304 Area Code — West Virginia

Everything about the 304 area code: location, time zone, major cities, 3,455 reported scams in 2023, and how to protect yourself from 304 spoofed calls.

📍 West Virginia 🕐 Eastern Time Zone 🛡️ MODERATE ⚠️ 3,455 scams
3,455Scams reported 2023
MODERATESafety rating
6.2Risk level /10
1,793,716Population

Where is area code 304?

Area code 304 serves West Virginia. It was established in 1947.

Major Cities in Area Code 304

The 304 area code covers West Virginia. Major cities and communities include:

  • Charleston, Huntington, Morgantown, Parkersburg, Wheeling

History of Area Code 304

Area code 304 was established in 1947 and serves West Virginia.

Nearby Area Codes

Related area codes near 304:

Common 304 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 304

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

West Virginia Authorities & Reporting

  • Police: West Virginia State Police: 1-800-642-3731
  • Consumer protection: West Virginia Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division: 1-800-368-8808
  • Fraud unit: West Virginia Fusion Center: 1-304-558-3326
  • Emergency: 911, West Virginia Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222

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 304 area code?

The 304 area code serves West Virginia. Major cities include Charleston, Huntington, Morgantown, Parkersburg, Wheeling. It was established in 1947.

Is the 304 area code a scam?

The 304 area code itself is legitimate — it covers West Virginia. But scammers spoof local numbers: 3,455 scams were reported in 2023, with common types including utility 39%, government 37%, banking 25%, other 36%. Always verify unknown callers.

What time zone is area code 304?

Area code 304 is in the Eastern Time Zone (UTC-5).

How do I report a scam call from 304?

Report scam calls to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov, the FCC, and West Virginia Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division: 1-800-368-8808. For West Virginia, contact West Virginia Fusion Center: 1-304-558-3326 to file a complaint.

How can I protect myself from 304 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 304?

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