Understanding Area Code 324: From Where Does It Originate?

Area code 324 is a topic of interest for many, especially those in the United States and those who receive calls from unexpected areas. As of my last update, area code 324 is designated for the state of Arizona in the United States. This area code was created as a result of a split from area code 480, designed to accommodate the growing need for new phone numbers in the region. However, for more specific information about area codes or related topics, feel free to ask!

Recent Developments in Area Code 324

In the case of Jacksonville, Florida, a new area code, 324, has been announced. This new area code will serve the same areas as the existing 904 area code, which includes Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, Fernandina Beach, Orange Park, and more. This change is set to take effect on February 24, 2024, as the second area code to serve the Jacksonville area. However, it is currently unassigned in North America, which means it is not yet officially in use for any specific region.

Area Code 324 and Its Confusion with Ghana

It's important to note that area code 324 is unassigned in North America. However, in some contexts, this area code is confusingly associated with Ghana on the west coast of Africa. Ghana's official country code is 233, commonly written as 233 or GH. Any call using the 324 area code is likely fraudulent and should be ignored and blocked, except possibly if you know someone in Ghana who is expecting to be reached at this number. The confusion might arise due to spammers using fake area codes, particularly scammers operating out of Ghana.

Notable Uses of Area Code 324 Around the World

Outside of its planned use in Jacksonville, Florida, area code 324 is unassigned in North America. However, it appears in some other contexts. For instance, Guatemala uses 502-2324x, and the WIND company in Italy uses 39-324x. This highlights that area codes, while typically associated with specific regions, can sometimes be used in various non-official contexts. Additionally, in Belgium, the prefix 32-4x is used, and users there can switch carriers without changing their phone numbers. It is crucial to recognize that in such cases, the prefix is not tightly coupled to a specific carrier, leading to confusion.

Preventing Fraudulent Calls with Area Code 324

If you receive a call with the 324 area code, especially from an unexpected source, it is highly advisable not to answer it. This area code has been associated with fraudulent schemes, particularly in the context of scammers from Ghana. Using a device called a "spoofing" tool, dishonest individuals can send out fake area codes, leading to misleading caller ID information.

In conclusion, while area code 324 is set to serve a region in Jacksonville, Florida, starting in 2024, it is important to be cautious with calls from this area code, especially now that it is being misused by fraudsters. Stay vigilant and only respond to calls from trusted contacts or official sources.