Quick answer: The 973 area code is a real, fully-legitimate NANP code that has served Newark and northern New Jersey since June 1, 1997. It covers parts of seven counties (Essex, Bergen, Hudson, Morris, Passaic, Sussex, Union) and is paired with the 862 overlay since December 1, 2001 — which is why 10-digit dialing is mandatory for every local call. The code itself is not a scam, but scammers heavily spoof it because residents trust local-looking caller ID. The region runs on Eastern Time (UTC-5 / UTC-4 DST).
Is the 973 Area Code a Scam? What Newark Callers Should Know
You see an unknown 973 number on your screen and pause. Is it a real call from New Jersey, or another robocall?
Here's the short answer: the code itself is completely legitimate. But it's heavily spoofed by scammers, which is exactly why it feels suspicious.
This guide explains why that happens, walks through the specific scams reported across northern New Jersey, and covers the real geography behind the code. My Country Mobile (MCM) provides local US numbers, so we see these questions constantly.
The 973 area code is real — here's the catch
This calling code has served northern New Jersey since June 1, 1997. Millions of residents and businesses use it every day.
So no, the code is not a scam. The problem is something else entirely.
Why scammers love local codes
Scammers fake their caller ID to display a local number. They know people answer calls that look like a neighbor far more often than unknown ones.
If you live in New Jersey or have a 973 number yourself, a matching code makes a scam call look trustworthy. That's the trap.
The top New Jersey phone scams to watch
If you're getting suspicious calls, they likely fall into one of these patterns. None of them are real.
Auto warranty robocalls
A recorded voice claims your car's warranty has "expired." It often names a vehicle you no longer own.
The goal is to sell a worthless extended warranty or harvest your payment details.
IRS and Social Security threats
A caller says there are "serious allegations" against your Social Security number, or that it's being suspended. They threaten immediate arrest.
Real agencies never threaten arrest by phone or demand instant payment. Hang up.
Healthcare and Medicare scams
These target New Jersey residents by impersonating local health plans or a "Medicare advisor." They ask you to "verify" your date of birth or Medicare ID.
That information feeds identity theft and fraudulent billing.
How to protect yourself
Let unknown calls go to voicemail. Never confirm personal details to an inbound caller.
If a caller claims to represent an agency, hang up and dial the official number from its website yourself. Report repeat scam calls to the FTC and the New Jersey Attorney General's office.
Carrier-level call filtering and STIR/SHAKEN caller verification cut down on spoofed traffic. MCM builds these protections into its US numbers.
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Protect your business line.
MCM's local numbers ship with verified caller ID and smart call filtering — customers always know it's really you, and spam never reaches your team.
Where the 973 area code actually covers
Now for the real geography. This code serves the northernmost part of New Jersey.
It is not a single-city code. The territory is broad and densely populated.
Counties in the service area
Coverage spans parts of seven counties: Essex, Bergen, Hudson, Morris, Passaic, Sussex, and Union.
Essex County, home to Newark, sits at the center.
Major cities using the code
| City | Notable as |
|---|---|
| Newark | Largest NJ city, Essex County seat |
| Paterson | Historic industrial city |
| Clifton | Dense Passaic County hub |
| Passaic | Compact urban center |
| Montclair | Cultural and residential town |
| Morristown | Morris County seat |
| Parsippany | Corporate office base |
| Maplewood | Commuter suburb |
The 862 overlay and dialing rules
The 973 code does not stand alone. A second code, 862, overlays the exact same area.
Both codes share identical territory. A 862 number and a 973 number can sit in the same town.
When the overlay arrived
The 862 overlay took effect on December 1, 2001. From that date, 10-digit dialing became mandatory for every local call.
Why 10-digit dialing is required
With two codes covering one region, seven digits is no longer enough. The full number tells the network which line to ring.
International callers add the country code: +1-973-XXX-XXXX.
A quick history of the code
This code was created in 1997 in a split of the original 201 code. Back in 1947, 201 covered the entire state of New Jersey.
As phone demand grew, the state was divided. The 1997 split carved out the northern region, and the 862 overlay followed in 2001 to add more capacity without another split.
Time zone
Northern New Jersey runs on Eastern Time (ET). It observes daylight saving, shifting between UTC-5 and UTC-4.
The region shares its clock with neighboring New York City.
Should you still want a 973 number?
Despite the spoofing problem, a legitimate local number remains valuable. Real customers trust a familiar New Jersey code.
The spoofing issue is about scammers faking the code — not about the code itself being tainted.
Getting a number the safe way
A virtual number gives you a Newark-area presence without an office. Calls forward to any device you choose.
The key is choosing a reputable provider. Free, anonymous number services are the ones scammers abuse — a verified provider like MCM is not.
How to get a 973 number
Once you've picked a reputable provider, getting the line live takes about five minutes:
- Choose a provider — pick a VoIP or cloud phone provider with real US infrastructure and clear pricing.
- Pick a number — search the provider's available 973 inventory and choose a memorable digit pattern.
- Set up your account — configure call routing, voicemail, and team access during onboarding.
- Go live — calls start landing on your chosen device the same day, no physical New Jersey office required.
Quick reference table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| State | New Jersey |
| Main region | Newark and northern NJ |
| Key counties | Essex, Passaic, Morris, Bergen |
| Largest city | Newark |
| Overlay code | 862 |
| Time zone | Eastern (ET) |
| Dialing | 10 digits required |
| In service since | 1997 |
The bottom line
A 973 call is not automatically a scam — but caution is smart. The code is legitimate; the spoofed calls riding on it are not.
Screen unknown numbers, never share personal data with inbound callers, and verify any agency claim independently. If you want your own local number, pick a trusted provider and avoid free services.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the 973 area code a scam?
No. The code is legitimate and has served northern New Jersey since 1997. However, scammers frequently spoof it, which is why some 973 calls are fraudulent.
Where is this area code located?
It covers the northernmost part of New Jersey, centered on Newark and Essex County, and reaches parts of Bergen, Passaic, Morris, and other counties.
What is the 862 overlay?
862 is a second code added in 2001 that covers the same area. Because two codes share the territory, all local calls require 10-digit dialing.
Why do I get so many scam calls from this code?
Scammers fake their caller ID to show a local code. A familiar number makes you more likely to answer, so they spoof regional codes like this one.
What scams are most common in northern New Jersey?
Auto warranty robocalls, IRS and Social Security threat calls, and healthcare scams impersonating local Medicare plans are the most reported.
What time zone is the 973 region in?
Eastern Time, observing daylight saving between UTC-5 and UTC-4, the same clock as New York City.
Can I get a 973 number if I live outside New Jersey?
Yes. A virtual number from a provider like MCM gives you a local northern NJ line that forwards calls anywhere, with no local address required.
Get a 973 number for your business
A Newark presence used to mean leasing space downtown. Now it's a few-minute signup — and 973 still carries 29 years of northern-New-Jersey credibility with the customers who matter to your business.
My Country Mobile offers 973 virtual numbers with call forwarding, voicemail-to-email, SMS, and AI call transcription. Calls route to any device worldwide, and over 17,500 businesses already trust MCM with their virtual phone presence.
