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

Quick Facts About the 984 Area Code

The 984 area code serves the same geographic region as area code 919. Its coverage includes Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary, Wake Forest, Apex, Goldsboro, and numerous surrounding North Carolina communities.

What Is the 984 Area Code?

The 984 area code is a North Carolina telephone area code serving Raleigh, Durham, and much of the surrounding Research Triangle region. It was introduced as an overlay for the existing 919 area code.

An overlay means that both 919 and 984 numbers can be assigned within the same geographic area. A person in Raleigh, for example, may have either a 919 or 984 number without the area code identifying a different neighborhood.

The overlay allowed telephone providers to issue additional numbers without forcing existing 919 customers to change their phone numbers.

A phone number beginning with 984 may belong to:

• A resident of the Research Triangle region
• A local North Carolina business
• A university or educational institution
• A healthcare provider or government agency
• A mobile phone user
• A virtual phone or VoIP customer

Where Is Area Code 984 Located?

Area code 984 is located in central and east-central North Carolina. It primarily covers the Research Triangle and nearby communities.

Major places served by the 984 area code include:

• Raleigh
• Durham
• Cary
• Chapel Hill
• Apex
• Wake Forest
• Morrisville
• Hillsborough
• Pittsboro
• Sanford
• Smithfield
• Clayton
• Goldsboro
• Fuquay-Varina
• Knightdale
• Oxford

Its service area extends from communities near the Virginia border in the north to Goldsboro and Mount Olive in the southeast. It also includes towns west and south of Raleigh, such as Siler City, Sanford, and Pittsboro.

Other North Carolina area codes cover different parts of the state—for example, western North Carolina uses the 828 area code, southeastern North Carolina uses the 910 area code, and the Piedmont Triad uses the 336 area code.

What Time Zone Is the 984 Area Code In?

The 984 area code follows 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

North Carolina generally changes its clocks in spring and fall along with other locations observing daylight saving time in the United States.

For someone calling from another U.S. time zone, Raleigh is generally:

• The same as other Eastern Time locations
• One hour ahead of Central Time
• Two hours ahead of Mountain Time
• Three hours ahead of Pacific Time

For business calls, the safest time to contact a 984 number is usually between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, unless the person or organization has published different operating hours.

Is 984 a Raleigh Area Code?

Yes. The 984 area code is commonly associated with Raleigh, the capital of North Carolina. Raleigh is one of the largest and most recognizable cities within the 984 and 919 overlay region.

However, 984 is not exclusive to Raleigh. It also covers Durham, Cary, Chapel Hill, Goldsboro, and many nearby communities.

Therefore, receiving a call from a 984 number does not necessarily mean that the caller is physically located in Raleigh. Mobile numbers can be carried while traveling, and VoIP numbers can be used from almost anywhere.

History of the 984 Area Code

The history of area code 984 began long before new 984 numbers were issued.

Important events in its history include:

• April 24, 2001: The North Carolina Utilities Commission approved an overlay plan that would add area code 984 to the existing 919 region.
• August 1, 2001: Permissive 10-digit dialing was originally scheduled to begin.
• October 18, 2001: The commission indefinitely postponed mandatory 10-digit dialing and the launch of 984 because additional number-conservation measures reduced the immediate need for the overlay.
• May 9, 2011: The commission requested an updated implementation plan as the supply of available 919 numbers again became limited.
• June 21, 2011: The updated overlay implementation plan was approved.
• October 1, 2011: Permissive 10-digit dialing began. Callers could temporarily use either seven or ten digits for local calls.
• March 31, 2012: Ten-digit dialing became mandatory throughout the 919 and 984 service area.
• April 30, 2012: The 984 area code officially became effective, allowing providers to activate new 984 numbers.

The overlay preserved existing 919 numbers while expanding the supply of numbers available to residents, businesses, and public agencies. Earlier North Carolina growth also led to geographic splits such as the 910 area code, which was created from 919 in 1993.

What Are the Overlay Codes for 984?

The overlay code for 984 is 919.

Both area codes cover the same geographic territory. A customer in Durham may receive a 919 number, while another customer in the same area may receive a 984 number.

This means:

• 919 and 984 cover the same central and east-central North Carolina region.
• Existing 919 customers were allowed to keep their numbers.
• New customers may receive either a 919 or 984 number.
• A 984 number does not indicate a different Raleigh neighborhood.
• Local callers must include the area code when dialing.

The two codes do not indicate different call prices, service quality, or neighborhoods. They simply provide separate supplies of telephone numbers within one shared service area.

Do You Need 10-Digit Dialing for 984?

Yes. Local calls within the 919 and 984 overlay region must be placed using the complete 10-digit telephone number:

• Area code + seven-digit phone number

For example:

• 984-555-1234

Mandatory 10-digit dialing began on March 31, 2012. For regular local calls, callers generally do not need to place a “1” before the number. Long-distance calls may require 1 + area code + seven-digit number, depending on the carrier and service plan.

Residents and businesses should make sure that the following systems store complete 10-digit numbers:

• Mobile phone contacts
• Alarm systems
• Medical alert devices
• Call-forwarding services
• Fax machines
• Office phone systems
• Security gates
• Voicemail services
• Automatic dialing equipment
• Business websites and directories

Is the 984 Area Code Legit or a Scam?

The 984 area code is a completely legitimate North Carolina area code. It is used by residents, companies, universities, healthcare organizations, and government agencies.

However, seeing 984 on caller ID does not prove that the caller is legitimate. Scammers can use caller ID spoofing to make a call appear to come from a local North Carolina number even when they are calling from another state or country.

The Federal Trade Commission warns that scammers can make almost any name or number appear on caller ID. A familiar-looking local number should therefore be treated with the same caution as any unknown number.

Treat an unfamiliar 984 call cautiously when the caller requests money, personal information, account passwords, verification codes, or immediate action.

Common 984 Scam Warning Signs

A call from a 984 number may be suspicious when the caller:

• Creates panic or demands immediate action
• Threatens arrest, account closure, or service disconnection
• Claims you must pay a fine immediately
• Requests gift cards, cryptocurrency, or a wire transfer
• Asks for your Social Security number or banking password
• Requests a one-time verification code
• Tells you to move money into a “safe” account
• Asks you to install remote-access software
• Refuses to provide written information
• Pressures you not to tell relatives, bank employees, or authorities

Legitimate organizations generally allow you to verify a claim independently. Hang up and contact the organization through its official website, app, statement, or the number printed on the back of your bank card. Do not use the callback number supplied by an unexpected caller.

What Are the Common Scams Linked With Spoofed 984 Numbers?

Spoofed 984 numbers may be used in several common phone schemes.

Government Impersonation Scams

The caller may claim to represent the IRS, Social Security Administration, police department, sheriff’s office, or a local court. They may threaten arrest or fines unless you pay immediately.

Real government agencies do not unexpectedly demand payment through gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers.

Bank and Account-Security Scams

A caller may claim that your bank account or credit card has been compromised. They may ask for your password, card number, or verification code.

Contact your bank directly through its official app or the number printed on your card.

Utility Disconnection Scams

The caller may pretend to represent an electricity, gas, or water provider and threaten to disconnect your service unless you make an immediate payment.

Do not pay during the call. Check your account or contact the utility provider independently.

Tech-Support Scams

A caller may claim that your computer, smartphone, or online account has been hacked. They may request remote access to your device or ask you to purchase fake security services.

Never grant remote access following an unsolicited call.

Delivery and Refund Scams

Scammers may claim that a package cannot be delivered, an online purchase was charged to your account, or you are owed a refund. Their objective is often to collect payment or login information.

Prize and Lottery Scams

The caller may say you won a prize but must first pay taxes, processing fees, or shipping costs. The FTC advises that a prize requiring advance payment is not a legitimate prize.

Family-Emergency Scams

Someone may pretend to be a relative, lawyer, or police officer and claim that a family member needs emergency money. Verify the story by calling the family member directly through a trusted number.

Illegal Robocalls

A recorded message may promote car warranties, interest-rate reductions, debt relief, or suspicious account alerts. Do not press a number to speak with an operator or supposedly remove yourself from the list; simply hang up.

What Should You Do After Receiving a Suspicious 984 Call?

Take the following precautions:

• Do not provide personal information. Never share your Social Security number, banking information, passwords, PINs, or verification codes with an unexpected caller.
• Hang up when pressured. Legitimate organizations should allow you to independently verify their identity.
• Do not trust caller ID alone. The name and number displayed on your phone can be spoofed.
• Contact the organization directly. Find the official number on its website, statement, bill, or the back of your payment card.
• Block the number. Use your phone’s built-in blocking features or your carrier’s spam-protection service.
• Save evidence. Keep screenshots, voicemails, text messages, payment records, and notes about what the caller said.
• Report the incident. Suspicious calls can be reported to the Federal Trade Commission and unwanted calls or caller ID spoofing can be reported through the FCC’s complaint system.

Remember that the real owner of the displayed 984 number may also be a victim whose number was spoofed. Avoid publicly accusing an individual or business based only on caller ID information.

What Are the Benefits of a 984 Area Code Number?

A 984 number can offer several advantages to businesses and professionals serving central North Carolina.

Local Recognition

Customers in Raleigh, Durham, and nearby communities may immediately recognize 984 as a regional number.

Greater Customer Trust

Some customers are more comfortable answering calls from familiar area codes than unfamiliar or toll-free numbers. A local number can make a company feel more accessible, although it does not guarantee that every call will be answered.

A Local Presence Without a Separate Landline

VoIP services can allow companies to use a 984 number on smartphones, computers, and business phone systems. Calls can often be forwarded to employees working from different locations.

However, the business must accurately represent its location and service area. A local number should not be used to mislead customers into believing the company has a physical Raleigh office when it does not.

Separate Marketing Numbers

A business can use dedicated 984 numbers for advertising campaigns, departments, or locations. This can make call tracking and lead attribution easier.

Professional Call Management

Depending on the provider, a 984 business number may support:

• Call forwarding
• Voicemail
• Automated greetings
• Business-hour routing
• Call queues
• Text messaging
• Call recording
• Shared team access
• Analytics and reporting

Number Portability

Businesses may be able to transfer an existing number between compatible providers instead of changing the phone number customers already recognize.

How Can a 984 Area Code Number Benefit Your Business’s Local SEO?

A 984 number can support a company’s local marketing presence, but the number alone will not automatically improve Google rankings.

Google recommends using a local phone number for an individual business location whenever possible. The number should connect directly to the business and remain under its control.

Strengthen Local Relevance

A 984 number helps customers recognize that the business serves Raleigh, Durham, or the Research Triangle. This can make the listing appear more relevant to local users.

Improve Business Information Consistency

Use the same business name, address, and phone number across:

• Your website
• Google Business Profile
• Bing Places
• Apple Business Connect
• Yelp
• Facebook
• Chamber of commerce listings
• Industry directories
• Local citations

Conflicting phone numbers can confuse customers and make it harder to identify the company’s official contact information.

Build Customer Trust

Google states that adding a phone number to a Business Profile can help customers contact a business and build trust. Google’s Business Profile guidelines also recommend using a local phone number instead of a central call-center number whenever possible.

Encourage Calls and Conversions

A familiar local number may encourage more customers to call for directions, appointments, estimates, reservations, or product information.

More calls do not directly guarantee better rankings, but stronger customer engagement can help a business generate more leads from its existing visibility.

Support Location Pages

Businesses serving multiple communities can include the authoritative 984 number on relevant Raleigh or Research Triangle location pages.

Each page should also contain useful local information, such as:

• Services offered in the area
• Accurate business hours
• Service boundaries
• Customer testimonials
• Driving directions
• Local project examples
• Frequently asked questions

Follow Google’s Guidelines

To use a 984 number effectively:

• Add it to your Google Business Profile.
• Display the same primary number on your website.
• Use consistent contact details across trusted directories.
• Create location pages for areas you genuinely serve.
• Keep the number active and answer calls professionally.
• Avoid creating fake locations or misleading local profiles.
• Use call tracking carefully so your main business number remains consistent.

A 984 number is therefore best viewed as a trust and conversion tool, not a guaranteed ranking shortcut. It works best as part of a broader local SEO strategy involving accurate business information, relevant local content, reviews, citations, links, and a properly optimized Google Business Profile.

Can You Get a New 984 Number Today?

Yes, obtaining a new 984 number is generally possible, but availability depends on the provider and its current number inventory.

Some providers currently advertise available 984 numbers, although specific combinations and rate-center options can change frequently. Popular or memorable numbers may be unavailable or cost more than standard numbers.

You may have more options when using:

• Mobile carriers
• Traditional telephone companies
• VoIP providers
• Cloud-based business phone platforms
• Virtual-number services

Before purchasing a number, confirm whether the provider supports calling, SMS, number porting, voicemail, emergency calling, and the geographic rate center you need.

How Can You Get a New 984 Area Code Number?

Follow these steps to obtain a 984 number:

1. Choose a Telephone Provider

Compare mobile carriers, local telephone companies, and VoIP providers. Consider pricing, contract requirements, call quality, and customer support.

2. Search the Provider’s Number Inventory

Enter 984 as the preferred area code. Some providers may also allow you to choose a city, prefix, or memorable sequence.

3. Select the Number

Choose an available number that is easy to read, say, and remember. Businesses should avoid number combinations that could confuse customers.

4. Create and Verify Your Account

The provider may request identity, payment, or business information. VoIP services may also require an emergency-service address.

5. Configure Calling Features

Set up:

• Call forwarding
• Business hours
• Voicemail
• Automated greetings
• Extensions
• Text messaging
• Spam protection
• Call analytics

6. Test the Number

Make incoming and outgoing test calls. Confirm that the correct business name appears where caller-ID support is available.

7. Update Your Business Information

Add the number to your website, Google Business Profile, social media pages, email signature, and relevant directories. Keep your contact information consistent across platforms.

If no 984 numbers are available, consider using a 919 number. It covers the same Research Triangle territory and is equally valid as a local Raleigh-area number. You can also order a local number through Front Mate when you are ready to activate a business line.

Final Thoughts

The 984 area code is a legitimate North Carolina code serving Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Chapel Hill, Goldsboro, and surrounding communities. It overlays area code 919, and callers must use 10 digits for local calls.

A 984 number can give businesses a recognizable local presence and make it easier for customers in central North Carolina to get in touch. However, an incoming 984 call is not automatically trustworthy because scammers can spoof local caller ID information.

When an unexpected caller asks for money, passwords, account codes, or personal details, hang up and verify the request through an official contact channel. A local-looking number should provide geographic context—not proof of the caller’s identity.

For related North Carolina coverage, see our 828 area code, 910 area code, and 336 area code guides, plus the full North Carolina area codes directory.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the 984 area code a scam?

No. The 984 area code is a legitimate North Carolina area code used in Raleigh, Durham, Cary, and nearby communities. However, scammers can spoof legitimate 984 numbers, so the area code alone does not verify the caller.

Why am I receiving so many calls from 984 numbers?

Reddit users frequently report repeated calls from changing 984 numbers, including silent calls and empty voicemails. These are often robocalls using local-number spoofing to increase the likelihood that you will answer.

Should I answer an unknown 984 phone number?

Let the call go to voicemail when you do not recognize the number. A legitimate caller will usually leave a message, while answering robocalls may confirm that your number is active.

Why does nobody speak when I answer a 984 call?

Silent calls may come from automated dialing systems checking whether a real person answers. Reddit users have reported 984 calls that remain silent or leave long, empty voicemail messages.

Can scammers make their number appear local?

Yes. Scammers use “neighbor spoofing” to display a local area code such as 984, even when they are calling from somewhere else. The FTC advises consumers not to trust caller ID as proof of a caller’s identity.

Are extended car warranty calls from 984 numbers legitimate?

Some Reddit users have reported suspicious car-warranty calls from 984 numbers. Do not provide vehicle, payment, or personal information unless you independently verify the company through an official website.

Are free hotel offers from 984 numbers real?

Be cautious of automated calls promising complimentary hotel stays or vacation rewards. Reddit discussions suggest these calls may be misleading sales promotions or scams designed to collect personal information.

What should I do if a 984 caller asks for money?

Hang up immediately, especially if the caller requests gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or payment apps. Legitimate organizations do not pressure people to make irreversible payments during unexpected calls.

Should I call an unknown 984 number back?

Avoid calling back unless the caller leaves a credible voicemail that you can verify. Spoofed numbers may belong to innocent people who have no knowledge that their number was displayed.

How can I stop spam calls from 984 numbers?

Block suspicious numbers and enable your carrier’s spam-filtering service or a trusted call-blocking app. Reddit users report that carrier filtering can reduce unwanted calls, although scammers may continue calling from different numbers.

Where can I report a suspicious 984 call?

You can report unwanted calls through the National Do Not Call Registry and report fraud involving money or personal information to the FTC. Include the displayed number, date, time, and any callback number provided.

Does a 984 number always mean the caller is in North Carolina?

No. Although 984 is associated with central North Carolina, mobile and VoIP numbers can be used from other locations. Caller ID can also be spoofed, so it does not reveal the caller’s confirmed location.