Everything you need to know about area code 253 in Washington
QUICK FACTS
Washington
Pacific Time Zone
Split from existing code
Estimated residents served
Washington
Primary code for this region
ABOUT THIS AREA CODE
Area code 253 serves Tacoma, Washington, and the surrounding South Puget Sound region. It covers Federal Way, Lakewood, and parts of Pierce County south of Seattle.
Phone numbers with the 253 area code follow the format (253) XXX-XXXX, where the next three digits represent the local exchange. The 253 area code is part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) and is regulated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
If you receive a call from a 253 number that you don't recognize, you can search it using the lookup tool above. While the 253 area code legitimately serves millions of residents and businesses in the Tacoma area, scammers sometimes spoof local area codes to make their calls appear more trustworthy. Always verify unfamiliar numbers before returning calls or sharing personal information.
The Tacoma region served by area code 253 is one of the most significant areas in Washington. As a primary geographic code, 253 has been the main identifier for this region since it was introduced in 1997.
For detailed information about any phone number in the 253 area code, including owner identification, carrier data, and spam reports, use our search tool above or visit one of our trusted lookup providers.
CITIES & COMMUNITIES
SPAM & SCAM ALERTS
These are frequently reported scam patterns from phone numbers using the 253 area code. Scammers often spoof area codes, so a call appearing to come from 253 may originate elsewhere.
Callers claim your Social Security number has been suspended due to suspicious activity and demand personal information to reactivate it.
Robocalls claim your car warranty is expiring and pressure you into purchasing expensive and unnecessary extended coverage.
Callers impersonate your electric or gas company, threatening immediate service disconnection unless payment is made by phone.
Stay Safe: Never share personal information with incoming callers. If suspicious, hang up and search the number above.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Area code 253 serves Tacoma, Washington. Area code 253 serves Tacoma, Washington, and the surrounding South Puget Sound region. It covers Federal Way, Lakewood, and parts of Pierce County south of Seattle.
Area code 253 is in the Pacific timezone. Calls from 253 numbers originate from the Tacoma region.
Not necessarily. Area code 253 serves many people in Tacoma. However, scammers can spoof any area code. If you receive a suspicious call from a 253 number, search it above before calling back.
Area code 253 was created in 1997. It serves as the primary geographic code for its region.
WHO CALLED ME
If you received an unknown call from a 253 number, use our dedicated lookup page to identify the caller and check for scam reports.
Who Called Me From 253? →PHONE SAFETY GUIDES
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