Who’s Behind That 424 Area Code Phone Number?

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Are you receiving calls from a 424 area code but not recognizing who it could be?

With a number linked to parts of Southern California, including Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, and Malibu, it could be from someone you know, or someone you don’t. Here’s how to figure out the unknown caller and what to do next.

The 424 Area Code

Added in 2006, the 424 area code is an overlay to the 310 area code that covers the same locations. If you receive a call from this area code, it’s possible that it’s coming from the Westside of Los Angeles or the South Bay area.

However, with all of our modern technology—hello virtual phone numbers and VoIP services—we know it’s entirely possible that the caller could be located somewhere altogether different.

Ring! Ring! Who Is It? 

As with anytime your phone might ring, a call from the 424 area code could be coming from any kind of source, legit and not-so-legit. Here are a few possible options to keep in mind before you answer:

A local business?

Have you conducted any business in the LA area? This could be a callback from an audition, a restaurant confirming your reservation, or a delivery service updating you that your fancy product has landed in the gifting suite of the next celebrity awards gala.

Friends and family?

Did your cousin move to a vineyard in Southern California? Maybe they want to update you on their new vintner lifestyle. It could also be an old roommate or acquaintance you haven’t heard from in a while. It’s always worth checking if someone you know has switched numbers before jumping to conclusions.

Sales and spam?

Unfortunately, robocalls and telemarketers know the trick to get you to answer: using a local area code to make their calls look more trustworthy. Always be aware of spoofing and other tricks that mean your 424 area code might not be a legitimate caller.

How to Handle Calls from Unknown 424 Area Code Numbers

When your phone is ringing from a 424 area code or any other unknown number, it’s important to be cautious before answering. Here are a few strategies to stay safe.

Don’t Pick Up Right Away

If you don’t recognize the number from a 424 area code, don’t rush to answer it. Just let it go to voicemail where you can check the message later. Real callers and people who you know will typically leave a voicemail. On the other hand, few spammers bother with a message.

Google the Number

Usually, a quick online search of the phone number in question can reveal useful information. A reverse directory lookup can also help. Depending on what sites come up in the results, you might find that others have even reported the number as spam (or confirmed it’s from a legitimate business). 

Block the Number

If you suspect that the call is just spam or if you just keep getting annoying calls from the same 424 number (a friend you don’t want to hear from, a business you’re done working with), just block it. Don’t waste your emotional energy managing that type of task. 

Report Suspicious Callers

If the call feels suspect (even in the smallest way), report it. Notify your phone carrier or visit one of the federal sites that track these types of nuisance scams.

Protect Your Privacy With Hushed

Always keep your personal number private and instead use a Hushed online number for any transactions outside your primary network. You can change or delete the temporary number whenever you like and, in the meantime, if you do start to receive spam from your Hushed number, just switch it for a new one. 

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Written by Krista

Based on beautiful Cape Breton Island, Krista Montelpare is a storyteller and content writer with a passion for community-building and communication clarity. See more at GatherAndEcho.com or follow her on Instagram @LoveLetterLifestyle where she writes love letters to her favourite foods, destinations, and thrift store finds.

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