989 Area Code: Location, Time Zone, History, and Scams

Quick Facts About the 989 Area Code

What Is the 989 Area Code?

The 989 area code is a telephone area code serving a large part of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. It is used for local phone numbers in cities such as Saginaw, Midland, Bay City, Mount Pleasant, Alpena, Owosso, and surrounding communities.

A 989 number can be used by residents, local businesses, mobile phone users, VoIP services, customer support teams, and companies that want a local presence in central or northeastern Michigan.

Where Is Area Code 989 Located?

Area code 989 is located in the state of Michigan, United States. It mainly covers central Michigan, northeastern Lower Michigan, and parts of the Thumb region.

Some of the most recognized cities and communities in the 989 area code include:

• Saginaw
• Midland
• Bay City
• Mount Pleasant
• Alpena
• Owosso
• Gaylord
• Alma
• Bad Axe
• Clare
• Grayling
• Houghton Lake
• Tawas City
• West Branch

The area code is strongly connected with the Tri-Cities region of Michigan, especially Saginaw, Midland, and Bay City.

What Time Zone Is the 989 Area Code In?

The 989 area code is in the Eastern Time Zone.

During standard time, the area follows Eastern Standard Time, which is UTC−5. During daylight saving time, it follows Eastern Daylight Time, which is UTC−4.

This is useful for businesses that call customers in the 989 region. If you are calling from another time zone, make sure you adjust your call timing so you do not contact people too early or too late.

Is 989 a Michigan Area Code?

Yes, 989 is a Michigan area code. It is not connected to Canada, Toronto, Montreal, or any other state.

If you receive a call from a 989 number, the number is likely assigned to Michigan. However, that does not always mean the caller is physically located in Michigan. Because of mobile phones, VoIP services, and caller ID spoofing, a person or scammer can appear to call from a 989 number even if they are somewhere else.

History of the 989 Area Code

The 989 area code was created because Michigan needed more phone numbers. As landlines, mobile phones, fax lines, pagers, and business numbers increased, the older numbering system needed relief.

Key points in the history of the 989 area code include:

• Before 989 existed, much of the region was served by area code 517.
• Area code 517 was one of Michigan’s older area codes and covered a large part of the Lower Peninsula.
• As demand for phone numbers grew, the 517 region needed to be split.
• Area code 989 was created from a split of area code 517.
• The new area code gave central and northeastern Lower Michigan its own numbering region.
• Cities such as Saginaw, Midland, Bay City, Mount Pleasant, Alpena, and Owosso became part of the 989 area code.
• Over time, 989 became common for residential lines, mobile numbers, business phones, and VoIP numbers.
• In 2021, local calls in the 989 area code began requiring 10-digit dialing because of the national 988 dialing change for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
• Today, 989 remains an important Michigan area code with no current overlay code.

What Are the Overlay Codes for 989?

The 989 area code does not currently have an overlay code.

An overlay code is a second area code added to the same geographic region when the existing area code starts running out of available phone numbers. For example, some cities have multiple area codes serving the same place.

For 989, there is no separate overlay code at this time. New numbers in the region are still generally assigned with the 989 area code when available.

Do You Need 10-Digit Dialing for 989?

Yes, 10-digit dialing is required for local calls in the 989 area code.

That means callers should dial the area code plus the seven-digit phone number, even when calling someone nearby. The format is:

989-XXX-XXXX

For long-distance calls within the United States, the format may be:

1-989-XXX-XXXX

This dialing rule helps avoid conflicts with three-digit service codes such as 988.

Is the 989 Area Code Legit or a Scam?

The 989 area code is a legitimate Michigan area code. A call from 989 is not automatically a scam.

However, scammers can spoof phone numbers. Spoofing means they can make your caller ID show a local 989 number even when the call is not really coming from that number. This is why you should judge the call by the caller’s behavior, not only by the area code.

A real 989 number may belong to a local person, business, school, clinic, contractor, government office, or customer service team. But if the caller asks for sensitive information, money, gift cards, bank details, or urgent verification codes, be careful.

Common 989 Scam Warning Signs

A call from a spoofed 989 number may be suspicious if the caller:

• Pressures you to act immediately
• Says your bank account, Social Security number, or tax record is in danger
• Asks for a one-time password or verification code
• Requests payment through gift cards, crypto, wire transfer, or payment apps
• Claims you won a prize but must pay a fee first
• Threatens arrest, account closure, or legal action
• Refuses to let you call back through an official number
• Uses poor grammar, robotic audio, or unnatural pauses
• Pretends to be from a bank, delivery company, utility provider, or government office
• Asks for personal information they should already have

If something feels wrong, hang up and contact the organization directly using the official number from its website or your account statement.

Common Scams Linked With Spoofed 989 Numbers

Scammers may use spoofed 989 numbers because local numbers feel more trustworthy. Common scams may include:

Bank Impersonation Scams

The caller may claim to be from your bank and say there is suspicious activity on your account. They may ask for your PIN, password, card number, or verification code. A real bank will not ask you to reveal full security credentials over an unexpected call.

Government Impersonation Scams

Some scammers pretend to be from the IRS, Social Security Administration, police department, or court system. They may threaten arrest, fines, or legal action unless you pay immediately.

Utility Shutoff Scams

A caller may claim your electricity, gas, water, or internet service will be disconnected unless you make an urgent payment. Real utility companies usually provide written notices and official payment channels.

Delivery or Package Scams

The caller or text sender may say there is a problem with your package and ask you to confirm personal information or click a link. This can lead to phishing or identity theft.

Tech Support Scams

A scammer may claim your computer, phone, or online account has been hacked. They may ask you to download software, share your screen, or pay for fake security support.

Prize and Lottery Scams

The caller may say you won money, a vacation, or a gift card, but you must pay a fee first. Real prizes do not require you to pay upfront to receive winnings.

Medicare or Health Insurance Scams

Some scammers target people by pretending to offer new Medicare cards, insurance updates, or medical benefits. They may ask for personal details or policy numbers.

What Are the Benefits of a 989 Area Code Number?

A 989 area code number can be useful for individuals and businesses connected to Michigan.

For residents, it gives a recognizable local identity. For businesses, it helps show that the company serves customers in the Saginaw, Midland, Bay City, Mount Pleasant, Alpena, or central Michigan market.

Benefits of a 989 number include:

• Builds local trust with Michigan customers
• Makes your business look more familiar to local callers
• Helps customers recognize your service area
• Can improve call answer rates compared with unfamiliar out-of-state numbers
• Works well for local service businesses, clinics, real estate agents, contractors, and support teams
• Can be used for landline, mobile, or VoIP phone systems
• Gives remote businesses a local presence in the 989 region

How a 989 Area Code Number Can Benefit Your Business’s Local SEO

A 989 area code number can support your local SEO strategy if your business serves central or northeastern Michigan.

Local SEO is about helping customers find your business in location-based searches. A local phone number can strengthen your location signals when used consistently across your website, Google Business Profile, local directories, and citations.

A 989 number can help your local SEO by:

• Matching your business phone number with your Michigan service area
• Making your Google Business Profile look more locally relevant
• Increasing trust for customers searching in Saginaw, Midland, Bay City, or nearby cities
• Supporting consistent NAP details, which means name, address, and phone number
• Improving credibility on local directories and business listings
• Helping service-area businesses appear more connected to the region they serve

A 989 number alone will not guarantee better rankings. It should be used with a complete local SEO strategy that includes accurate business listings, local landing pages, customer reviews, local backlinks, service pages, and consistent contact details.

Can You Get a New 989 Number Today?

Yes, in many cases, you can still get a 989 number today, depending on availability from your phone provider.

You may be able to get a 989 number through:

• Mobile carriers
• Local telephone companies
• VoIP providers
• Business phone systems
• Call forwarding services
• Virtual phone number providers

Availability can vary because phone numbers are assigned by carriers and providers. If one provider does not have a 989 number available, another provider may still offer one.

How Can You Get a New 989 Area Code Number?

To get a new 989 area code number, follow these steps:

• Choose the type of number you need, such as mobile, landline, VoIP, or business phone.
• Contact a carrier or VoIP provider that supports Michigan numbers.
• Ask if 989 numbers are currently available.
• Select a number from the available options.
• Complete account setup and verification.
• Connect the number to your phone, app, call forwarding system, or business phone platform.
• Update your website, Google Business Profile, directories, and marketing materials with the new number.

If you are using the number for business, keep your contact details consistent everywhere. This helps customers trust your business and can support local SEO.

Final Thoughts

The 989 area code is a real and important Michigan area code serving Saginaw, Midland, Bay City, Mount Pleasant, Alpena, Owosso, Gaylord, and many surrounding communities. It is in the Eastern Time Zone, requires 10-digit dialing, and currently has no overlay code.

For businesses, a 989 number can help build trust with local customers and support a stronger Michigan presence. For callers, the main thing to remember is that 989 itself is legitimate, but scammers can spoof any area code. Always be careful with unexpected calls asking for money, personal details, passwords, or verification codes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): 989 Area Code

Is the 989 area code a scam?

No, the 989 area code is not a scam. It is a real Michigan area code, but scammers can spoof 989 numbers to make calls or texts look local.

Why am I getting random calls from a 989 number?

You may be getting calls from a real Michigan number, a business, or a spoofed robocall. If the caller asks for money, passwords, or personal details, do not trust it.

Where is the 989 area code from?

The 989 area code is from Michigan, mainly covering central and northeastern Lower Michigan. It includes cities like Saginaw, Midland, Bay City, Mount Pleasant, Alpena, and Owosso.

Why did I get a strange text from a 989 number?

A random text from a 989 number could be a wrong number, spam, or a phishing attempt. Do not click links, send verification codes, or reply with personal information.

Can scammers use a local 989 number?

Yes. Scammers often spoof local area codes because people are more likely to answer numbers that look familiar.

Should I call back a missed call from 989?

Only call back if you recognize the number or were expecting the call. If it was a robocall, silent call, or suspicious voicemail, it is safer to ignore or block it.

Why do 989 numbers require 10-digit dialing?

The 989 area code requires 10-digit dialing because of the nationwide 988 dialing change for crisis services. Local calls should include the area code plus the seven-digit number.

Is 989 only for landlines?

No. The 989 area code can be used for landlines, mobile phones, VoIP numbers, and business phone systems.

Can a 989 number be outside Michigan?

The number is assigned to Michigan, but the caller may not physically be there. Mobile numbers, VoIP services, and spoofing can make location less reliable.

What should I do if a 989 number keeps calling me?

Do not answer repeatedly if the call seems suspicious. Block the number, report spam through your phone carrier, and avoid sharing personal information.

Is a 989 number good for a local Michigan business?

Yes. A 989 number can help a business look local to customers in Saginaw, Midland, Bay City, Mount Pleasant, and nearby Michigan areas.

How do I know if a 989 call is real?

A real caller will not pressure you for instant payment, gift cards, passwords, or verification codes. If unsure, hang up and call the company back using its official website number.