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

Quick Facts About the 801 Area Code

What Is the 801 Area Code?

801 is an area code in the North American Numbering Plan that covers the Wasatch Front area of Utah and the Salt Lake City metro area. It is not a toll-free or premium-rate number, but a geographic area code.

An 801 area code is often used for people, businesses, mobile and VOIP users, and organizations in and around Salt Lake City, Provo, Ogden, Orem, Sandy and other cities in Utah. In 1947, area code 801 was also one of the original area codes.

Where Is Area Code 801 Located?

Area code 801 is in Utah, USA, and mainly covers the Wasatch Front, the state's most populous area.

Counties in the 801 numbering area are:

• Salt Lake County
• Davis County
• Utah County
• Weber County
• Morgan County

Large area code 801 cities and communities include:

• Salt Lake City
• Provo
• Ogden
• Orem
• Sandy
• West Valley City
• West Jordan
• South Jordan
• Layton
• Bountiful
• Murray
• Lehi
• American Fork
• Spanish Fork

The 801 area code and 385 area codes are considered to be in the same general geographic area in north-central Utah.

What Time Zone Is the 801 Area Code In?

The 801 area code is in the Mountain Time Zone.

At normal times: Mountain Standard Time (MST, UTC−7)

In observance of daylight saving time: Mountain Daylight Time (MDT, UTC−6)

Utah is on daylight saving time, so times change with the seasons when calling 801 numbers.

Is 801 a Salt Lake City Area Code?

Yes. The 801 area code is strongly associated with Salt Lake City in the state of Utah.

Salt Lake City is the most popular and largest city in the 801 area. But 801 isn't just Salt Lake City — it's also for cities along the Wasatch Front, such as Provo, Ogden, Orem, Sandy, Layton, and West Jordan.

An 801 number can create a strong presence in the Salt Lake City area and surrounding Utah markets for businesses.

History of the 801 Area Code

The 801 area code has a long history in Utah's telephone system.

1947: Area code 801 became one of the first area codes in North America, serving the whole state of Utah.

Population growth: Utah grew - especially along the Wasatch Front - and the demand for new phone numbers increased steadily.

Split (1997): On September 21, 1997, Utah was subdivided into two numbering regions. The 801 area code was reserved for the Wasatch Front, and the rest of Utah was assigned the 435 area code.

United Mobile, pagers, fax lines, and business lines continued to grow in the region, necessitating a 385 overlay. Splitting was not repeated, but an overlay was added.

2008: An overlay for 801 was activated, and both code 801 and 385 cover the same geographic area.

Ten-digit dialing implemented for all local calls in the 801 and 385 area in 2009.

The overlay method was deliberately selected so that the old 801 users would not be affected by changes to phone numbers, thereby reducing disruption to residents and businesses.

What Are the Overlay Codes for 801?

The overlay code for 801 is 385.

Overlay involves having two area codes in the same service area at the same time. 801 and 385 both serve Salt Lake City and the entire Wasatch Front.

Generally, you will keep your 801 if you already have one. New numbers, on the other hand, can be assigned an 801 or 385 prefix, depending on availability and the provider.

Do You Need 10-Digit Dialing for 801?

Yes. All local calls in the 801 area code must be dialed using ten-digit dialing. A 7-digit number or (overlay numbers) a 385, followed by a 7-digit number must be dialed in addition to 801.

This requirement was added with the 385 overlay as two area codes are now in the same local area. After the transition period, 10-digit dialing for all local calls was required by the Utah Public Service Commission.

Is the 801 Area Code Legit or a Scam?

The 801 area code is absolutely legit — this is a real area code in Utah that residents, businesses, government offices, schools, hospitals, service providers and mobile users use across the region.

But it's possible for scammers to spoof 801 numbers. Caller ID spoofing is when a caller deliberately manipulates the number shown on your phone to hide their actual number or make it appear as though they are calling from nearby. Spoofing," FCC cautions, is a frequent method by which calls can be made to appear more credible and to be more likely to be answered.

While an 801 by itself doesn't mean trouble, it does mean trouble if the caller asks for money, passwords, verification codes, gift cards, banking information, or personal information.

Common 801 Scam Warning Signs

Be cautious if an unknown 801 caller:

• Puts pressure on you to take action; doesn't allow time to check
• States that there is a problem with your bank account, Social Security number or tax record
• Requests gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfer or payment apps for payment
• Asks for passwords, PIN numbers or one-time verification codes
• Tells you that you have won something but need to pay a fee to receive it
• Threatens arrest, account closure, deportation or legal consequences
• Does not permit you to hang up and call back via an official number
• Engages in behaviors with the phone that are robotic, overly scripted or otherwise unusual

The FTC urges consumers to never give money or personal information to surprise callers – especially one that says they're calling to "help" with an emergency or to recover funds on your behalf.

What Are the Common Scams Linked With Spoofed 801 Numbers?

Phones with spoofed 801 numbers can be utilized in several kinds of phone fraud, such as:

1. Bank Impersonation Scams

The caller pretends to be from your bank and asks for your PIN, online banking password or one-time verification code because there's suspicious activity on your account. A real bank will not solicit sensitive login information in an unsolicited telephone call.

2. Government Impersonation Scams

The caller impersonates someone from the IRS, the Social Security Administration, the local police, or another government agency and threatens arrest or legal consequences if the payment is not made immediately. These calls are intended to instil fear and pressure people into acting without thinking.

3. Tech Support Scams

The caller pretends that your computer, phone, or Internet connection has been hacked and requires you to install remote access software or pay for fake repair work.

4. Delivery or Package Scams

A fake caller with the telephone number 801 says there's an issue with a package delivery and needs to verify your address, payment information or personal details to fix it.

5. Job and Recruitment Scams

Fake employers promise jobs that allow you to work from home and ask you for money to pay for training or ask you to give them personal information at the start of the pretend hiring process.

6. Loan and Debt Relief Scams

The caller offers an easy, fast loan approval, debt forgiveness or credit repair services and requests a payment or detailed financial information.

7. Utility Shutoff Scams

An imposter claims that your electricity, gas, or internet connection will be cut off soon if you do not pay now. When you receive these types of calls, hang up and call your utility company at the number listed on your official bill or on the company's Website.

What Are the Benefits of an 801 Area Code Number?

An 801 number can be a great asset to those who want to have a recognizable presence in Utah for their business or personal use.

Key benefits include:

• Local trust — Salt Lakers and Wasatch Front residents are more apt to recognize and respond to an 801 number.
• Regional identity — 801 has a strong sense of local familiarity as it is the heart of Utah's main business hub and population centers.
• Professional appearance — A local number indicates that a business exists and is active in the area.
• Increased call responses – with a familiar local number that customers feel comfortable calling.
• Great for businesses with remote teams — An 801 number can help them establish a credible presence in Utah.
• For sales and support — Local numbers enable service businesses, clinics, agencies, real estate teams, and contractors working in Utah to have better communication outcomes.

How Can an 801 Area Code Number Benefit Your Business' Local SEO?

When used consistently with your business name, address, and online listings, an 801-area-code phone number can also be used for local SEO.

1. Builds Local Relevance

An 801 phone number is a strong indication of your local presence in Salt Lake City, Provo, Ogden and other Wasatch Front communities.

2. Strengthens Your Google Business Profile

Google Business Profile lets businesses share vital contact information, such as phone numbers and hours. Your profile is more likely to sound genuine to locals looking for your services when you use a local 801 number.

3. Supports NAP Consistency

NAP is an acronym for Name, Address, and Phone number. Consistently use the same 801 number throughout your Website, Google Business Profile, directories, social profiles, and citations to help reinforce the accuracy and trustworthiness of your business information.

4. Supports Local Call Tracking

An 801 number is effective for local campaigns, ads, landing pages, and call-tracking situations. Just make sure you maintain your main business phone number across essential area listings to avoid confusing search engines or customers.

5. Makes Advertising More Familiar

An 801 number can seem much more familiar and credible than an out-of-state cell phone number, especially for those running Google Ads, local service ads, or social media campaigns, or sending direct mail to Utah residents.

Can You Get a New 801 Number Today?

It might be possible, but it is not a given. The 801 area code is an older, well-known area code, and many new telephone numbers in the area are now issued with the 385 overlay.

Some 801 numbers may still be available via carriers, VoIP providers, business phone services or number platforms – especially when 801 numbers are recycled, ported from previous users, or returned to the market. You are more likely to find one if you check with more than one provider.

How Can You Get a New 801 Area Code Number?

You can try getting an 801 number through several options:

1. Contact a Local Phone Carrier

Check with a Utah cellphone or landline carrier to see if 801 numbers are available for new customers.

2. Use a VoIP Provider

Numerous VoIP and business phone companies provide an area code search tool to make it easy to get the numbers you need. Type 801 and see what's currently available.

3. Test a Business Phone System

Cloud-based business telephone services can provide a Utah area code for customer support, product sales, call routing, or even offsite workers.

4. Port an Existing 801 Number

When switching providers, your 801 number may be ported. Make sure to check porting terms before canceling your current plan.

5. Check Number Marketplaces Carefully

Specific 801 numbers might be offered through some number marketplaces or providers. Before buying, verify the provider's authenticity and the number's legal transferability to your account.

Final Thoughts

The 801 area code is one of the most popular and historic area codes in Utah, associated with Salt Lake City, the Wasatch Front and other big cities like Provo, Ogden, Orem, Sandy and West Jordan.

Though 801 is a perfectly legal and time-tested area code, an imposter can use any number, even a local-looking number in the 801 area code. If one of the callers asks for money, passwords, gift cards, verification codes, or other personal information, be wary and verify it using a proper contact method before doing anything.

When used correctly throughout your website, Google Business Profile, and business directory listings, an 801 number can be a great local tool for your business, helping you to foster trust, enhance your local presence, and drive better customer reactions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): 801 Area Code

1. Is 801 a real Utah area code?

Yes. 801 is a real area code in Utah that is used in Salt Lake City and the Wasatch Front.

2. Why am I getting calls from 801 numbers?

Telephone calls may be from a legitimate Utah business, a citizen, or spam callers. Scammers can also use 801 area codes to trick people into believing that their call is from a local area code and therefore trustworthy.

3. Does 801 apply just to Salt Lake City?

No. Although 801 is most closely identified with Salt Lake City, it is home to communities on the Wasatch Front such as Provo, Ogden, Orem, Sandy, West Jordan and so many more.

4. Are there scams for 801 numbers?

Yes. While the area code is perfectly real, it is possible for scammers to spoof or fake 801 phone numbers. Be wary of calls from strangers asking for money or personal details.

5. Why is an 801 call listed as "Scam Likely"?

Carriers might mark a number with this designation if it's been linked to shady or large numbers of calls. These calls are not to be answered, in general.

6. Is 385 the same as 801?

The overlay code for 801 is 385 and both codes represent north-central Utah.

7. Will I still be able to obtain a new 801 number?

Maybe, but because of the popularity and age of 801, it might not be available. The 385 prefix is now used to issue many new numbers in the same area.

8. Should I answer calls from unknown 801 numbers?

When waiting for an incoming call from Utah, it's not too difficult. If not, it is better to allow calls from unknown 801 phone numbers to the voicemail and then confirm who the caller is before answering.

9. If one of the 801 calls tells you he/she is calling from your bank, what should you do?

Never share passwords, PINs, card information or verification numbers. Call your bank's toll-free number on your card or its trusted website and hang up right away.

10. Are all 801 text messages legit?

There is also a possibility to spoof No. 801 and to use it for phishing. Don't click on links sent in unsolicited messages, and always check the status of your account in the official app or site.

11. What is the reason for 801 spam calls?

If you answer spam calls, it's like letting robocall systems know that your number is still active, and that might lead to more spam calls. Block numbers, and use spam filtering to help minimize this.

12. What are some common scams that go with spoofed 801 numbers?

Common scams include bogus bank fraud notifications, bogus package delivery claims, bogus utility shutoff notices, bogus government officials and bogus tech support.

13. What if I need to confirm that an 801 call is legit?

Check out the business's official contact details on your own, and dial them. Do not take caller ID information as the sole factor for determining who is calling.

14. If 801 spam calls continue to happen, what can I do about it?

Block the number, use the built-in features of your phone to mark it as spam and use spam call protection offered by your phone carrier. You can also blacklist incoming calls from unknown phone numbers.

15. Can you find out whether an 801 number is more beneficial to a business than a 385 number?

801 might be more well known in Utah and familiar because it's been around longer. However 385 is another area code equally valid for the same area.