Last Updated on 8 months by Anoob P T
In this post, we are going to look at 540 Area Code Location, Scams, Time Zone.
If you are tired of getting scam area code calls on your number, you can try signing up for a service like Robokiller.
I have also written a detailed post on 22 Dangerous List of Area Codes Not to Answer-you can read it if you are interested.
Table of Contents
What is Area Code 540
Area code 540 is a telephone area code that serves the state of Virginia in the United States. Area code 540 was established on July 15, 1995, as a split from area code 703.
Area code 540 covers a large portion of western and central Virginia, including the cities of Roanoke, Fredericksburg, and Winchester. This area code is one of several in Virginia and is assigned to provide telephone services to a specific geographic region.
Area Code 540 State
The area code 540 is exclusively assigned to the state of Virginia. Virginia, officially known as the Commonwealth of Virginia, is located in the eastern part of the United States.
Area code 540 is bordered by Maryland and the District of Columbia to the north and east, by North Carolina and Tennessee to the south, and by West Virginia and Kentucky to the west.
The state is known for its rich history, natural beauty, and diverse culture. Area code 540 encompasses a significant portion of Virginia and connects residents and businesses within this region.
Where is Area code 540 Located
Area code 540 is located in the western and central parts of Virginia.
Area code 540 covers a wide area that includes counties such as Roanoke, Fredericksburg, Winchester, and more. The area code extends from the Appalachian Mountains in the west to the Piedmont region in the east.
With its diverse landscape, this region offers a mix of urban centers and rural communities. Area code 540 provides telephone services to residents and businesses located within this expansive geographic area.
Major Business Establishments in Area Code 540 location
- Carilion Clinic
- Kroger
- Wells Fargo
- Advance Auto Parts
- Kroger
- Wells Fargo
- Roanoke County Schools
- Elbit Systems
History of Area Code 540
Area code 540 was created as a split from area code 703 on July 15, 1995.
The split was necessary to accommodate the increasing demand for telephone numbers in the region. Prior to the introduction of area code 540, the entire state of Virginia was served by the single area code 703.
However, as population growth and technological advancements led to a higher demand for telephone services, a new area code was needed to cater to the growing number of residents and businesses.
Area Code 540 Overlay
Currently, there are no overlays associated with area code 540. An overlay occurs when a new area code is introduced to the same geographic area as an existing area code.
Area Code 540 is often implemented to meet the increasing demand for telephone services without requiring existing phone numbers to change. However, at present, area code 540 remains the sole area code serving its designated region in Virginia.
Area Code 540 Major Cities List
Area code 540 covers several major cities in Virginia. Here is a list of some of the prominent cities within the area code 540:
- Roanoke
- Fredericksburg
- Winchester
- Salem
- Harrisonburg
- Blacksburg
- Staunton
- Culpeper
- Waynesboro
- Christiansburg
These cities are diverse in terms of population, economy, and culture. Each city within area code 540 contributes to the overall vibrancy and development of the region.
Area Code 540 Zip Codes
Area code 540 encompasses numerous zip codes throughout its coverage area. Here are ten zip codes within area code 540:
- 24012 – Roanoke, VA
- 22401 – Fredericksburg, VA
- 22601 – Winchester, VA
- 24153 – Salem, VA
- 22801 – Harrisonburg, VA
- 24060 – Blacksburg, VA
- 24401 – Staunton, VA
- 22701 – Culpeper, VA
- 22980 – Waynesboro, VA
- 24073 – Christiansburg, VA
These zip codes correspond to different cities and towns within the area code 540 region. They are essential for efficient mail delivery and provide a geographical reference for various services.
Area Code 540 Time Zone
Area code 540 is located within the Eastern Time Zone (ET). The Eastern Time Zone is designated as UTC-5:00 during the standard time and UTC-4:00 during daylight saving time.
The Eastern Time Zone is observed by several states on the East Coast of the United States, including Virginia. It is important to consider the time zone when making phone calls or scheduling appointments within the area code 540 region.
Who is Calling from Area code 540
Area code 540 serves a diverse range of individuals and organizations.
Anyone with a phone number that begins with the area code 540 could be calling from this region in Virginia. Calls from area code 540 can originate from residents, businesses, government agencies, educational institutions, and more.
It is essential to note that the area code itself does not provide specific information about the caller’s identity or purpose. If you receive a call from area code 540, it could be from someone within the region or someone using a virtual phone number.
Area Code 540 Text Messages
Like phone calls, text messages can also be sent from area code 540.
Text messages provide a convenient and efficient way to communicate with others, whether they are within the same area code or in a different location.
Area code 540 allows residents and businesses to send and receive text messages to and from individuals using phone numbers associated with this area code.
Area Code 540 in Canada
Area code 540 is not assigned to any specific location in Canada.
Area Code 540 is exclusively designated to serve the state of Virginia in the United States. If you are in Canada and receive a call from a number with area code 540, it is likely that the caller is reaching out from the United States, specifically Virginia.
It is important to consider this distinction when communicating internationally and to be aware of the potential differences in time zones and calling rates.
Area Code 540 Common Scams
As with any area code, it is essential to remain vigilant against potential scams that may originate from area code 540.
Scammers can use various tactics such as robocalls, phishing emails, and fraudulent text messages to deceive individuals and gain access to personal information or financial assets.
It is crucial to exercise caution when engaging with unknown callers or suspicious messages. If you receive a call or message that seems suspicious or requests sensitive information, it is advisable to end the call or delete the message without responding.
You can also report such numbers and raise a complaint with IC3 government website using this official link.
You can also visit this official FBI website to know about common scams and how you can prevent them.
Usually with such calls, caller first checks the identity of the victim and then proceeds to the scam.
Scammers can also use a Robocall software, the dialler is non-stop and the system will keep calling numbers in its database till they get an answer.
You can watch this video to know more about how scam baiting works.
After buying databases from third party, scammers try to verify identity before they can have a human agent interact with the potential victim.
To know more about Phone Scams you can watch this video.
How to Prevent 540 Area Code Scam
To prevent 540 area code scams, what you can do is be aware of common scams and do not do these tasks even if scammers pressurize you.
- Do not install any software such as AnyDesk, QuickSupport on your phone
- Never disclose personal information to callers
- Always look up area code 540 numbers before calling back
- Do not call back unknown area code 540 numbers even if they leave many voice messages for call back.
- Do not respond to area code 540 text messages.
If you notice that you are getting lot of calls from different 540 area code numbers, always lookup the number and then only call back.
How to Block 540 Area code calls
If you are getting lot of unwanted calls from 540 Area code, you can choose to block numbers from these area codes.
Unwanted 540 area code calls could mean that your number has entered some scammers database and you can get many calls from other area code scammers.
How to Block 540 Area Code Calls in Android
Go to Calls History
Tap on “i” Next to the Phone Number
Select Block
How to Block 540 Area Code Calls in iPhone
Go to Calls List
Click on Circled “i”
Select More Information
Select Block Caller
You can also register your numbers on the national Do Not Call list for free by calling 1-888-382-1222 (voice) or 1-866-290-4236 (TTY). You must call from the phone number you wish to register.
If you are tired of getting scam area code calls on your number, you can try signing up for a service like Robokiller.
Frequently Asked Questions about 540 Area Code
Is area code 540 only used in Virginia?
Yes, area code 540 is exclusively assigned to the state of Virginia in the United States.
Can I send text messages from area code 540 to other area codes?
Yes, text messages can be sent from area code 540 to phone numbers in other area codes, both within and outside of Virginia.
Are all phone numbers in area code 540 landlines?
No, area code 540 encompasses both landline and mobile phone numbers.
How do I block unwanted calls from area code 540?
Most smartphones and phone service providers offer call-blocking features that can be used to block unwanted calls from specific area codes, including area code 540.
Can I change my phone number to area code 540?
If you are a resident or business located within the area code 540 region, you may be able to request a phone number with area code 540 from your phone service provider, subject to availability.
In conclusion, area code 540 serves a significant portion of Virginia, connecting residents and businesses within this region.
It is important to be aware of the cities, zip codes, time zone, and potential scams associated with area code 540. By understanding the characteristics and features of this area code, individuals can effectively communicate and stay informed within the area code 540 region.
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