Introduction
Ever spotted an unfamiliar 840 area code on your caller ID or a local business sign? If you’re connected to Southern California’s Inland Empire, you’re likely seeing this newer addition more often. It hasn’t replaced the classic 909; instead, 840 works right alongside it, covering the exact same vibrant region from San Bernardino to Pomona and beyond. This relatively recent change reflects the growing communication needs of the area.
This guide dives deep into the area code 840. We’ll uncover why it was introduced as an overlay, the crucial dialing changes it brought for everyone, the distinct benefits of using a local number, how you might get one (including options from virtual providers like Letsdial), typical features available today, and essential tips to stay safe from prevalent phone scams. Let’s decode the 840 together!
Where Exactly is the 840 Area Code Located?
The 840 area code location is officially assigned to serve the geographically expansive and notably vibrant Inland Empire region, centrally located within sunny Southern California. This large service territory specifically includes a diverse collection of major, well-known cities and established residential communities, such as the following examples:
- San Bernardino
- Riverside (western parts)
- Ontario
- Pomona
- Rancho Cucamonga
- Fontana
- Redlands
- Chino
- Upland
- And many surrounding areas.
Here’s the most critical piece of information to fully understand regarding its location: The area code 840 location precisely covers the exact same geographic territory and boundaries as the already well-established and long-serving 909 area code.
Why Was the 840 Area Code Created?
Think of how popular Southern California is! Over time, the demand for new phone numbers (for homes, businesses, cell phones, etc.) within the original 909 area code grew significantly. Eventually, the available pool of unique phone numbers starting with 909 began to run low.
To solve this without splitting the region geographically (which can be disruptive), telecommunication authorities implemented an overlay plan.
- What’s an Overlay? An overlay introduces a new area code (in this case, 840) over the same physical region already served by an existing area code (909).
- Implementation: The 840 overlay for the 909 region officially went into effect on February 23, 2021.
What Does the 840 Overlay Mean for Residents and Businesses?
- No Change to Existing 909 Numbers: If you already had a 909 phone number before the overlay, nothing changed. You kept your number.
- New Numbers Might Be 840: Anyone getting a new phone line or service within this geographic area after the overlay was introduced might be assigned a number with the 840 phone area code.
- Mandatory 10-Digit Dialing: This is the most significant impact. Because two area codes now exist in the same calling zone, everyone in the 909/840 region must dial the full 10-digit dialing phone number (Area Code + Seven-Digit Number) for all local calls. You can no longer just dial the seven-digit number, even if you’re calling your neighbor across the street. This ensures the call routes correctly to either a 909 or 840 phone number.
Key Takeaways about the 840 Area Code:
| Attribute | Description |
| Location | Inland Empire, Southern California |
| Relationship | An overlay for the 909 area code, covering the identical geographic region |
| Reason | To provide new phone numbers as the 909 pool depleted |
| Impact | Mandatory 10-digit dialing (or 1+10-digit) for all local calls within the 909/840 territory |
So, the next time you see an 840 phone number, you’ll know it belongs to someone or a local business establishing its presence in the heart of Southern California’s Inland Empire, sharing the map with its older sibling, the 909!
Benefits of Using an 840 Area Code Number
While assigned primarily based on availability for new lines, having an 840 number (or any local number for the specific area you serve) offers distinct advantages, especially for businesses aiming to connect locally and grow their regional customer base:
- Establish Local Presence: An 840 local number instantly signals that you are an active part of the Inland Empire community, fostering better local connections and accessibility, even if you operate remotely using a flexible virtual phone number.
- Build Trust & Credibility: Customers often trust businesses displaying local numbers more than generic or toll-free options. It feels more familiar and grounded, suggesting you genuinely understand and cater to the specific local market needs.
- Marketing Advantage: Utilizing an 840 number in local advertising campaigns, flyers, or online directories can significantly increase response rates, as Inland Empire residents recognize it immediately as local and relevant to them.
- Cost-Effective for Callers: People calling your 840 phone number from within the same local calling zone generally won’t incur long-distance charges, effectively removing a potential communication barrier and making it much easier for them to reach out to you.
Dialing Instructions for the 840/909 Area
Because two area codes now exist in the same geographic zone, sharing the map, mandatory 10-digit (or 1+10-digit) dialing is required for ALL calls to ensure they route correctly:
- Landlines: You MUST dial 1 + Area Code (840 or 909) + Seven-Digit Number for every single call, even previously local ones next door.
- Mobile Phones: You MUST dial the Area Code (840 or 909) + Seven-Digit Number. (Dialing 1 + Area Code + Number also typically works, depending on your device and carrier).
You can no longer just dial the seven-digit number for local calls. This new dialing procedure is not optional; calls attempted with only seven digits simply will not connect. This applies universally whether your own number or the number you are calling is 840 or 909.
Remember to update any programmed equipment like alarm systems, security gates, speed dialers, or fax machines to prevent service interruptions. (Dialing 911 and other 3-digit service codes like 211, 311, etc., remains unchanged). Adopting this habit is essential for seamless communication within the region.
Get your 840 phone number with Letsdial today!
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How to Get an 840 Phone Number
You don’t specifically request an 840 number over a 909 one from traditional carriers; it’s assigned based on availability when you activate new service within the geographic boundaries of the overlay.
- Contact Phone Providers: Reach out to wireless carriers (like T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T) or landline providers operating in the Inland Empire when setting up a new line.
- Use VoIP/Virtual Number Providers: Services like Letsdial, Vitel Global, Dialaxy, KrispCall, and Calilio often allow you to choose a specific local area code, including 840, when setting up a virtual phone number. This gives you an 840 number that can ring on your existing phone, computer, or app. The typical process involves:
- Signing up for the service.
- Choosing a affordable pricing and plan.
- Selecting the desired country (USA) and area code (840).
- Picking an available number.
- Completing payment and verification.
Features Offered by Virtual Number Providers (like Letsdial)
If you obtain an 840 number through a virtual phone service provider like Letsdial, you often gain access to advanced communication features beyond just making and receiving calls. Based on information about Letsdial, typical features can include:
- Call Forwarding: Redirect calls from your 840 number to any other phone number (mobile, office, home).
- Voicemail: Standard voicemail service, sometimes with transcription (voicemail-to-text or email).
- Call Recording: Option to record incoming call or outgoing calls (Note: Be aware of consent laws regarding call recording, which vary by state/location).
- SMS/Text Messaging: Send and receive texts using your 840 virtual number.
- Caller ID: Control the number displayed when you make outbound calls.
- International Calling & Top-Up: Features facilitating calls and mobile credit recharges globally.
- Virtual Receptionist (IVR): Automated menus to direct callers (e.g., “Press 1 for Sales…”).
- App & Web Access: Manage your number and features through a mobile app or web dashboard.
- Custom Greetings: Personalize voicemail or welcome messages.
Staying Safe: Phone Scam Prevention Tips
Regardless of whether you see a new or familiar area code, remember that phone scammers are incredibly common and their deceptive tactics persist. It is vitally important that you always take steps to protect yourself:
- Be Wary of Unsolicited Calls: Especially from numbers you don’t recognize or callers claiming to be from government agencies (IRS, Social Security, VA, Law Enforcement), banks, or tech support. Official agencies rarely call unexpectedly asking for personal information or payment.
- Don’t Trust Caller ID: Scammers can “spoof” numbers to make it look like they’re calling from a legitimate source or a local number.
- Resist Pressure: Scammers often create urgency or make threats (e.g., arrest, deportation, account closure) to rush you into acting without thinking. Legitimate organizations will allow you time to verify.
- Never Give Out Personal Information: Don’t provide Social Security numbers, bank account details, passwords, PINs, or other sensitive data over the phone unless you initiated the call to a verified number.
- Refuse Unusual Payment Methods: Be highly suspicious if asked to pay via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. These are common scammer requests because they’re hard to trace and reverse.
- Verify Independently: If a caller claims to be from a company or agency, hang up. Look up the official contact number on their website (don’t use a number the caller gives you) and call them directly to verify the situation.
- Talk to Someone: Discuss suspicious calls with a trusted friend or family member before taking any action.
- Block & Report: Block scam numbers and report fraudulent calls to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Consider registering on the National Do Not Call Registry, though this mainly stops legitimate telemarketers, not criminals.
So, the next time you see an 840 number, you’ll know it belongs to the vibrant Inland Empire, working alongside the 909, and understand the dialing rules and potential benefits associated with it!
Conclusion
So, the 840 area code is now an integral part of the Inland Empire’s telecommunications landscape, operating seamlessly as an overlay for the familiar 909 area. The key takeaways are clear: mandatory 10 or 11-digit dialing is essential, a local number offers tangible benefits for presence and trust, and obtaining one is straightforward through traditional or modern VoIP providers like Letsdial, often packed with useful features. Always remember to stay vigilant against potential phone scams, regardless of the area code displayed. Understanding these details helps everyone in the region communicate effectively and safely.
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FAQs
The 840 area code is a telephone numbering plan area serving Southern California’s Inland Empire region, including cities like San Bernardino, Riverside (western parts), Ontario, and Pomona. It covers the exact same geographic territory as the 909 area code.
No, 840 did not replace 909. It was implemented as an “overlay,” meaning both area codes now coexist and serve the same geographic region simultaneously.
Mandatory 10-digit dialing (Area Code + Seven-Digit Number) is now required for ALL local calls. For landlines, you must dial 1 + Area Code + Number (11 digits total). You can no longer dial just seven digits for local calls within this region.
No. If you already had a 909 phone number before the overlay began on February 23, 2021, your number and area code remain unchanged. The 840 code applies primarily to new number assignments.
840 numbers are typically assigned by phone service providers (wireless, landline, or VoIP like Letsdial) when you activate a new line or service within the geographic area covered by the 840/909 overlay, depending on number availability.
