587 Area Code: Location, Time Zone, History, and Scams

Quick Facts About the 587 Area Code

What Is the 587 Area Code?

The 587 area code is a Canadian telephone area code serving the entire province of Alberta. It belongs to the North American Numbering Plan, which uses 10-digit telephone numbers consisting of a three-digit area code, a three-digit prefix, and a four-digit line number.

Unlike an area code assigned to only one city or region, 587 is a province-wide overlay code. This means a 587 number may belong to someone in Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Lethbridge, Fort McMurray, Medicine Hat, Grande Prairie, Banff, or another Alberta community.

The 587 area code was introduced to provide additional phone numbers without forcing existing customers with 403 or 780 numbers to change their telephone numbers. The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission, or CRTC, approved this distributed overlay approach because it preserved existing numbers and simplified future numbering relief.

Today, 587 numbers are assigned to:

• Mobile phones
• Residential landlines
• VoIP telephone services
• Business phone systems
• Virtual business numbers
• Call centres
• Remote employees
• Internet-based calling applications

A 587 number does not identify a particular carrier or type of service. It may be issued by a wireless company, traditional telephone provider, cable company, or VoIP provider.

Where Is Area Code 587 Located?

Area code 587 covers Alberta, Canada.

Its coverage includes both major metropolitan areas and smaller communities throughout the province. Examples include:

• Calgary
• Edmonton
• Red Deer
• Lethbridge
• Medicine Hat
• Fort McMurray
• Grande Prairie
• Airdrie
• St. Albert
• Sherwood Park
• Spruce Grove
• Leduc
• Lloydminster
• Banff
• Canmore
• Okotoks
• Cochrane
• Brooks
• Camrose
• Wetaskiwin

The Canadian Numbering Administrator's current records show active 587 telephone prefixes assigned to numerous Alberta communities, including Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Lethbridge, Fort McMurray, Medicine Hat, Grande Prairie, Lloydminster, Banff, and Canmore.

Because 587 is a distributed overlay, the area code alone cannot tell you exactly where in Alberta a caller is located. The telephone prefix following 587 may provide additional clues, but mobile numbers can be retained when users move, and VoIP numbers may be used from almost anywhere with an internet connection.

What Time Zone Is the 587 Area Code In?

The 587 area code generally follows Alberta's Mountain Time.

Under Alberta's seasonal time system:

• Mountain Standard Time: UTC−7
• Mountain Daylight Time: UTC−6

Alberta traditionally moves its clocks forward in March and back in November. However, this system is scheduled to change.

Beginning in November 2026, Alberta will stop changing its clocks and adopt permanent Alberta Time, previously known as Mountain Daylight Time. The permanent offset will be UTC−6 throughout the year.

Therefore:

• Until November 2026, most 587 locations follow MST during winter and MDT during summer.
• From November 2026 onward, Alberta will remain at UTC−6 year-round.

Businesses calling a 587 number from another province, country, or time zone should confirm the current Alberta time before placing non-urgent calls.

Is 587 a Calgary or Edmonton Area Code?

Yes. The 587 area code serves both Calgary and Edmonton, but it is not exclusive to either city.

A 587 number may be assigned in:

• Calgary
• Edmonton
• Another major Alberta city
• A smaller Alberta town
• A rural Alberta community

Before 1999, area code 403 area code served all of Alberta. In January 1999, Alberta was divided into two numbering areas: 403 remained associated with southern Alberta, while 780 was introduced for northern Alberta. In September 2008, 587 was added as an overlay covering both areas and therefore the entire province.

As a result, Calgary residents and businesses may use 403, 587, 825, or 368 numbers. Edmonton residents and businesses may use 780, 587, 825, or 368 numbers.

You cannot assume that every 587 number comes from Calgary or Edmonton simply because these are Alberta's two largest urban centres.

History of the 587 Area Code

The history of 587 is connected to Alberta's population growth, increased mobile phone use, expanding business communications, and the rising demand for additional telephone numbers.

Before 1999: Area Code 403 Served Alberta

Area code 403 area code originally served Alberta before the province was divided into separate northern and southern numbering areas.

As Alberta grew and demand for telephone numbers increased, the available number combinations within 403 began to decline.

January 1999: Area Code 780 Was Introduced

In January 1999, area code 403 was divided.

• Southern Alberta, including Calgary, retained 403.
• Northern Alberta, including Edmonton, received 780.

This division created more telephone number capacity, but demand continued to grow because of mobile phones, fax lines, internet services, additional business lines, and other telecommunications technologies.

2004–2007: Number Exhaustion Became a Concern

Numbering forecasts showed that both 403 and 780 were approaching exhaustion.

By early 2007, 403 was expected to run out of available numbering resources in March 2009, while 780 was expected to reach exhaustion in October 2009. The CRTC therefore evaluated different relief options.

June 2007: Province-Wide Overlay Approved

On June 14, 2007, the CRTC approved a distributed overlay covering both 403 and 780.

The overlay method was selected because it:

• Allowed existing customers to keep their telephone numbers
• Preserved the identities of 403 and 780
• Avoided dividing Alberta into additional geographic areas
• Provided additional numbering capacity
• Simplified future numbering relief

The CRTC reserved both 587 and 825 for Alberta's present and future numbering requirements.

June 2008: Optional 10-Digit Dialing Began

Permissive 10-digit dialing began on June 23, 2008.

During this transition period, customers could become familiar with dialing the area code before every local telephone number.

September 2008: 10-Digit Dialing Became Mandatory

Mandatory 10-digit local dialing was phased in from September 8 to September 12, 2008.

From that point forward, callers in Alberta generally needed to dial the three-digit area code followed by the seven-digit telephone number, even when making a local call.

September 2008: Area Code 587 Entered Service

Area code 587 was introduced throughout Alberta in September 2008.

It overlaid both 403 and 780, meaning new 587 numbers could be assigned anywhere in the province without changing existing customers' numbers.

April 2016: Area Code 825 Was Added

Continued demand led to the introduction of another province-wide overlay.

Starting April 9, 2016, new Alberta telephone numbers could be assigned the 825 area code. Existing 403, 780, and 587 customers retained their numbers.

April 2022: Area Code 368 Was Introduced

Area code 368 was introduced in April 2022 as another distributed overlay for Alberta.

It joined the province-wide numbering complex made up of 403, 587, 780, and 825.

2026: Additional Relief Planning Continues

Alberta is currently served by the combined 368, 403, 587, 780, and 825 area code complex. In May 2026, the CRTC established another relief-planning committee to examine options for providing additional numbering resources when required.

What Are the Overlay Codes for 587?

The 587 area code shares Alberta with four other area codes:

• 403
• 780
• 825
• 368

These area codes form a province-wide overlay complex.

Area Code 403

Area code 403 area code was historically associated with Calgary and southern Alberta. Existing 403 numbers remain active, but a new customer in southern Alberta may receive 587, 825, or 368 instead.

Area Code 780

Area code 780 was introduced in 1999 and was historically associated with Edmonton and northern Alberta. New numbers in northern Alberta may now use any of the province-wide overlay codes.

Area Code 825

Area code 825 became available in April 2016 as another province-wide overlay.

Area Code 368

Area code 368 was introduced in April 2022 to provide additional numbering capacity throughout Alberta.

All five area codes can now serve many of the same Alberta communities. A person living in Calgary, for example, may have a 403, 587, 825, or 368 number. Someone in Edmonton may have a 780, 587, 825, or 368 number.

Do You Need 10-Digit Dialing for 587?

Yes. 10-digit dialing is required for local calls involving 587 numbers.

You should dial:

• 587 + three-digit prefix + four-digit line number

For example:

• 587-555-0123

Ten-digit dialing became mandatory in Alberta when the 587 overlay was implemented in September 2008. The change was necessary because multiple area codes began serving the same geographic area.

Without the area code, the telephone network would not always know whether the caller intended to reach a 403, 587, 780, 825, or 368 number.

Make sure 10-digit numbers are programmed into:

• Mobile phone contacts
• Office telephone systems
• Alarm systems
• Medical alert devices
• Call-forwarding systems
• Fax machines
• Autodialers
• Security systems
• Customer databases
• Website contact links

Whether a call is treated as local or long-distance depends on the caller's location, telephone plan, and service provider—not simply on whether the number has a 587 area code.

Is the 587 Area Code Legit or a Scam?

The 587 area code is a legitimate Canadian area code used throughout Alberta.

Receiving a call or text from a 587 number does not automatically mean it is fraudulent. It could come from:

• A friend or family member
• An Alberta business
• A healthcare provider
• A delivery driver
• A potential customer
• A school or university
• A government office
• A mobile phone user
• A VoIP telephone account

However, scammers can use caller ID spoofing to make an incoming call appear to come from a local 587 number.

Caller ID spoofing allows fraudsters to manipulate the name or number shown on a recipient's phone. They may display the number of a legitimate bank, government agency, police department, service provider, or local resident.

Therefore, the displayed area code should never be treated as proof that a caller is genuine.

Common 587 Scam Warning Signs

Be cautious when an unexpected caller using a 587 number:

• Demands immediate payment
• Threatens arrest, deportation, disconnection, or legal action
• Asks for gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or cash
• Claims your bank account has been compromised
• Requests your password, PIN, verification code, or banking details
• Asks for your Social Insurance Number
• Wants remote access to your computer or phone
• Refuses to let you end the call and verify the claim
• Creates a false sense of urgency
• Says you must keep the call secret
• Claims a relative is in an emergency
• Sends a suspicious payment or delivery link
• Offers an investment with guaranteed returns
• Requests an advance fee to release money, a prize, or a refund
• Uses poor grammar or an unusual web address in a text message

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre warns that caller ID can be manipulated. Even a familiar-looking local number may not belong to the person making the call.

End the call and contact the organization independently through a verified telephone number from its official website, mobile application, bank card, statement, or government directory.

What Are the Common Scams Linked With Spoofed 587 Numbers?

There is no evidence that every suspicious call from 587 is connected to one particular scam. Fraudsters can spoof numbers from almost any area code.

However, a local-looking 587 number may be used in several common Canadian telephone scams.

Bank Investigator Scams

A caller claims to represent your bank, a credit-reporting agency, law enforcement, or a major online retailer.

The fraudster may say there has been a suspicious transaction and ask you to:

• Transfer money to a "safe" account
• Share banking credentials
• Provide a verification code
• Install remote-access software
• Give the caller access to your computer

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre warns that bank-investigator scams frequently begin with automated or unexpected calls claiming fraudulent activity has occurred.

Government and CRA Impersonation

A caller pretends to represent the Canada Revenue Agency, Service Canada, immigration authorities, police, or another government department.

The caller may threaten:

• Arrest
• Deportation
• Account suspension
• Loss of benefits
• A tax penalty
• Immediate legal action

Do not trust the displayed caller ID. The CRA advises people to end suspicious calls and verify contact information independently rather than relying on the number shown on the phone.

Emergency or Grandparent Scams

The caller pretends to be:

• A grandchild
• Another relative
• A police officer
• A lawyer
• A hospital representative

The scammer claims a loved one has been arrested, injured, or involved in an accident and urgently needs money.

Fraudsters may use personal details found on social media to make the story sound believable. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre specifically advises people not to trust caller ID in emergency scams because criminals can disguise the originating number.

Package or Customs Extortion Scams

The caller claims customs officials intercepted a parcel connected to your name.

They may falsely say the package contained:

• Bank cards
• Illegal substances
• False identification
• Suspicious documents
• Prohibited items

The fraudster then threatens an investigation unless you make a payment or provide personal information. This is a recognized extortion method identified by the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

Phishing Text Messages

A text from a spoofed or unfamiliar 587 number may claim to involve:

• A missed delivery
• An unpaid toll
• A tax refund
• A bank security alert
• A subscription renewal
• A mobile account issue
• A government benefit
• A refund or rebate

The link may lead to a fake website designed to steal passwords, credit-card information, or banking credentials. Phishing involves impersonating a trusted organization or person to obtain sensitive information.

Investment and Cryptocurrency Scams

A caller may promise unusually high or guaranteed returns from:

• Cryptocurrency
• Foreign exchange
• Stocks
• Artificial intelligence trading
• Private investment programs
• Overseas opportunities

Be especially cautious when someone pressures you to invest quickly, move the conversation to an encrypted messaging application, or send cryptocurrency.

False Billing and Business Directory Scams

Businesses may receive calls claiming that they owe money for:

• An online directory listing
• Advertising
• Search engine optimization
• Office supplies
• Domain registration
• An account renewal
• A service that was never ordered

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre includes false billing, directory scams, investment fraud, emergency scams, government impersonation, and bank-investigator scams among fraud types commonly conducted by phone.

What Should You Do About a Suspicious 587 Call?

Take the following precautions:

Do not provide personal information.

Never share passwords, banking details, one-time codes, or identification numbers with an unexpected caller.

End the call.

Do not remain on the line simply because the caller sounds professional or knows information about you.

Verify the organization independently.

Find the official number yourself rather than calling a number supplied by the caller.

Do not click suspicious links.

Open the company's official application or type its verified website address directly into your browser.

Contact your financial institution.

Act immediately if you disclosed card details, banking information, or account credentials.

Change affected passwords.

Use unique passwords and enable multifactor authentication where available.

Save the evidence.

Keep screenshots, messages, phone numbers, receipts, email addresses, and transaction records.

Report the incident.

Victims should contact local police and report fraud or cybercrime through the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre's reporting service.

Blocking the number may stop calls from that displayed number, but it does not necessarily block the fraudster because the caller ID may have been spoofed.

What Are the Benefits of a 587 Area Code Number?

A 587 number can offer several practical benefits to individuals and businesses operating in Alberta.

Province-Wide Alberta Identity

Because 587 covers the entire province, it is suitable for businesses serving customers in multiple Alberta cities.

A company may use one 587 number while working with customers in Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Lethbridge, Fort McMurray, and other communities.

Local Familiarity

Alberta residents generally recognize 587 as a local or provincial area code. A familiar number can make contact information easier for customers to understand than an unfamiliar out-of-province number.

However, a local-looking number should be used honestly. Businesses should not misrepresent their physical location or create misleading business profiles.

Suitable for New Businesses

Older 403 and 780 numbers may not always be available in the desired city or prefix. A 587 number provides another established Alberta option for startups, contractors, consultants, and growing companies.

Works With VoIP and Virtual Phone Systems

A 587 number may be connected to a cloud-based telephone system and used for:

• Call forwarding
• Voicemail
• Text messaging
• Recorded greetings
• Interactive voice response
• Department extensions
• Remote teams
• Call tracking
• Customer support
• Appointment scheduling

Features vary by provider.

Separates Business and Personal Calls

A dedicated 587 business number allows owners and freelancers to keep customer communications separate from their personal telephone number.

Supports Regional Advertising

Businesses can display a recognizable Alberta number on:

• Websites
• Google Business Profiles
• Social media pages
• Search advertisements
• Business cards
• Vehicles
• Local directories
• Email signatures
• Print advertisements
• Landing pages

Number Portability

Depending on the provider and service type, a customer may be able to transfer or "port" an existing 587 number to another carrier. Porting eligibility should be confirmed before cancelling the original service.

How Can a 587 Area Code Number Benefit Your Business's Local SEO?

A 587 telephone number can support a consistent Alberta business presence, but it is important to understand its actual role in local SEO.

A local area code is not a guaranteed ranking factor and will not automatically move a business to the top of Google Maps.

Google states that local results are mainly determined by:

• Relevance
• Distance
• Prominence

Google also recommends maintaining complete and accurate Business Profile information, including the business's address, category, opening hours, and phone number.

A 587 number may support local SEO in the following ways.

Consistent Business Information

Use the same primary business name, address, and telephone number across:

• Your website
• Google Business Profile
• Bing Places
• Apple Business Connect
• Social profiles
• Industry directories
• Local directories
• Chamber of commerce listings

Inconsistent phone numbers can confuse customers and make business information harder to manage.

A Direct Local Contact Number

Google's Business Profile guidelines recommend using a local phone number instead of a central call-centre number whenever possible. The number should connect directly to the business and remain under its control.

A legitimate 587 number can satisfy this recommendation for an eligible Alberta business.

Better Location Pages

Businesses with multiple genuine locations can create a separate page for each location and display the appropriate direct telephone number.

A Calgary location page, for example, may include:

• Calgary address
• 587 telephone number
• Opening hours
• Local services
• Directions
• Staff information
• Customer reviews
• Relevant service areas

Do not create fake location pages or Google Business Profiles for places where the business does not operate.

Improved Customer Experience

A clearly displayed local number makes it easier for Alberta customers to contact the correct office or service team. Better customer experiences may support calls, appointments, reviews, repeat visits, and other engagement signals.

Accurate Structured Data

Add the same 587 telephone number to relevant website structured data, such as:

• LocalBusiness
• Organization
• ContactPoint

The structured data should match the visible contact information on the page and the number used on the corresponding Business Profile.

Call Tracking Without Losing the Main Number

Businesses using call-tracking software should keep their permanent local number as the primary business number where appropriate. Tracking numbers may be added carefully as secondary numbers or dynamically displayed without creating inconsistent public business information.

The key principle is simple: use a legitimate number controlled by the business and keep the core business details accurate.

Can You Get a New 587 Number Today?

Yes, it may still be possible to obtain a new 587 number.

The Canadian Numbering Administrator's current records show many 587 prefixes in service with telecommunications providers across Alberta.

However, availability depends on:

• The city or rate centre
• The provider's available inventory
• Whether you need mobile, landline, or VoIP service
• The telephone prefix requested
• Whether you want a standard or memorable number
• The provider's activation and identity-verification requirements

A provider may offer you 368, 403, 587, 780, or 825 depending on your location and its available number inventory.

You are not automatically entitled to a particular area code or telephone number. Even when 587 numbers are available generally, your preferred number combination may already be assigned.

How Can You Get a New 587 Area Code Number?

You can obtain a 587 number through a mobile carrier, telephone company, cable provider, VoIP platform, or cloud business phone service.

1. Choose the Type of Number

Decide whether you need:

• A mobile number
• A residential landline
• A business landline
• A VoIP number
• A virtual number
• A call-forwarding number
• A text-enabled business number
• A multi-user cloud phone system

2. Select an Alberta Service Area

Tell the provider which Alberta city or community you want the number associated with.

Because 587 is province-wide, the provider may have different blocks of numbers for Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Lethbridge, or another rate centre.

3. Ask Specifically for 587 Availability

Request a 587 number during registration.

The provider may display available numbers online or allow a customer-service representative to search its inventory.

4. Compare Important Features

Before purchasing, check whether the service includes:

• Incoming and outgoing calls
• SMS and MMS messaging
• Voicemail
• Call forwarding
• Number porting
• Caller ID
• Emergency calling
• Call recording
• Business hours
• Extensions
• Auto-attendant
• Mobile and desktop applications
• International calling
• Spam filtering

5. Review the Costs

Possible charges include:

• Activation fees
• Monthly service fees
• Per-minute charges
• Text-message fees
• Number-porting fees
• Toll-free charges
• International calling fees
• Premium-number fees

6. Complete the Provider's Verification

A provider may request identification, billing information, a service address, or business details before activating the number.

7. Test the Number

After activation, test:

• Incoming calls
• Outgoing caller ID
• Text messaging
• Voicemail
• Call forwarding
• Emergency-service registration
• Website click-to-call links

8. Update Your Business Information

Add the number consistently to your:

• Website
• Google Business Profile
• Social media profiles
• Email signature
• Advertising accounts
• Customer invoices
• Business directories
• Structured data
• Printed marketing materials

Avoid purchasing numbers from unknown sellers who cannot prove that they control the number or have the right to transfer it.

Final Thoughts

The 587 area code is a legitimate province-wide Alberta area code serving Calgary, Edmonton, and communities throughout the province. It was introduced in 2008 as an overlay for 403 and 780, allowing Alberta to add telephone numbers without forcing existing customers to change theirs.

Today, 587 operates alongside 403, 780, 825, and 368, and 10-digit dialing is required throughout the overlay area.

A 587 number can be useful for residents, mobile users, remote workers, and businesses seeking a recognizable Alberta telephone presence. It may also support consistent local business information when correctly connected to a real business and used across a website, Google Business Profile, and relevant directories.

However, a 587 caller ID does not prove that a call is safe. Scammers can spoof local numbers to impersonate banks, government agencies, relatives, delivery companies, and other trusted organizations. Never send money or reveal sensitive information based only on the number displayed on your phone.

When in doubt, end the call and contact the organization independently through an official and verified channel. For related coverage, see our 306 area code and 778 area code guides.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs): 587 Area Code

Is 587 a legitimate Alberta area code?

Yes. The 587 area code is legitimate and serves Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Lethbridge, and other communities across Alberta. It is used for mobile, landline, business, and VoIP numbers.

Why am I receiving so many spam calls from 587 numbers?

Scammers often spoof local 587 numbers because people are more likely to answer calls that appear familiar. The displayed number may belong to an innocent person who did not actually call you.

Why does the 587 number calling me look similar to my own number?

This is known as neighbour spoofing. Scammers copy your area code and sometimes the first three digits of your number to make the call appear local and trustworthy.

Is every call from a 587 number a scam?

No. Many legitimate Alberta residents and businesses use 587 numbers. However, you should be cautious when an unknown caller requests money, account details, passwords, or verification codes.

What should I do when an unknown 587 number calls?

Let the call go to voicemail if you do not recognize the number. Legitimate callers usually leave a message explaining who they are and why they called.

Why does nobody speak when I answer a 587 call?

Silent calls are often generated by automated dialing systems checking whether a number is active. Avoid calling the number back because the displayed number may have been spoofed.

Can scammers make calls using my 587 number?

Yes. Caller ID spoofing allows scammers to display someone else's number without accessing that person's phone. This can result in strangers calling you back about calls you never made.

Are Amazon payment calls from 587 numbers legitimate?

An unexpected call claiming there is a problem with an Amazon payment is likely a scam. Do not provide account information; instead, check your orders directly through Amazon's official website or application.

Is 587 only used for mobile phone numbers?

No. Although many early 587 numbers were assigned to mobile users, the area code is also used for landlines, VoIP services, apartment intercoms, and business phone systems.

Is a 587 call considered long-distance within Alberta?

Not necessarily. Long-distance status depends on the number's rate centre, your location, and your phone plan—not only the area code. Some landline and intercom systems may still classify certain 587 numbers as long-distance.

Can I use a 587 number in both Calgary and Edmonton?

Yes. Unlike the older geographically divided 403 and 780 codes, 587 is a province-wide overlay. It can be assigned to users in Calgary, Edmonton, and other Alberta communities.

How can I reduce spam calls from 587 numbers?

Block repeated callers, enable your carrier's spam protection or call-control feature, and avoid answering unfamiliar numbers. Some Reddit users report that call-control prompts help prevent automated robocalls from reaching them.