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

Quick Facts About the 910 Area Code

What Is the 910 Area Code?

The 910 area code is a telephone numbering code within the North American Numbering Plan. It identifies phone numbers associated with southeastern North Carolina.

A complete 910 phone number contains ten digits:

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

For example:

• 910-555-1234

The area code is used for residential landlines, cell phones, business phone systems, government offices, schools, healthcare providers, military-related organizations, and internet-based VoIP services.

Because phone numbers can be transferred between carriers and used through cloud phone systems, a 910 number does not always prove that the caller is physically located in North Carolina.

Where Is Area Code 910 Located?

Area code 910 is located in southeastern North Carolina. It covers communities along the coast, in the Cape Fear region, and across parts of the Sandhills.

Major cities and communities using the 910 area code include:

• Fayetteville
• Wilmington
• Jacksonville
• Lumberton
• Laurinburg
• Pinehurst
• Southern Pines
• Clinton
• Rockingham
• Whiteville
• Southport
• Carolina Beach
• Wrightsville Beach
• Shallotte
• Raeford
• Aberdeen
• Dunn
• Elizabethtown

The service territory includes all or portions of counties such as Cumberland, New Hanover, Onslow, Robeson, Brunswick, Pender, Columbus, Bladen, Hoke, Scotland, Richmond, Sampson, Duplin, Moore, Montgomery, and Harnett. The precise boundaries follow telephone exchange areas rather than county or ZIP-code boundaries.

What Time Zone Is the 910 Area Code In?

The 910 area code is in the Eastern Time Zone.

During standard time, the region observes:

• Eastern Standard Time
• EST
• UTC−5

During daylight saving time, it observes:

• Eastern Daylight Time
• EDT
• UTC−4

Daylight saving time generally begins in March and ends in November. Businesses calling customers in the 910 region should consider Eastern Time when scheduling sales calls, appointments, support services, or marketing campaigns.

Is 910 a Fayetteville Area Code?

Yes. 910 is one of the area codes serving Fayetteville, North Carolina.

Fayetteville is one of the largest and most recognizable cities in the 910 service area. However, the area code is not exclusive to Fayetteville. It also serves Wilmington, Jacksonville, Lumberton, Laurinburg, and many smaller coastal and southeastern North Carolina communities.

History of the 910 Area Code

The history of area code 910 reflects population growth, increased telephone use, and the expansion of mobile and internet-based communications in North Carolina.

• 1993: Area code 910 was created through a split from area code 919. At the time, it covered a much larger territory that included southeastern North Carolina and parts of the Piedmont Triad.
• First new North Carolina code in decades: The introduction of 910 was North Carolina's first new geographic area code since 919 was created in 1954.
• Rapid demand: Demand for telephone numbers increased during the 1990s because of population growth and the widespread adoption of mobile phones, pagers, fax machines, and additional residential lines.
• 1997: Area code 336 was created from part of the 910 territory. The Piedmont Triad, including Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and High Point, moved to 336.
• Southeastern North Carolina retained 910: Fayetteville, Wilmington, Jacksonville, Lumberton, and surrounding communities continued using the 910 area code.
• 2021: The region transitioned to mandatory 10-digit dialing. This change was necessary because some 910 phone numbers used 988 as a local prefix, while 988 was being introduced nationally as a three-digit dialing code.
• June 2021: The North Carolina Utilities Commission approved an overlay plan to introduce area code 472 across the existing 910 territory.
• October 7, 2022: Area code 472 officially became available for new phone number assignments in the region.
• Today: Existing 910 numbers remain valid, while new customers may receive either a 910 or 472 number depending on availability.

The 472 overlay added more telephone number capacity without requiring existing 910 customers to change their numbers. The Piedmont Triad region that left 910 in 1997 is covered today by the 336 area code.

What Are the Overlay Codes for 910?

The overlay code for area code 910 is 472.

An overlay means that two area codes serve the same geographic region. Both 910 and 472 numbers may therefore be assigned in Fayetteville, Wilmington, Jacksonville, and other communities across southeastern North Carolina.

The overlay did not divide the region into separate territories. It also did not require existing customers to change their 910 numbers. Instead, it expanded the supply of available phone numbers.

A new business in Wilmington, for example, might receive a 472 number even though neighboring businesses use 910 numbers. Both would still represent the same local service area.

Do You Need 10-Digit Dialing for 910?

Yes. 10-digit dialing is required for local calls within the 910 and 472 service area.

Callers must enter:

• Area code + seven-digit phone number

For example:

• 910-555-1234

Dialing only the seven-digit local number may cause the call to fail.

Mandatory 10-digit dialing was introduced before the 472 overlay became active. The change was connected to the nationwide implementation of 988 as an easy-to-remember three-digit service number.

Businesses should make sure that the complete 10-digit number is programmed into:

• Websites and online profiles
• Mobile phone contacts
• Automatic dialing systems
• Security and alarm systems
• Medical alert devices
• Call-forwarding services
• Fax machines
• Office phone systems
• Customer relationship management platforms

Is the 910 Area Code Legit or a Scam?

The 910 area code is completely legitimate. It is officially assigned to southeastern North Carolina and is used by individuals, businesses, government departments, schools, healthcare providers, and other organizations.

However, seeing 910 on caller ID does not guarantee that the call is trustworthy. Scammers can use caller ID spoofing to make a call appear to come from a local number.

Spoofing allows a fraudster located anywhere to display a false 910 number on your phone. Scammers often use familiar-looking local numbers because people may be more likely to answer them. The FCC defines spoofing as deliberately falsifying caller ID information to disguise the caller's identity.

Judge the call by what the person says and requests—not simply by the area code shown on your screen.

Common 910 Scam Warning Signs

A call displaying a 910 number may be suspicious when the caller:

• Pressures you to make an immediate decision
• Threatens arrest, legal action, account closure, or service disconnection
• Requests your Social Security number, bank details, password, or verification code
• Demands payment through gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or payment apps
• Claims that you won a prize but must pay a fee first
• Asks you to install remote-access software
• Refuses to provide written information
• Tells you not to contact your bank, family, employer, or authorities
• Calls repeatedly from slightly different local numbers
• Provides information that does not match the organization being represented

A legitimate bank, government office, utility provider, or established business should allow you to end the call and contact it through a verified official number.

What Are the Common Scams Linked With Spoofed 910 Numbers?

There is no single scam that belongs specifically to area code 910. Fraudsters can spoof numbers from any area code. However, several common phone scams may appear to originate from a 910 number.

Government Impersonation Scams

The caller claims to represent the IRS, Social Security Administration, law enforcement, a court, or another government department. They may threaten arrest or demand an immediate payment.

Bank and Account Security Scams

A scammer pretends to work for your bank and claims that your account has been compromised. They may ask for your PIN, password, card number, or one-time verification code.

Utility Disconnection Scams

The caller claims that your electricity, water, internet, or phone service will be disconnected unless you make an immediate payment.

Tech-Support Scams

Someone claims that your computer, phone, or online account has a virus or security problem. They may ask you to install software that gives them remote access to your device.

Delivery and Package Scams

You may receive a call or text claiming that a package could not be delivered. The message may include a link designed to collect payment or personal information.

Family Emergency Scams

A caller pretends to be a relative, police officer, lawyer, or medical professional. They claim that a family member needs urgent financial help.

Fake Job and Business Scams

The caller offers remote employment, investment opportunities, business funding, or unusually profitable contracts. They may ask for an upfront payment or sensitive documents.

Debt Collection Scams

A fraudster claims that you owe money and threatens legal action. Legitimate debt collectors must follow applicable laws and should be able to provide written information about the alleged debt.

The Federal Trade Commission and FCC advise consumers to be cautious when unexpected callers request money, financial access, or personal information.

To protect yourself, hang up and contact the organization using the number shown on its official website, statement, payment card, or verified account.

What Are the Benefits of a 910 Area Code Number?

A 910 phone number can provide several advantages to individuals and businesses operating in southeastern North Carolina.

Strong Local Recognition

Residents of Fayetteville, Wilmington, Jacksonville, and nearby communities recognize 910 as a local area code. This can make your business appear more familiar to local customers.

Greater Customer Confidence

Some customers feel more comfortable contacting a recognizable local number than an unfamiliar out-of-state or toll-free number.

Local Market Presence

A 910 number can help a business establish a telephone presence in southeastern North Carolina, even when calls are managed through a cloud-based business phone system.

Improved Call Management

Modern VoIP providers may allow a 910 number to be connected to call forwarding, voicemail, extensions, call recording, automated menus, and customer-support systems.

Consistent Business Branding

A dedicated local number can be displayed across your website, advertisements, business cards, directories, social media accounts, and Google Business Profile.

Easier Regional Marketing

Businesses running campaigns in southeastern North Carolina can use a local number in landing pages, advertisements, signs, and local promotions.

A 910 number can support local familiarity, but the business should not falsely claim to have a physical location where it does not operate.

How Can a 910 Area Code Number Benefit Your Business's Local SEO?

A 910 area code does not automatically improve Google rankings. However, a genuine local phone number can support a broader local SEO strategy by making your contact information more relevant, consistent, and trustworthy.

Strengthen Local Business Information

Your business name, address, and phone number should be accurate and consistent across your:

• Google Business Profile
• Website
• Social media profiles
• Online directories
• Local citations
• Review platforms
• Industry listings

Google states that complete and accurate business information can help a company appear in relevant local search results.

Support a Local Customer Experience

A recognizable 910 number tells customers that your business serves southeastern North Carolina. This may encourage qualified local prospects to call.

Follow Google's Phone-Number Guidelines

Google recommends using a local phone number instead of a central call-center number whenever possible. The number must be under the direct control of the business.

Maintain Citation Consistency

Use the same primary business number across important online platforms. Unnecessary variations can confuse customers and make business information harder to verify.

Track Calls Carefully

You can use a call-tracking number for marketing, but your main local number should remain properly connected to the business. Configure tracking systems carefully so they do not create inconsistent information across important profiles.

A 910 number should be treated as one part of local SEO—not as a substitute for an optimized website, accurate Business Profile, customer reviews, local content, backlinks, and genuine business relevance.

Can You Get a New 910 Number Today?

It may still be possible to obtain a 910 number, but availability is not guaranteed.

The 472 overlay was introduced because the supply of available 910 numbers was becoming limited. New 910 numbers may occasionally become available when numbers are released, recycled, transferred, or offered through particular carriers.

When you request phone service in southeastern North Carolina, the provider may offer:

• An available 910 number
• A new 472 number
• A transferred number you already own
• A selection of numbers from its available inventory

A 472 number is just as local as a 910 number because both area codes serve the same geographic territory.

Do not purchase a number solely because a seller claims that 910 guarantees better search rankings or customer trust. Verify the provider, ownership terms, monthly charges, porting rights, and number history before purchasing.

How Can You Get a New 910 Area Code Number?

Follow these steps to obtain a 910 business or personal number:

1. Choose a Phone Service Provider

Contact a mobile carrier, traditional telephone company, VoIP service, or cloud-based business phone provider that offers North Carolina numbers.

2. Search the Provider's Inventory

Enter 910 as your preferred area code. Some providers allow you to search numbers by area code, city, prefix, or number pattern.

3. Check Availability

The provider will show whether any 910 numbers are currently available. If none are available, you may be offered a 472 number instead.

4. Review the Features

For a business number, consider whether the plan includes:

• Call forwarding
• Business voicemail
• Text messaging
• Multiple extensions
• Automated reception
• Call queues
• Business hours
• Spam filtering
• Call analytics
• Number porting

5. Confirm Ownership and Portability

Make sure you can transfer or port the number to another provider later. Avoid arrangements in which an agency or marketing company retains permanent control of your business number.

6. Activate and Test the Number

Test incoming calls, outgoing caller ID, voicemail, text messaging, call forwarding, and emergency calling where applicable.

7. Update Your Business Information

Add the number to your website, Google Business Profile, social profiles, advertisements, email signatures, directories, and printed materials. Use the same format consistently, such as (910) 555-1234.

Final Thoughts

The 910 area code is a legitimate and well-established telephone code serving southeastern North Carolina. Its coverage includes Fayetteville, Wilmington, Jacksonville, Lumberton, Laurinburg, and numerous coastal and Sandhills communities.

The region follows Eastern Time and now shares its service territory with overlay code 472. Because 10-digit dialing is mandatory, local calls must include the area code.

A 910 number can provide useful local recognition for businesses, but it does not guarantee local SEO rankings or prove that a caller is physically located in North Carolina. Caller ID can be spoofed, so always verify unexpected requests for money, account access, or personal information.

For businesses genuinely serving southeastern North Carolina, a properly managed 910 or 472 number can support consistent branding, customer communication, and a credible local presence. Western North Carolina uses the 828 area code. Upstate South Carolina uses the 864 area code.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): 910 Area Code

Why do I keep receiving spam calls from 910 numbers?

Scammers often use neighbor spoofing, making the caller ID resemble a local 910 number so you are more likely to answer. The displayed number may belong to an innocent person and not the actual caller.

Is every call from a 910 area code a scam?

No. The 910 area code is legitimately used by residents, businesses, government offices, and organizations in southeastern North Carolina. However, an unfamiliar 910 number should still be verified before sharing information.

Why does the 910 number look similar to my phone number?

This is usually neighbor spoofing. Scammers copy your area code and sometimes the first three digits of your number to make the call appear familiar or local.

What should I do if an unknown 910 number calls me?

Let the call go to voicemail when you do not recognize the number. If the caller claims to represent a company, bank, or government office, contact that organization through its verified official number.

Should I call an unknown 910 number back?

Avoid calling back unless the caller leaves a legitimate and verifiable message. Because spoofed numbers may belong to real people, returning the call could connect you to someone who never contacted you.

Why did someone call from a 910 number and remain silent?

Silent calls may come from automated dialing systems checking whether your number is active. Hang up without providing information and block the number if the calls continue.

Are unexpected texts from 910 numbers dangerous?

They can be, especially when they contain payment requests, job offers, account warnings, or suspicious links. Do not respond or click links; report the message as junk or forward it to 7726 (SPAM).

Can replying "stop" confirm that my number is active?

Replying to an obvious scam message may confirm that your number is monitored by a real person. Reddit users commonly recommend ignoring unknown messages, while the FTC advises deleting and reporting them instead.

Why am I receiving calls intended for someone else?

Phone numbers are sometimes reassigned after a previous customer stops using them. You may continue receiving personal, business, debt-collection, or military-related calls intended for the number's former owner.

Is 472 replacing the 910 area code?

No. Area code 472 is an overlay that serves the same region as 910. Existing 910 numbers remain active, while customers requesting new service may receive either area code.

Do I need to dial the area code when calling another 910 number?

Yes. Callers in the 910 and 472 service region must use the complete 10-digit phone number, including the area code, even for local calls.

Can I block all calls from the 910 area code?

You can, but doing so may also block legitimate calls from local businesses, healthcare providers, schools, or residents. Using your phone's spam-filtering feature is usually safer than blocking the entire area code.