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256 Area Code: Complete Huntsville Guide

Coverage Areas

256 area code serves Area code 256 serves the northern portion of Alabama, including the Huntsville and Decatur metropolitan areas. There are plans to overlay a new area code, 938, in the year 2011. As a result, 10-digit dialing will be mandatory beginning in 2010.

Timezone & Local Time

Central Standard Time (CST)
UTC-6 / UTC-5 (DST)

Local Time: --:-- --

Calling Costs

Standard Rates: Domestic US area code, calls charged per your phone plan.
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⚠️ Is 256 Area Code Spam? Security Notice

Be cautious with 256 area code calls: This Huntsville area code is frequently used in phone scams targeting people nationwide. Common scams include fake IRS calls, tech support fraud, and prize/lottery scams.

🚨 256 Area Code Scam Warning Signs:

  • Urgent demands for personal information or Social Security numbers
  • Requests for immediate payment via gift cards or wire transfers
  • Threats of legal action, arrest, or account suspension
  • Offers that seem too good to be true (prizes, loans, investments)
  • Claims to be from Huntsville government agencies or utilities
  • Pressure tactics saying "act now" or "limited time offer"
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Frequently Asked Questions

Most 256 calls are legitimate, but, but this area code is frequently used by scammers. 256 is a legitimate Huntsville area code, but scammers often spoof it because:

  • It's from a major metropolitan area (appears more credible)
  • Many businesses have LA connections
  • People are more likely to answer calls from major cities

Tip: If you don't recognize the number, screen the call via voicemail. Legitimate callers will leave a message.

Here's how to verify 256 calls:

  1. Use caller ID apps - TrueCaller, Hiya, or RoboKiller can identify known spam numbers
  2. Google the number - Search "[number] scam" to see if others reported it
  3. Don't answer unknown numbers - Let legitimate callers leave voicemail
  4. Call back independently - If they claim to be from a company, hang up and call the official number
  5. Trust your instincts - If something feels off, it probably is

256 area code serves central Huntsville and surrounding areas:

  • Downtown Huntsville
  • Hollywood
  • Beverly Hills
  • Santa Monica
  • West Hollywood
  • Burbank
  • Burbank
  • Culver City
  • West Hollywood
  • Venice
  • Marina del Rey
  • Century City

Note: 256 overlaps with area codes 323 and 738 in the same geographic region.

No, 256 is not a New York area code. It's exclusively for Huntsville, Alabama.

Alabama area codes include:

  • 212, 646, 332: Manhattan
  • 718, 347, 929: Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island
  • 914: Westchester County
  • 516, 631: Long Island

If someone claims to be calling from New York with a 256 number, it's likely a scam using number spoofing.

256 was one of the original area codes established in 1947 when the North American Numbering Plan began.

Historical Timeline:
  • 1947: 256 established covering all of Southern Alabama
  • 1951: Split to create 714 (Orange County)
  • 1984: Split to create 818 (San Fernando Valley)
  • 1991: Split to create 310 (West LA)
  • 1998: Overlay with 323 began
  • 2009: Overlay with 738 implemented
Coverage Evolution:

Top 256 Scam Types:
  1. Fake IRS/Tax Scams - Threatening arrest for unpaid taxes
  2. Tech Support Fraud - Claiming computer virus/malware
  3. Prize/Lottery Scams - "You've won" but need to pay fees
  4. Medicare/Insurance Fraud - Fake benefit updates
  5. Charity Scams - Especially after natural disasters
  6. Romance Scams - Dating app/social media targeting
Red Flags to Watch:
  • Urgent demands for immediate payment
  • Requests for gift cards or wire transfers
  • Threats of arrest or legal action
  • Asking for SSN or bank details
  • Pressure to "act now" or "limited time"
  • Caller gets angry when questioned
Remember: Government agencies send letters before calling. Banks never ask for passwords by phone.

For Phone Calls:
  1. Don't answer unknown numbers - Let it go to voicemail
  2. Listen to voicemail carefully - Legitimate callers leave detailed messages
  3. Google search the number - Add "scam" or "spam" to your search
  4. Never give personal info - SSN, bank details, passwords
  5. Call back independently - Use official numbers from company websites
  6. Trust your instincts - If it feels wrong, it probably is
For Text Messages:
  1. Check sender carefully - Is it from a real shortcode or phone number?
  2. Look for spelling errors - Scammers often have poor grammar
  3. Don't click links - Especially shortened URLs
  4. Verify with official app - Check your bank/service provider app
  5. Forward to SPAM (7726) - Report suspicious texts
  6. Block and delete - Don't engage with scammers
Emergency Verification Steps:

If caller claims urgent issue:

  1. Hang up immediately (don't feel rude)
  2. Wait 5 minutes, then call the official number
  3. Ask if they have any urgent matters for you
  4. Report the scam attempt to authorities

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Advanced Privacy Protection Strategies

Never Give Out Personal Info

Legitimate companies won't ask for SSN, passwords, or financial details over the phone.

Take Your Time

Scammers create urgency. Legitimate calls can wait while you verify.

Consider a Second Number

Use Google Voice (free) or a burner number for online shopping, dating apps, and business listings.

Verify Independently

If they claim to be from a company, hang up and call the official number.

Report Scams

Report suspicious calls to FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov

Two-Number Strategy

Keep your main number private. Give out your secondary number for deliveries, rentals, and online accounts.

Pro Tip: The Two-Number Privacy System

Number A (Private): Family, close friends, work, bank, medical

Number B (Public): Online shopping, dating apps, food delivery, social media, business listings

About 20% of Americans use this strategy. Popular options: Google Voice (free), carrier second lines ($10-20/month), or dual-SIM phones.

Trusted Data Sources & Official Resources

All area code geographic assignments and overlay information are sourced directly from the North American Numbering Plan Administration (NANPA) official database and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) public records. Timezone data verified against the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) timezone database. Scam risk assessments based on Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Consumer Sentinel Network reports and verified telecommunications security databases.
Data last updated: January 2025 | NANPA Registry Verified

Report Scam (FTC) FCC Robocall Guide Do Not Call Registry FBI IC3 Report NANPA Official
Geographic data: NANPA Official Registry • Timezone standards: IANA Database • Scam intelligence: FTC Consumer Sentinel Network • Calling rates: FCC Telecommunications Guidelines
All data verified against official government sources and updated regularly for accuracy.