what is the deal with the American phone numbers that start with 555 is it an area code?

Answer 1

It's a fake area code used in tv shows,films,etc.

Answer 2

You can't use anything that could be a potential real phone number on TV or movies because people WILL dial it (and have, when they've used one).

There is no 555 exchange anywhere in the US. So if you need to use a fake number for a movie, you can just make it anything starting with 555. Area code won't matter. (But 555-1212 will get local directory assistance for whatever area code you dial).

Answer 3

The 555 numbers used are reserved by the phone company for their own use. If someone were to call the numbers used on TV and in films that start with 555, they would end up speaking with someone at the phone company! I think the phone companies did reserve a block of numbers in the 555-xxxx range that will never be assigned to real people so they can be used in TV and films with no real consequences.

Answer 4

TV and movies use 555 as part of a number because some people might try phoning the numbers. There are no actual numbers in America that have 555 at the beginning.

Answer 5

Its not a assignable area code, as far a 555 line numbers the links below should shed some light on it for you.

Telephone Tech

Answer 6

IF CALL 1( PLUS YOUR AREA CODE) -555-1212 CAN USE TO FIND LOCAL INFORMATION

Answer 7

555 is a "stage prop" it doesn't exist, only in films or tv, it's to stop daft people from trying to ring Batman or whoever.

Answer 8

that's why they use it in movies, because it doesn't exist. (it's a prefix) it's so no one's real number is suggested.

Answer 9

it doesn`t exist except in the movies and on television