclusion

An 844 area code is a great way to ensure your business is reachable by everyone, but it’s not the only thing you need to think about it in terms of efficiency. You might also want to consider how you receive mail and handle deliveries. A Virtual Mailbox is a great solution, because it means you don’t need anyone around in order to securely accept packages, and you can view previews of your mail online without having to physically handle it.

This may help to cut down on man hours and make deliveries smoother, especially if your business often receives stock. Instead of having to try and track it down because a delivery has been missed, you’ll get all your mail in a secure location, and you can pick it up whenever it suits you.