Have you ever received a call from a number that starts with (267) and wondered where it’s coming from? If so, you’re not alone. The 267 phone prefix is an area code that many people see on caller ID, often without knowing its origin. In southeastern Pennsylvania, 267 serves as one of the primary area codes. This guide will show you exactly where the phone prefix 267 is located, which cities and counties use it, and everything you need to know about this prefix. We’ll explain the region it covers, its history, and how to identify calls that come from 267.
For clarity, the term 267 phone prefix here refers to the three-digit area code portion of a phone number. In this context, phone prefix 267 simply means the area code 267 in the North American Numbering Plan (NANP). In everyday language, people sometimes say “prefix” or “area code” interchangeably. When you see a number like (267) 555-1234, the 267 prefix indicates the call is routed to the Philadelphia metro area of Pennsylvania. (Likewise, phrases like “prefix phone number 267” or “267 phone number prefix” all refer to the same thing: the 267 area code.) If you’ve searched for terms like “prefix 267 phone number” or “where is prefix 267 located,” this article has the answers.
Table of Contents
What Is the 267 Phone Prefix?
The 267 phone prefix is an overlay area code for the Philadelphia, PA region. It was created because the original Philadelphia code (215) was running out of available numbers. On July 1, 1997, area code 267 was activated as an overlay of the 215 numbering plan area. In practice, this means that new phone numbers could be assigned 267 instead of 215, even though both codes cover the same geographic area. As a result, the entire region uses mandatory 10-digit dialing (area code + number) for local calls.
Key points about the 267 prefix: – Area code: 267 (overlay of 215)
– Location: Southeastern Pennsylvania (Philadelphia metro area)
– Counties: Serves Philadelphia County, most of Bucks County, parts of Montgomery County
– Cities: Philadelphia, Levittown, Bensalem, Lansdale, Norristown, Bristol, Abington, and others
– Activated: 1997 (overlay of 215)
– Additional overlay: 445 (added 2018 for more numbers)
– Dialing: Ten-digit dialing is mandatory in the region
– Uses: Landline, cable/VoIP, and mobile phones in the area
– Time zone: Eastern Time (same as New York City)
– Calling: Considered a regular local code in PA (not toll-free or premium)
Because 267 is an overlay code, it functions just like any other area code. For example, if you hear someone say “my phone number is 267-555-1234,” they mean the 267 phone prefix (area code 267). Even though there is 215 and 445 in the region, the 267 prefix alone identifies a Southeast Pennsylvania number.
Geographic Coverage: Counties and Cities

Area code 267 covers the city of Philadelphia and its nearby suburbs. In detail, the prefix spans parts of five counties in southeastern Pennsylvania:
- Philadelphia County: Full coverage. Every neighborhood in the city of Philadelphia is in 267 (or 215/445). The entire city uses these codes.
- Bucks County: Almost all of Bucks County is in 267. This includes towns like Levittown, Bensalem Township, Warminster, Falls Township, Lower Makefield, Bristol, and more. (A small corner of northeast Bucks is outside 267, but most populous Bucks areas use it.)
- Montgomery County: Much of eastern and northern Montgomery County falls under 267, including Lansdale, Abington Township, Cheltenham, North Wales, Norristown, and others. (The far west of Montgomery County uses different codes.)
- Lehigh County: A tiny part of very southern Lehigh County (near the Pennsylvania Turnpike in South Whitehall Twp.) is technically in 267.
- Berks County: A very small corner at the eastern tip of Berks County (around Hamburg area) is also in the 267 region.
In short, Philadelphia and its main suburbs use the 267 prefix. Notable communities that use 267 include: – Philadelphia, PA: The largest city (pop. ~1.5 million). All of Philly is covered.
– Levittown, PA (Bucks County): A large suburb (pop. ~53,000) entirely in 267.
– Bensalem Township, PA (Bucks County): Populous northeastern suburb of Philly on I-95.
– Warminster Township, PA (Bucks County): Suburb north of Philly (near I-295).
– Bristol, PA (Bucks County): Borough along the Delaware River in Bucks County.
– Lansdale, PA (Montgomery County): Montgomery borough northwest of Philly.
– Abington Township, PA (Montgomery County): Suburb northeast of Philly.
– Norristown, PA (Montgomery County): County seat of Montgomery.
– Falls Township / Lower Makefield, PA (Bucks County): Eastern Bucks suburbs near Morrisville and the river.
These examples cover the main population centers. If a phone number starts with 267, the caller is almost certainly calling from the Philadelphia metro area. None of 267’s service area extends into New Jersey or Delaware; those states use different codes (NJ has 609/856 etc., DE has 302).
For perspective: Philadelphia County is about 60 square miles with ~1.6M residents, and it’s fully in the 267 region (via overlays). Bucks County has ~630K people, most of whom now use 267. Montgomery County has ~800K, with many in 267. Combined, well over two million people live in the 267 service area. In fact, roughly 58% of all 267 numbers are in Bucks County, 25% in Montgomery County, and 15% in Philadelphia (because many older Philly numbers remained 215).
History and Evolution of 267
The 267 prefix was born from telecom growth in the Philadelphia area. Highlights:
- 1947: The Philadelphia region was originally assigned area code 215 as part of the first numbering plan. That single code covered a huge area for decades.
- 1990s: By the mid-90s, demand for new phone lines (cell phones, fax, data modems) meant 215 numbers were almost gone. The numbering plan administrators decided to add a new code.
- 1997: On July 1, 1997, area code 267 went into service as an overlay of 215. This added a fresh supply of numbers. Residents and businesses kept their existing 215 numbers; new customers began getting 267 numbers. From that day, ten-digit dialing became mandatory for local calls in the region. Local media at the time noted some Philadelphians were upset – they loved their “215” identity – but it was a minor fuss in the grand scheme. Over time 267 became routine.
- 2018: A second overlay, 445, was added on February 3, 2018 to further expand capacity. Now Philadelphia has three coexisting codes: 215, 267, and 445. This is similar to other big cities (e.g., New York has 212/646/332, etc.).
- Future: Projections by the North American Numbering Plan Administration indicate that 215/267/445 have enough numbers to last for many years (likely beyond 2050). No new area code for this region is expected soon.
In everyday terms, 267 has been around since 1997. It joined 215 and later 445 to serve the same area. Because it’s an overlay, you might know people who have 215, neighbors with 267, and new businesses with 445 – all in the same city.
How to Dial and Use 267 Numbers
Dialing a 267 number follows standard U.S. rules, but remember the 10-digit rule:
- Within the Philadelphia Area: Always dial 267 + 7-digit number (for example, 267-555-1234). Even if you’re calling next door, you must include the area code because of the overlay system.
- From Other U.S. Locations: Dial 1-267-555-1234. The leading “1” indicates a long-distance call.
- From Other Countries: Dial +1-267-555-1234 (the “+1” is the country code for the U.S., then 267 as the area code).
Because 267 is a standard geographic area code, calls to it use normal rates. If you have a standard phone plan, calling a 267 number will be a regular domestic call. It is not toll-free or premium.
Example: If your cell phone shows an incoming number as +1 (267) 888-7777, and you want to return the call: dial 267-888-7777 if you’re in PA, or 1-267-888-7777 from elsewhere in the U.S.
Some practical notes: always include the 267 when giving or saving a number. For example, save numbers as “267-123-4567” rather than just “123-4567.” This prevents confusion. If you’re setting up caller ID or contact lists, list the area code. If you move within the 267 region, you keep your number and area code.
Why Always 10-Digit Dialing?
Because 267 is an overlay of 215/445, the phone system can’t distinguish local calls by just the first 7 digits. At least two different phones in the same city could have the same last 7 digits but different area codes. Mandatory 10-digit dialing avoids ambiguity.
Major Carriers and Number Assignments
Phones with a 267 prefix can belong to many different carriers. Key examples include:
- T-Mobile (Omnipoint): Many 267 numbers are T-Mobile cell phones. For instance, prefix 267-968 is assigned to T-Mobile (originally Omnipoint) in Philadelphia. So any number like (267) 968-XXXX is a T-Mobile mobile phone.
- AT&T/Cingular: AT&T (formerly Cingular) uses some 267 blocks, such as 267-218, 267-250, etc., for its wireless lines.
- Verizon Wireless: Verizon has 267 prefixes for its customers (e.g. 267-969, 267-591). These are mobile phones.
- Sprint: (Now merged with T-Mobile) also used 267 blocks. Many Sprint numbers became T-Mobile after the merger.
- Cable/VoIP Providers: Cable companies like Comcast (Xfinity Voice) use 267 for home phone service. For example, Comcast numbers like 267-239, 267-273, 267-258, etc., are VoIP/home lines. Other internet/VoIP providers also occupy some 267 ranges.
- Local Telcos: Smaller carriers (Broadwing, Level 3, etc.) have blocks of 267 numbers for business services and VoIP.
In other words, any telecom operator in the Philadelphia region could have 267 numbers. The prefix alone doesn’t guarantee mobile or landline – it depends on the specific exchange. If you’re wondering “Is 267-968 a cell phone prefix?”, the answer is yes (it’s T-Mobile). But a number like 267-239 might be a Comcast VoIP line.
Caller Safety: Recognizing 267 Calls
A call from a 267 prefix Phone simply means it originates in the Philadelphia, PA area. 267 is not inherently suspicious, but it’s wise to treat any unknown call with care. Here are some guidelines:

- Legitimate Callers: Many normal contacts will use 267. Local businesses (shops, doctors, plumbers, etc.) in Philadelphia can have 267 numbers. Friends or family in that area might call from 267. If you recognize the number (maybe from ID or previous calls) it’s usually fine.
- Unknown Numbers: If you don’t know the 267 number, be cautious. Let it go to voicemail or check it online. Modern smartphones often label 267 calls as “Philadelphia, PA” if you have caller ID – that’s because databases map 267 to that region. Some phones/apps (Truecaller, Hiya) can identify the caller by number. Use those tools if unsure.
- Spoofing: Be aware that scammers can fake a 267 caller ID. They might make it look local to trick you. So even if you see a 267 number, verify the caller if they ask for personal information.
- One-Ring Scam: A common trick is a 267 number that rings once and hangs up. They hope you’ll call back. Never call back an unknown 267 number that did this – it could be a premium-rate or phishing line. If you missed a call like this, wait to see if they call again or send a message.
- Phishing Calls: No legitimate organization (IRS, Social Security, banks, utility companies) will cold-call and demand personal info. If someone with a 267 number claims to be from one of these and asks for money or data, hang up immediately.
- Blocking/Reporting: If you get repeated unwanted calls from a specific 267 number, block it on your phone. In the U.S., you can also report nuisance calls to the FCC or FTC.
Step-by-step advice:
1. Check your phone’s caller ID/location: Many devices will show the city for a 267 call (Philadelphia). This at least confirms it’s local.
2. Use a reverse lookup: Enter the full 267 number into a search engine or app to see if it’s reported.
3. Listen for cues: Scammers often sound rushed, ask for sensitive info, or threaten consequences. Legit calls rarely do that.
4. Ignore or block suspicious calls: If in doubt, don’t pick up an unexpected 267 call. Legit callers can leave a voicemail or call another way.
Remember: the prefix 267 itself is not a scam sign – it’s just one of many area codes. Treat 267 calls like any other incoming call: if you know the number, answer it. If not, use caution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where is the phone prefix 267 located?
A: The 267 prefix is in southeastern Pennsylvania. It covers the city of Philadelphia and surrounding suburbs in Bucks and Montgomery counties. In short, 267 means the call is coming from the Greater Philadelphia (Delaware Valley) area.
Q: Which cities and areas use the 267 area code?
A: Philadelphia is the primary city. It also includes large Bucks County towns (Levittown, Bensalem, Warminster, Bristol) and many Montgomery County communities (Lansdale, Abington, Norristown, etc.). Basically, if it’s in or near Philadelphia, it likely uses 267 (or 215/445).
Q: Is 267-968 a cell phone prefix?
A: Yes. The prefix 267-968 is assigned to T-Mobile/Omnipoint in Philadelphia. That means any number like (267) 968-XXXX is a mobile (cell) phone. Many 267 blocks are used by wireless carriers, so numbers starting with 967, 968, 969, etc. are often cell phones.
Q: How do I dial a 267 number?
A: In the United States, dial 1-267-XXX-XXXX. If you’re calling from within Philadelphia or Pennsylvania, you can just dial 267-XXX-XXXX (10 digits). From abroad, dial your exit code +1-267-XXX-XXXX. The “+1” is the country code for the U.S.
Q: Are 267 calls free?
A: No. Area code 267 is not toll-free (like 800/888). It’s a standard geographic code. Calls to 267 numbers use your regular plan’s rates (local or long-distance as applicable).
Q: Can a person in New Jersey have a 267 number?
A: No. 267 is strictly used in Pennsylvania. New Jersey has different codes (609, 856, etc.). If you see +1-267, it’s PA.
Q: What time zone is area code 267 in?
A: Eastern Time Zone (same as New York City).
Q: Is area code 267 the same as any country code?
A: The prefix +1-267 is USA (Philadelphia). If you ever see a number +267 (without the +1), that is actually Botswana’s country code. But if someone is dialing in the US, they will dial +1-267 for Philadelphia.
Q: Are 267 calls likely to be spam or scams?
A: Any call can be spam, but 267 itself isn’t marked as a scam code. It’s just a local PA code. Most 267 calls are normal local business or personal calls. Always be cautious with any unknown caller, whether 267 or any other code.
Q: How can I identify if a 267 number is spam?
A: Use common precautions. See if your phone labels it (often “Philadelphia, PA” on smartphones), do an internet search of the number, and don’t return calls you don’t expect. If a 267 caller asks for personal info, it’s a scam red flag.
Conclusion
The 267 phone prefix identifies the Philadelphia, PA area in the U.S. It’s an overlay of the 215 code, covering Philadelphia city and many surrounding communities in Bucks and Montgomery counties. Introduced in 1997 (and expanded by 445 in 2018), 267 is now well established as a standard area code for Southeastern Pennsylvania. When a number starts with (267), you know the caller is from the Philadelphia metro region.
Knowing this can help you make sense of incoming calls. For example, if your phone shows a number like (267) 555-7890, the 267 prefix tells you the call is local to Philadelphia. You can then decide whether to answer it as a local call. And if it’s an unknown caller, just apply the same caution you would with any number.
If you found this guide helpful, please share it with others who might be curious about 267 calls. Have you received a call from a 267 number? Leave a comment with your experience below. Stay informed with TechUpdateLab!
Editorial Note: This article was written by the TechUpdateLab editorial team.
Author: Rahul (TechUpdateLab.com)