If you’ve ever received a call or text from a number starting with 480, you might have wondered: Where is the 480 area code located? Is it a local call, a business number, or possibly a scam?
The 480 area code is one of the most commonly searched U.S. area codes, especially by people receiving unknown calls. In this in-depth guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the 480 area code, including:
What Is an Area Code?
Before jumping into specifics, let’s quickly understand what an area code is.
An area code is the first three digits of a North American phone number. It identifies the geographic region of the number and helps route calls efficiently.
Example format:
Here:
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480 = Area Code
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555-1234 = Local phone number
Where Is the 480 Area Code Located?
The 480 area code is located in the state of Arizona, United States.
More specifically, it serves the East Valley region of the Phoenix Metropolitan Area.
📍 State: Arizona
📍 Country: United States
📍 Region: East Valley (Phoenix Metro Area)
Which Cities Use the 480 Area Code?
The 480 area code covers several major and fast-growing cities in Arizona. Below is a list of the main cities and towns served by area code 480:
Major Cities in 480 Area Code
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Mesa
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Scottsdale
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Tempe
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Chandler
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Gilbert
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Apache Junction
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Queen Creek
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Fountain Hills
These cities are known for:
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Tech startups
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Real estate businesses
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Tourism
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Education (Arizona State University is in Tempe)
480 Area Code Map Overview
The 480 area code is part of the Greater Phoenix Area, also known as the Phoenix Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA).
It mainly covers the eastern side of Phoenix, which is why it’s often called the East Valley area code.
Other nearby Arizona area codes include:
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602 – Central Phoenix
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623 – West Valley
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520 – Southern Arizona (Tucson)
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928 – Northern Arizona
What Time Zone Is the 480 Area Code In?
The 480 area code follows the Mountain Standard Time (MST).
Important Time Zone Details
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⏰ Time Zone: Mountain Standard Time (MST)
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🔁 Daylight Saving Time: Not observed
Arizona is unique because most of the state does NOT observe Daylight Saving Time, except the Navajo Nation.
So if you’re calling a 480 number, always remember:
Arizona time stays the same year-round.
Is 480 a Mobile or Landline Area Code?
The 480 area code can be used for both:
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📱 Mobile (cell phones)
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☎️ Landlines
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💼 Business VoIP numbers
You cannot tell whether a 480 number is mobile or landline just by looking at the area code.
Who Uses the 480 Area Code?
The 480 area code is widely used by:
1. Local Residents
People living in Mesa, Tempe, Chandler, and nearby cities.
2. Businesses
Many companies choose 480 numbers to appear local and trustworthy, especially:
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Real estate agencies
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Tech companies
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Customer support centers
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E-commerce businesses
3. Remote & Virtual Businesses
Some businesses outside Arizona use 480 virtual numbers to target U.S. customers.
Is the 480 Area Code Legit or a Scam?
This is one of the most searched questions online.
The Truth:
✅ 480 is a legitimate U.S. area code
❌ But scammers can spoof it
Scammers often use caller ID spoofing, making it look like the call is coming from a trusted local number.
Common 480 Area Code Scams
Here are some common scam types associated with 480 numbers (not exclusive to 480):
1. IRS or Tax Scams
Caller claims you owe taxes and threatens legal action.
2. Tech Support Scams
Fake Microsoft or Apple support calls.
3. Bank or Payment Scams
Caller pretends to be from your bank, PayPal, or Cash App.
4. One-Ring Scam
You receive a missed call and are encouraged to call back.
⚠️ Important:
The scam is not the area code itself — it’s how scammers misuse numbers.
How to Check If a 480 Number Is Safe
Before calling back, you can:
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🔍 Google the full phone number
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📞 Use reverse phone lookup tools
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🚫 Avoid sharing OTPs or personal info
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📵 Block suspicious numbers
How to Block 480 Area Code Calls (Android & iPhone)
On iPhone
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Open Phone App
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Go to Recents
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Tap (i) next to the number
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Select Block Caller
On Android
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Open Phone App
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Long-press the number
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Tap Block / Report Spam
You can also use apps like:
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Truecaller
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Hiya
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Call Control
Why Do Businesses Prefer 480 Area Code Numbers?
Businesses choose 480 numbers because:
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📍 Local Arizona presence
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🤝 Builds trust with U.S. customers
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📈 Higher call answer rates
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🌐 Works with VoIP and cloud systems
Many international companies use 480 virtual numbers for U.S. expansion.
Can You Get a 480 Area Code Number Today?
Yes! You can still get a 480 area code number, though availability may be limited.
Where to Get One:
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Google Voice
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RingCentral
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Grasshopper
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Twilio
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Local U.S. carriers
480 Area Code vs Other Arizona Area Codes
| Area Code | Region |
|---|---|
| 480 | East Valley (Mesa, Tempe) |
| 602 | Central Phoenix |
| 623 | West Valley |
| 520 | Tucson & South AZ |
| 928 | Northern AZ |
Interesting Facts About the 480 Area Code
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Introduced in 1999
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Split from 602
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Covers one of the fastest-growing regions in the U.S.
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Home to ASU (Arizona State University)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where is area code 480 from?
Area code 480 is from Arizona, mainly the East Valley of Phoenix.
Is 480 a spam area code?
No, it’s a legitimate U.S. area code, but scammers may spoof it.
What cities use 480?
Mesa, Tempe, Scottsdale, Chandler, Gilbert, and nearby cities.
What time zone is 480?
Mountain Standard Time (MST).
Can I trust a 480 number?
Yes, but always verify unknown callers.
Final Thoughts: Should You Answer a 480 Area Code Call?
The 480 area code is completely legitimate and belongs to Arizona’s East Valley region. Millions of real people and businesses use it every day.
However, just like any area code:
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Stay alert
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Verify unknown numbers
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Don’t share sensitive information
If you’re a business owner, 480 numbers are excellent for building U.S. credibility.
