Where is area code 202?
Area code 202 serves Washington, DC. It was established in 1947 and is one of the original area codes in the North American Numbering Plan.
Major Cities in Area Code 202
The 202 area code covers Washington, DC. Major cities and communities include:
- District of Columbia
- Arlington County
- Falls Church City
History of Area Code 202
Area code 202 was established in 1947 and serves Washington, DC.
- 202 is one of the original 86 area codes created in 1947
- Most politically influential area code in America
- Home to more federal employees than any other area code
- Only area code serving a US territory that's not a state
Nearby Area Codes
Related area codes near 202:
Washington, DC Scam Hotspots
- Capitol Hill area - government impersonation scams
- Georgetown - luxury goods scams
- Dupont Circle - romance scams
- Downtown - business email compromise
Most Reported Scams in Washington, DC
| Scam Type | Incidents (2023) | Avg Loss | Victim Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Government Impersonation | 432 | $2,850 | Ages 45-64, often seniors |
| IRS Tax Scam | 387 | $1,920 | All ages, especially new taxpayers |
| Tech Support Scam | 294 | $1,450 | Ages 55+ |
| Romance Scam | 248 | $4,670 | Ages 40-60, professionals |
| Investment/Crypto Scam | 215 | $8,340 | Ages 30-50, high income |
Common 202 Scam Patterns
Government Impersonation
Scammers pretending to be from IRS, Social Security, or local authorities
Common prefixes: 800, 888, 877
- Threatening immediate arrest
- Demanding immediate payment
- Requesting gift cards or wire transfers
Auto Warranty Scams
Automated calls about extended car warranties
Common prefixes: 833, 844, 855
- Pre-recorded messages
- Urgent warranty expiration claims
- Pressure to provide vehicle information
Tech Support Fraud
Fake technical support calls claiming computer problems
Common prefixes: 866, 877, 888
- Claims of detected viruses
- Requests for remote computer access
- Microsoft/Apple impersonation
Legitimate Callers From 202
Government
Utilities
- — Service and billing notifications
Healthcare
- — Appointment reminders and follow-ups
Washington, DC Authorities & Reporting
- Police: Metropolitan Police Department: (202) 727-9099
- Consumer protection: Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia: (202) 442-9823
- Fraud unit: DC Fraud and Identity Theft Hotline: 1-833-838-5994
- Emergency: Police: 911, Fire: 911, Medical: 911
Immediate steps if you suspect a scam:
- Document the call details
- Report to FTC at ftc.gov/complaint
- Contact local authorities
- Alert your bank if needed
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the 202 area code?
The 202 area code serves Washington, DC. Major cities include District of Columbia, Arlington County, Falls Church City. It was established in 1947.
Is the 202 area code a scam?
The 202 area code itself is legitimate — it covers Washington, DC. But scammers spoof local numbers: 1,916 scams were reported in 2023, with common types including utility 25%, government 22%, banking 24%, other 21%. Always verify unknown callers.
What time zone is area code 202?
Area code 202 is in the Eastern Time Zone (UTC-5).
How do I report a scam call from 202?
Report scam calls to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov, the FCC, and Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia: (202) 442-9823. For Washington, DC, contact DC Fraud and Identity Theft Hotline: 1-833-838-5994 to file a complaint.
How can I protect myself from 202 area code spam calls?
Block unknown numbers, use caller ID / spam-blocking apps, never share personal info with unsolicited callers, and verify callers through official channels. CyberForget's phone tools help check whether a number is linked to known scams.
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