806 Area Code: Location, Time Zone, History, Scams, & Uses

Quick Facts About the 806 Area Code

What Is the 806 Area Code?

806 area code is a telephone area code that encompasses northern Texas. It primarily affects the Texas Panhandle and South Plains, where major cities such as Lubbock, Amarillo, Plainview, Pampa, Hereford, Dumas, Canyon, Borger, and Levelland are located.

An 806 area code means that a phone number originates from this area of Texas. But the use of mobile phones, VoIP, and call forwarding means that the individual or business behind the number is not necessarily in the region.

Where Is Area Code 806 Located?

Area code 806 is located in Texas, covering a large portion of the northern and northwestern part of the state. It is best known for the Texas Panhandle and South Plains.

806 area code major cities and communities include:

• Lubbock
• Amarillo
• Plainview
• Pampa
• Hereford
• Dumas
• Canyon
• Borger
• Levelland
• Brownfield
• Lamesa
• Perryton
• Dalhart
• Littlefield
• Slaton

The 806 service area covers a wide range of urban, college, agricultural, oil/gas, and small rural towns. Lubbock has a reputation as the "home base" of 806, with Amarillo as another major city in the area.

What Time Zone Is the 806 Area Code In?

806 area code is in the Central Time Zone. In regular time, it uses Central Standard Time (UTC-6), and in DST, it uses Central Daylight Time (UTC-5).

Dallas, Houston, Chicago, and most of the central United States time zones are the same as those used by businesses and residents using 806 numbers.

Is 806 a Texas Area Code?

Yep, 806 is an area code for northern Texas and the Texas Panhandle. It has no connection to Dallas, Houston, Austin and San Antonio. 806 phone numbers can be from Lubbock, Amarillo, Plainview, Pampa, Hereford, or other communities in the area.

However, relying on caller ID information alone should never be used to determine the location of the caller, as scammers can spoof local numbers to make them look familiar. The FTC cautions that a scammer could make any name or number show up on caller ID.

History of the 806 Area Code

The 806 area code has a fairly long, relatively stable history in the Texas telecommunications industry and has never undergone an overlay or split, as many larger Texas metro area codes have been forced to do.

1957: Area code 806 is created to provide service to northwestern Texas, with portions of the area code carved out of the larger 915 and 817 area codes that served most of Texas.

Regional identity: Over time, 806 became strongly identified with the Texas Panhandle and South Plains, particularly Lubbock and Amarillo.

No overlay added: 806 is one of the few area codes in the urban Texas service area that hasn't been subject to an overlay code and is still the only code for its service area.

2021 dialing change: The 806 area code changed to "all 10-digit" dialing as part of the nationwide switch to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. 806 of the impacted Texas area codes were identified by the Public Utility Commission of Texas.

What Are the Overlay Codes for 806?

Currently, there is no overlay code in the 806 area code — it's the only code for northern Texas.

The area codes located near 806 are the 325 area code, 432, 575, 580 and 940 area code; however, these area codes provide service for other areas in Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma.

Do You Need 10-Digit Dialing for 806?

Yes. All local calls within the 806 area code require ten-digit dialing – that is, you must dial the area code plus the seven-digit phone number (for example: 806-XXX-XXXX).

This change was made in conjunction with nationwide adoption of the three-digit Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number, 988. Because 988 was already used as a local area code in some areas, a change was necessary in those areas, including 806.

Is the 806 Area Code Legit or a Scam?

806 is a very real, legitimate Texas area code, and it serves Lubbock, Amarillo, Plainview, Pampa, Hereford, and other surrounding areas.

If an 806 number is spoofed, though, it can be used fraudulently. One common trick scammers use is to call from a local-looking number, since people are more likely to pick up calls from their local area.

While the area code is legitimate, it is still wise to be cautious if a caller asks for money, personal information, account details, gift cards, cryptocurrency or a quick payment of any sort.

Common 806 Scam Warning Signs

Exercise caution if an 806 caller:

• Calls you and says you owe them money and must pay now
• Masquerades as the IRS, Social Security Administration, law enforcement, a bank or a utility company
• Requests personal details such as your Social Security number, financial information, card number or log-in information
• Claims to have won a prize, but taxes, processing or shipping are due first
• Threats of arrest, closing accounts or impending legal action
• Says they need to be paid with gift cards, wire transfers, payment apps or cryptocurrency
• Makes you feel pressured to stay on the phone and not take time to check
• Does not allow you to call back via an officially verified number by an independent party.
• Texts suspicious link
• Works with robotic speech, ambiguous business data, or incorrect grammar

The FTC, in particular, advises against trusting caller ID because it can be spoofed to appear local and credible.

What Are the Common Scams Linked With Spoofed 806 Numbers?

Fraudulent schemes involving spoofed 806 numbers can be used in many of the same ways as 806 numbers used in other parts of the country. Common examples include:

1. Government Impersonation Scams

The caller pretends to be from the IRS, Social Security Administration, police, a court or some other agency, saying you're behind on taxes, a legal notice or are required to verify sensitive personal information right away.

2. Bank and Credit Card Scams

The caller states suspicious activity has been found on your bank account or credit card and asks for your card number, PIN, one-time passcode or online banking login.

3. Utility Shutoff Scams

The caller threatens to disconnect your power, gas, water or Internet immediately if you don't pay them in some odd or untraceable way.

4. There are prize and lottery scams.

You've been called to collect a prize, vacation, grant or lottery, but you need to pay taxes, shipping or processing fees first.

5. Tech Support Scams

The caller pretends to be from Microsoft, Apple, Google, or another technology company and says your device has been compromised and requires remote access or payment to fix a fake problem.

6. Debt Collection Scams

Threatening or pressure fraudsters impersonate debt collectors and demand immediate payment. As long as they are legitimate debt collectors, they are legally required to offer proper documentation and follow regulated procedures.

7. Delivery or Package Scams

You receive an 806 phone call or message from someone claiming there is an issue with your shipment and that you must click a link or provide payment details on a fake Website.

What Are the Benefits of an 806 Area Code Number?

806 area code telephone numbers can be useful for anyone, a local business, a service provider, or a remote team looking to have a familiar presence in northern Texas.

Key benefits include:

• Local trust — The residents of Lubbock and Amarillo and nearby areas are more likely to answer a familiar local number.
• Regional brand — An 806 number is directly associated with your business and the Texas Panhandle and South Plains.
• Improved call response rates – Local-looking numbers are more relevant and approachable than out-of-state or toll-free call alternatives.
• Business expansion — Companies outside Texas can use the 806 area code to establish a legitimate northern Texas business presence.
• Customer convenience — A local number is more familiar and less scary for customers in your area to call your business.
• Flexible deployment – You can find 806 numbers from many providers across VoIP, mobile, landline, and cloud-based phones.

How an 806 Area Code Number Can Benefit Your Business' Local SEO?

Overall, 806 numbers won't directly boost your search rankings, but they can undeniably complement your overall local SEO strategy when utilized in a meaningful manner and applied consistently.

Google's Business Profile guidelines suggest using a local phone number that forwards directly to a business location wherever possible, rather than a call centre number.

An 806 number can aid with local SEO in the following ways:

• Makes you look more local — If your business is located in Lubbock, Amarillo, or the Texas Panhandle, an 806 number evokes your geographical presence on the internet.
• Safeguards NAP consistency — Your business Name, Address, and Phone number should all be the same throughout your Website, Google Business Profile, directories, and citation sources. This is supported by a consistent local number.
• Establishes trust with the customer — regional customers are more likely to call a number they recognize and is local to them.
• Supports location-specific pages — If you have service pages that target Lubbock, Amarillo, Plainview or local areas surrounding them, an 806 number supports the local intent of your pages.
• Enhances advertising effectiveness — Local phone numbers work great in call ads, when you have a local landing page, and when you're targeting the northern Texas market.

Ideally, stick to one 806 number throughout your Website, Google Business Profile, local directories, social profiles, and any other business listings.

Can You Get a New 806 Number Today?

Yes, in many situations, it is still possible to get a new 806 number these days. Local phone companies, VoIP providers, business phone services and virtual number services might all offer 806 numbers.

Availability may vary due to telephone numbers being allocated by regulated telecom service providers and the limited number of phone numbers available. When a specific 806 number isn't available, your provider will likely have a list of numbers to choose from.

How Can You Get a New 806 Area Code Number?

1. Select a provider — Find a carrier in your area, a VoIP provider, cloud phone service provider, or virtual business phone provider that provides Texas local numbers.

2. Do an 806 availability search — specifically 806 numbers that are available. Some providers let you search and choose from the numbers they offer.

3. Choose your number type — Decide if you want to use only voice calls or if you'll want to add SMS, MMS, call forwarding, voicemail, call recording and team inbox.

4. Account setup is complete — Registered with the provider and any required identity or business verification completed.

5. Set up call routing — set where calls go to, such as a cell phone, office line, sales team or customer support queue, or voicemail.

6. Know about SMS compliance requirements (if applicable) — If you want to send out business SMS, check with your provider about SMS registration and compliance protocols before you get started.

7. Update your business information — include the 806 number in your website, Google Business Profile, local directories, email signature, social media pages and advertisements.

8. Performance tracking – Utilise call tracking, call logs, or CRM systems to gauge the number of leads and inquiries received by your 806 number.

Final Thoughts

The 806 area code is a real and established Texas area code and is associated with Lubbock, Amarillo, Plainview, Pampa, Hereford, Dumas, Canyon, Borger and Levelland in the Texas Panhandle and South Plains.

The 806 number is a sure sign of northern Texas among residents. It can also help businesses establish trust and brand recognition within their community when applied to any online business listings and customer interactions.

But not all 806 calls are safe. Scammers can spoof local numbers, so never hesitate to check an unfamiliar caller before giving out personal information or making payments. Assume the area code is valid, but check the caller before doing anything. For South Texas numbering, see our 956 area code guide.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): 806 Area Code

1. Why am I still receiving spam calls from 806 numbers?

Many people complain about repeated calls from 806 numbers that use local phone numbers and offer items such as auto warranties, insurance, or telemarketing. Usually, these numbers are spoofed or fake and are not in northern Texas. The FTC says scammers can spoof caller ID to make a call appear to be from a local or familiar area code.

2. Is the 806 area code a scam?

No. The 806 area code is perfectly legal and does exist in northern Texas, serving Lubbock, Amarillo and Plainview. While 806 numbers can be spoofed, the area code is real; the problem is always the caller, not the area code.

3. What regions have the 806 area code?

806 is an area code for northern Texas, including the Texas Panhandle and South Plains. Major cities include Lubbock, Amarillo, Plainview, Canyon, Hereford, Pampa, Dumas, Borger and Levelland.

4. What is the reason for 10-digit dialling of 806 numbers?

The switch to 10-digit local dialling was part of the nationwide rollout of 988 as the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number. The area codes that had to implement the change in Texas include 806, 254, 361, 409, 830, 915, and 940.

5. If the phone number is 806, is it always a call from Texas?

Not necessarily. A true 806 phone number is associated with North Texas, but with the advancement of caller ID spoofing, scammers can use any number that appears to have a North Texas area code. Caller ID is not enough evidence of a call's origin.

6. What are the typical scams reported using spoofed 806 numbers?

Some common examples of patterns are auto-care telemarketing, fake PayPal invoice callback numbers, bogus financial alerts, and fake traffic violation notices. The area code 806 is not the problem; these schemes take advantage of the fact that it is local.

7. If an 806 caller states that I owe money, what do I do?

Do not pay. Call the official number listed on the verified company Website to hang up and report to the company, court, bank or agency. Scammers use urgency and threats of immediate legal or financial consequences as pressure tactics.

8. Will an 806 number work for a PayPal or banking scam?

Yes. A common scam technique is to use fake invoices and fraudulent support numbers that appear to be regional. When contacting your PayPal/bank/credit card account, go straight to their app or website, not to a number sent in an email or text message.

9. Do I have to accept calls from unfamiliar 806 numbers?

Taking a call from someone in northern Texas is acceptable if you are expecting it. It is better to leave any unknown calls to voicemail otherwise. Legitimate callers will leave a clear message, and you can check with them before calling back.

10. How to lessen spam calls from 806 numbers?

Block, report and use your carrier's spam call protection capabilities. Remember, scammers often change the numbers they use: blocking one number won't stop the others in the same scam, and they'll keep changing their numbers.

11. Is the 806 number a good fit for a local business?

Yes. For businesses located in northern Texas (Lubbock, Amarillo, Plainview, and surrounding areas), an 806 number can help them look locally established, make calling more comfortable for customers and aid in regional branding.

12. Will I be able to obtain a new 806 number?

Yes, in most cases. New 806 numbers can be obtained with mobile carriers, landline carriers, VoIP services, or virtual phone services. Availability is subject to providers' inventory, and you are requesting a city or a number prefix.