If you have ever visited Niagara Falls or enjoyed a plate of authentic Buffalo wings, you have likely encountered the 716 area code.
For decades, these three digits have been synonymous with Western New York, covering a diverse region that spans bustling cities, Great Lakes shorelines, and quiet rural communities.
The History of Area Code 716
The 716 area code has deep roots in American telecommunications history. It was established in 1947 as one of the original 86 area codes created by AT&T.
At its inception, 716 covered a massive swath of New York State, including Buffalo, Rochester, and significant portions of Central New York.
As the population expanded and the popularity of cell phones and fax machines surged, the region eventually required more numbers. This led to a major split in 2001.
The eastern portion of the region, including Rochester, broke away to form the 585 area code. This left 716 to serve Buffalo and the far western counties of the state exclusively.
The Introduction of Area Code 624
Even after the 2001 split, the demand for numbers continued to climb. By 2023, the pool of available 716 numbers was nearing exhaustion.
To solve this, the North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA) introduced area code 624.
This new code functions as an “overlay.” Unlike the 2001 split, which geographically divided the region, the 624 area code serves the exact same geographic area as 716.
New phone lines opened after November 2023 may be assigned the 624 code, while existing 716 numbers remain unchanged.
Changes to Dialing Procedures
With two area codes now serving the same region, the way residents make calls has changed.
Mandatory 10-Digit Dialing
You can no longer dial just seven digits (e.g., 555-0199) to make a local call. You must dial the area code + the phone number (e.g., 716-555-0199 or 624-555-0199).
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
The transition to 10-digit dialing also facilitated the rollout of the 988 suicide prevention hotline, ensuring that dialing “988” connects directly to emergency services rather than a local exchange.
Geographic Coverage: Counties and Cities
The 716 (and now 624) area code covers four primary counties in Western New York. This region borders Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, as well as the Canadian province of Ontario.
Counties Served
- Erie County: The most populous county in the region, home to Buffalo.
- Niagara County: Famous for Niagara Falls and hydroelectric power generation.
- Chautauqua County: Known for the Chautauqua Institution and its rural landscapes.
- Cattaraugus County: A largely rural area known for the Enchanted Mountains.
Major Cities and Communities
| City | County | Key Characteristics |
| Buffalo | Erie | The economic hub of Western NY; known for sports, architecture, and food. |
| Niagara Falls | Niagara | Global tourist destination featuring the famous waterfalls. |
| Cheektowaga | Erie | A major suburb of Buffalo; home to the Buffalo Niagara International Airport. |
| Jamestown | Chautauqua | Famous as the birthplace of Lucille Ball; home to the National Comedy Center. |
| North Tonawanda | Niagara | Known as the “Lumber City” due to its historic lumber industry. |
| Olean | Cattaraugus | The largest city in Cattaraugus County; a financial and retail hub for the Southern Tier. |
What Time Zone is Area Code 716?
The 716 area code is located in the Eastern Time Zone.
- Standard Time: Eastern Standard Time (EST) — UTC-5
- Daylight Saving Time: Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) — UTC-4
This places Western New York in the same time zone as New York City, Washington D.C., and Miami.
Demographics and Economy
Western New York has transitioned from a heavy manufacturing economy to a more diverse blend of healthcare, education, and tourism.
Below is a snapshot of the economic health of the counties served by the 716 area code (based on 2023-2024 data estimates).
Economic Snapshot by County
| County | Median Household Income | Unemployment Rate (Est. 2024) |
| Erie County | ~$71,100 | 3.9% |
| Niagara County | ~$67,800 | 4.2% |
| Cattaraugus County | ~$58,200 | 4.1% |
| Chautauqua County | ~$56,500 | 4.1% |
Key Takeaways:
- Erie County drives the region’s wealth, benefiting from the University at Buffalo, the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, and banking headquarters.
- Niagara County relies heavily on tourism, though it maintains a slightly higher unemployment rate than its neighbor.
- The Southern Tier (Chautauqua and Cattaraugus) is more rural, with lower median incomes compared to the metropolitan Buffalo area.
Safety Guide: Scams and Unknown Calls
In an era of relentless robocalls, seeing an unfamiliar number on your Caller ID can be stressful. While 716 is a legitimate code, scammers often spoof it to trick locals into answering.
Is Area Code 213 a Scam?
You might wonder why a section about 716 mentions area code 213. Many people report receiving scam calls from 213, which is the area code for Los Angeles, California.
Is 213 inherently a scam?
No. It is a legitimate code for downtown L.A.
Why is it suspicious?
If you live in Western New York (716) and have no business dealings in Los Angeles, an unexpected call from 213 is statistically likely to be a scam, a telemarketer, or a wrong number.
The Connection
Scammers often rotate area codes. They may call you from a 213 number one day and a spoofed 716 number the next. The strategy is the same: they are fishing for active phone lines.
Who Might Be Calling From 716?
If you see a 716 number, it isn’t always a scammer. Legitimate entities in Western New York include:
- Utility Companies: National Grid or National Fuel.
- Healthcare: Kaleida Health, Catholic Health, or Roswell Park.
- Education: University at Buffalo, SUNY Buffalo State, or local school districts.
- Government: Erie County or Niagara County administrative offices.
How to Handle Unknown Calls Safely
Don’t Answer
If you don’t recognize the number, let it go to voicemail. A legitimate caller will leave a message.
Beware of “Neighbor Spoofing”
Scammers will fake your area code (716) and the first three digits of your phone number to make the call look local. Do not trust a number just because it looks like yours.
Use Call Blocking Apps
Services like Hiya or YouMail can filter known spam numbers.
Register on the Do Not Call List
While criminals ignore this, it reduces legitimate telemarketing calls, making it easier to spot the scams.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 716 a toll-free number?
No, 716 is a standard geographic area code. Long-distance charges may apply if you are calling from a landline outside the area, depending on your service plan.
What is the new area code for Buffalo, NY?
The new area code is 624. It was introduced in late 2023 as an overlay to the existing 716 region.
Do I need to change my number to 624?
No. If you already have a 716 phone number, you can keep it. Only new phone lines may be assigned the 624 code.
Why do I have to dial 10 digits for a local call in Buffalo?
Because the 624 overlay covers the exact same geography as 716, the phone system needs the area code to distinguish which number you are trying to reach. This also accommodates the 988 suicide crisis line.
What cities use the 716 area code?
Major cities include Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Jamestown, North Tonawanda, Olean, Lockport, and Cheektowaga.
Can I still get a 716 number?
It is difficult but possible. Phone carriers assign numbers based on availability. Since the 716 pool is nearly exhausted, you are more likely to be assigned a 624 number for a new line.
Is 716 in Canada?
No, but it borders Canada. It covers the US side of Niagara Falls and the border crossings at the Peace Bridge and Rainbow Bridge. The adjacent Canadian area codes are typically 905, 289, and 365.
What is the unemployment rate in the 716 area?
As of 2024 estimates, the unemployment rate ranges from approximately 3.9% in Erie County to 4.2% in Niagara County.
How do I report a scam call from 716?
You can report scam calls to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
What keeps calling me from 716?
If you receive repeated calls from a 716 number that hangs up or leaves no message, it is likely a robocall using “neighbor spoofing” to verify that your number is active. Do not answer.
Conclusion
If you are receiving calls from this area, remember to stay vigilant against spoofing.
If you are planning to move to or do business in Erie, Niagara, Chautauqua, or Cattaraugus counties, you are entering a region with a stabilizing economy and a unique cultural footprint.
Need to verify a suspicious 716 number? Visit the FTC’s consumer advice page to learn more about blocking unwanted calls and reporting fraud.
Daniel Brooks is a telecommunications and digital information writer with 8+ years of experience researching area codes, phone number systems, and call safety topics. He focuses on clear, accurate, and user-friendly explanations based on reliable public data sources.
