Quick Answer

855 is a US toll-free prefix introduced in 2010. Introduced as part of a wave of new toll-free prefixes in the 2010s. Calls from 855 numbers come from businesses, government agencies, and non-profits — but scammers also use toll-free numbers.

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Types of Organizations That Use 855 Numbers

Caller Type Common Examples
Banks & Financial InstitutionsAccount alerts, fraud notifications, loan offers
Airlines & Travel CompaniesFlight updates, booking confirmations, loyalty programs
Insurance CompaniesClaims processing, renewal reminders, customer service
Healthcare ProvidersAppointment reminders, prescription refills, lab results
Government AgenciesSocial Security, Medicare, IRS notices (legitimate)
Non-Profits & CharitiesDonation requests, event notifications, volunteer coordination
Retailers & E-commerceOrder confirmations, shipping updates, customer support

Is a 855 Call a Scam?

Most calls from 855 numbers are from legitimate businesses. However, because toll-free numbers are inexpensive and easy to obtain, scammers also use them. The 855 prefix alone tells you nothing about whether the call is fraudulent.

For a complete guide to identifying and reporting scam calls from 855 numbers, see: Is 855 a Scam Number? →

How to Find Out Who Called You

  1. Search the full number online. Enter all 10 digits into a search engine. User-reported databases like 800notes.com and WhoCalledUs.com often have information about specific numbers.
  2. Check your voicemail. Legitimate callers almost always leave a message identifying themselves and a callback number.
  3. Use a reverse phone lookup. Services like Whitepages, Spokeo, or your carrier's spam-detection app can identify registered 855 numbers.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Who calls from 855 numbers?
855 numbers are used by businesses, government agencies, charities, and unfortunately also scammers. Common legitimate callers include banks, airlines, insurance companies, and customer service departments.
Is a call from 855 a scam?
Not necessarily. Most 855 calls are from legitimate businesses. However, scammers also use toll-free numbers. Verify by searching the full number online or calling the company back using their official website number. See: Is 855 a scam? →
How do I find out who called me from a 855 number?
Search the full 10-digit number online, check sites like 800notes.com, or use a reverse phone lookup service. Legitimate callers will typically leave a voicemail identifying themselves.
When was the 855 prefix introduced?
The 855 toll-free prefix was introduced in 2010. Introduced as part of a wave of new toll-free prefixes in the 2010s.

Other Toll-Free Prefixes