Where is area code 276?
Area code 276 serves Bristol, VA. It was established in 1995.
Major Cities in Area Code 276
The 276 area code covers Bristol, VA. Major cities and communities include:
- Bristol, VA
- Abingdon, VA
History of Area Code 276
Area code 276 was established in 1995 and serves Bristol, VA.
Nearby Area Codes
Related area codes near 276:
Common 276 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 276
Government
Utilities
- — Service and billing notifications
Healthcare
- — Appointment reminders and follow-ups
Bristol, VA Authorities & Reporting
- Police: Bristol Virginia Police Department (276) 645-7400
- Consumer protection: Virginia Office of the Attorney General (804) 225-4300
- Fraud unit: Bristol Virginia Police Department Fraud Unit (276) 645-7400
- Emergency: 911, Bristol Virginia Fire Department (276) 645-7403
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 276 area code?
The 276 area code serves Bristol, VA. Major cities include Bristol, VA, Abingdon, VA. It was established in 1995.
Is the 276 area code a scam?
The 276 area code itself is legitimate — it covers Bristol, VA. But scammers spoof local numbers: 2,670 scams were reported in 2023, with common types including utility 25%, government 28%, banking 26%, other 36%. Always verify unknown callers.
What time zone is area code 276?
Area code 276 is in the Eastern Time Zone (UTC-5/-4).
How do I report a scam call from 276?
Report scam calls to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov, the FCC, and Virginia Office of the Attorney General (804) 225-4300. For Bristol, VA, contact Bristol Virginia Police Department Fraud Unit (276) 645-7400 to file a complaint.
How can I protect myself from 276 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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