Area Code 253

Where is area code 253?

Area code 253 serves Washington, covering Tacoma, Auburn, Kent, Seattle, Puyallup. In total our directory records 800 phone prefixes in this area code, spread across 14 cities and 3 counties.

The area code sits in the Pacific time zone (UTC-08:00), where the local time is now approximately 1:57 PM. The oldest prefix on record here entered service on 1997-04-01, and the newest on 2015-06-15.

Of the prefixes with a known line type, 26% are wireless and 74% landline — 111 mobile against 309 fixed-line prefixes.

Where is area code 253?

Area code 253 serves Washington, including Tacoma. It covers 14 cities across 3 counties, in the Pacific time zone.

What time is it in area code 253?

Area code 253 observes Pacific time (UTC-08:00). The current local time is approximately 1:57 PM.

When was area code 253 introduced?

The earliest phone prefix recorded in area code 253 was put in service on 1997-04-01. The most recent was activated on 2015-06-15.

Is a call from 253 safe to answer?

Our directory holds 4,712 caller reports covering 912 numbers in area code 253. A valid area code does not guarantee a legitimate caller, since numbers can be spoofed.

What cities are in area code 253?

The largest places served by area code 253 are Tacoma, Auburn, Kent, Seattle, Puyallup, Lakewood, Gig Harbor, Sumner. In total it covers 14 cities across 3 counties.

How is a 253 phone number written?

A number in this area code is written +1 (253) XXX-XXXX in international format, or (253) XXX-XXXX domestically. The +1 is the country code shared by the United States, Canada and other NANP members.

Can scammers fake a 253 number?

Yes. Caller ID was built without verification, so a caller can display almost any number. Scammers often pick a number matching the area code of the person they are calling — known as neighbour spoofing — because a local-looking call is answered more often. The US industry response, STIR/SHAKEN, lets carriers sign and verify caller ID, but coverage is still incomplete.

Why do I get calls from numbers with my own area code?

Almost always neighbour spoofing: the caller fabricates a number sharing your area code, and sometimes your prefix, so the call looks like it comes from someone nearby. A matching area code is not evidence that the caller is local.

How do I report a spam call from 253?

Report unwanted calls to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov, and add your number to the Do Not Call registry at donotcall.gov. Include the caller ID number even if you believe it was spoofed — regulators use the pattern of reports, not the individual number.

Is +253 the same as area code 253?

No. +253 is the international dialling code for Djibouti, while 1-253 is a North American area code. The digits match by coincidence, and caller ID frequently omits the plus sign, which is why the two are mistaken for one another.