Before you can call someone on the phone, you need to dial a series of numbers. The first three digits are the area code, and they tell the phone company which part of the country you’re trying to reach.
If you’re calling someone in northern or central New Jersey, you might dial area code 862. It’s overlaid with the 973 area code, meaning that the same geographic region is covered by both.
This article will take a closer look at the 862 area code in New Jersey: its history, how to dial it, and what the future might hold for this part of the Garden State.
The story of area code 862
Area code 862 is relatively new to the northern and central regions of New Jersey. Here’s the story of how it came to be.
Why a new area code was needed
As the population grew in the late 1990s and early 2000s, and as people began using more tech devices that required phone numbers, the existing area code, 973, was running out of available numbers.
The birth of area code 862
To address the shortage of phone numbers, area code 862 was introduced in June 2001. Rather than assigning the new area code to a different geographic region, authorities decided to make 862 an overlay to 973. That means that both area codes serve the same geographic area.
Where is area code 862?
Area code 862 covers the northern and central parts of New Jersey. When the new area code was implemented, anyone with a 973 number was able to keep it. New phone numbers in that region, however, were assigned area code 862.
What are overlay area codes?
When a region runs out of phone numbers under its original area code, the state may introduce an overlay area code. This means that instead of splitting the original area code into smaller regions, the new area code gets assigned to the same geographic area.
So, both the original area code and the overlay area code operate side-by-side within the same space.
The downside is that overlay area codes usually mean that everyone, even people making local calls, has to dial ten digits (area code + phone number) to connect.
Dialing Instructions for Area Code 862
Navigating the world of area codes can be tricky, so let’s break down how to dial correctly when you’re calling a number with the 862 area code.
Local Calls within the 862 Area Code
Here’s the most important thing to remember: you must use 10-digit dialing. That means you need to dial the area code, even if you’re calling someone right next door. So, to make a local call, dial 862 followed by the 7-digit phone number (862-XXX-XXXX).
Long-Distance Calls
If you’re calling a number outside of the 862 area code, you’ll need to dial “1” first, followed by the area code and the 7-digit phone number. The format is 1-XXX-XXX-XXXX. So, if you’re calling someone in the 201 area code, you’d dial 1-201-XXX-XXXX.
Toll-Free Calls
Calling a toll-free number (like those starting with 800, 888, 877, etc.) is similar to making a long-distance call. Dial “1” followed by the toll-free number. For example, you’d dial 1-800-XXX-XXXX.
International Calls
Making an international call is a bit more involved. You’ll need to dial 011, which is the international access code for the United States. Then, you’ll dial the country code, the city/region code (if applicable), and finally, the local number. So, the format is 011 + country code + city/region code + local number.
Specific Examples
Let’s put it all together with a few examples:
- To call a local number, 862-555-1212, you’d dial 862-555-1212.
- To call a long-distance number, 212-555-1212, you’d dial 1-212-555-1212.
- To call a toll-free number, 800-555-1212, you’d dial 1-800-555-1212.
Keep these instructions handy, and you’ll be dialing like a pro in no time!
How to get a phone number with the 862 area code
If you’re looking for a phone number in northern New Jersey, here’s how to get one:
Landline providers
Some of the major landline providers in the 862 area are Verizon and AT&T. To get a landline with one of these providers, you’ll need to contact them, choose a service plan, and provide them with any necessary information.
Mobile carriers
If you’d prefer a mobile phone, you could contact mobile carriers like Verizon Wireless or T-Mobile. You’ll need to pick a plan, choose a phone (if you need one), and activate the service.
VoIP services
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services use the internet to make and receive calls. If you’re looking to cut costs or want some advanced features, VoIP could be a great option. Some of the more popular VoIP providers are RingCentral and Grasshopper.
Number portability
With number portability, you can transfer your existing phone number to a new provider. So, if you already have a phone number you like, you may be able to keep it even if you switch to a different service.
Phone Number Lookup and Scam Prevention
With area code 862 now a familiar part of New Jersey’s telecommunications landscape, it’s a good idea to understand how to use phone number lookup services and how to protect yourself from scams.
Utilizing Phone Lookup Services
Phone lookup services can help you identify who’s calling you. These services can tell you the name and location associated with a phone number, and they can also help you check for potential spam or scam calls.
Some reputable phone lookup services include Whitepages and Truecaller.
Identifying Potential Scams
Unfortunately, scams are a fact of modern life. Common scam tactics include:
- Robocalls
- Phishing attempts
- Impersonation scams (where the caller pretends to be from the IRS or another government agency)
Here are some red flags that indicate a call may be a scam:
- The call is from an unfamiliar number.
- The caller asks for personal information like your Social Security number or bank account details.
- The caller uses high-pressure tactics to get you to act immediately.
Protecting Yourself from Scams and Spam
Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself from scams and spam calls:
- Register your phone number on the National Do Not Call Registry.
- Be cautious when answering calls from unfamiliar numbers.
- Never give out personal information over the phone unless you initiated the call and know who you’re talking to.
- Use call-blocking apps or services on your smartphone.
- Report suspicious calls to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your local authorities.
What’s the future of the 862 area code?
Like any area code, 862 faces the possibility of “number exhaustion.” That’s when all the possible phone numbers within that area code have been assigned.
The North American Numbering Plan Administration (NANPA) is the organization that keeps an eye on how phone numbers are being used and plans for future needs in different regions.
So, what could happen in northern New Jersey?
- A new overlay area code. This is probably the most likely scenario. It would mean a new area code would be introduced in the same geographic area as 862 and 973. Current customers would keep their existing numbers, but new customers might get assigned numbers with the new area code.
- An area code split. This is less likely but still possible. It would mean the existing 862/973 area would be divided geographically, with different area codes assigned to each new area.
- Number conservation methods. NANPA could also implement ways to use phone numbers more efficiently.
The rise of mobile phones and VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) also has an impact on area code usage. People now have multiple devices, and some communication doesn’t even rely on traditional phone numbers. New technologies could change how we use phone numbers in the future, which could also affect how area codes are managed.
Conclusion
Area code 862 overlays area code 973 in northern and central New Jersey. It came into being in June 2001, and as a result, you now need to dial ten digits for every local phone call you make in this part of New Jersey.
Understanding area codes and how to dial them is an essential part of effective communication. As phone numbers get used up, area codes sometimes change, so it’s important to stay up to date.