220 Area Code — Columbus, OH

Everything about the 220 area code: location, time zone, major cities, 1,645 reported scams in 2023, and how to protect yourself from 220 spoofed calls.

📍 Columbus, OH 🕐 America/New_York 🛡️ MODERATE ⚠️ 1,645 scams
1,645Scams reported 2023
MODERATESafety rating
6.5Risk level /10
Approximately 2.2 millionPopulation

Where is area code 220?

Area code 220 serves Columbus, OH. It was established in 2001.

Major Cities in Area Code 220

The 220 area code covers Columbus, OH. Major cities and communities include:

  • Columbus
  • Gahanna
  • Upper Arlington
  • Worthington

History of Area Code 220

Area code 220 was established in 2001 and serves Columbus, OH.

Nearby Area Codes

Related area codes near 220:

Common 220 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 220

Government

  • Social Security Administration — Benefits and verification calls (official prefix: 800-772) verify
  • Internal Revenue Service — Tax-related communications (official prefix: 800-829) verify

Utilities

  • — Service and billing notifications

Healthcare

  • — Appointment reminders and follow-ups

Columbus, OH Authorities & Reporting

  • Police: Columbus Police Department: (614) 645-4545
  • Consumer protection: Ohio Attorney General's Office: (800) 282-0515
  • Fraud unit: Columbus Division of Police Fraud Unit: (614) 645-7013
  • Emergency: 911, (614) 645-4545 (Columbus Police non-emergency)

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 220 area code?

The 220 area code serves Columbus, OH. Major cities include Columbus, Gahanna, Upper Arlington, Worthington. It was established in 2001.

Is the 220 area code a scam?

The 220 area code itself is legitimate — it covers Columbus, OH. But scammers spoof local numbers: 1,645 scams were reported in 2023, with common types including utility 25%, government 27%, banking 21%, other 37%. Always verify unknown callers.

What time zone is area code 220?

Area code 220 is in the America/New_York.

How do I report a scam call from 220?

Report scam calls to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov, the FCC, and Ohio Attorney General's Office: (800) 282-0515. For Columbus, OH, contact Columbus Division of Police Fraud Unit: (614) 645-7013 to file a complaint.

How can I protect myself from 220 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.

Worried about a call from 220?

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