The 624 area code is an overlay serving Western New York, including Buffalo and Niagara Falls. Introduced in 2024, it was layered directly on top of the established 716 area code to supply fresh phone numbers across Erie and Niagara counties.
Quick Summary of the 624 Area Code
| Area Code | 624 |
| State | New York (NY) |
| Region | Western New York (Buffalo & Niagara Falls) |
| Major Cities | Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Cheektowaga, Tonawanda, West Seneca, Amherst, Lackawanna, Lockport |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time (ET) – EST / EDT |
| Dialing Format | 10-digit dialing required |
Geographic Coverage
The 624 area code shares an identical footprint with 716, covering the city of Buffalo and its suburbs of Cheektowaga, Tonawanda, West Seneca, Amherst, and Lackawanna, along with Niagara Falls and Lockport in Niagara County. Because it is an overlay rather than a separate region, a 624 number and a 716 number can exist on the same street.
Time Zone
The 624 area code observes Eastern Time (ET). Clocks follow Eastern Standard Time (UTC−5) in winter and shift to Eastern Daylight Time (UTC−4) from mid-March through early November. All of New York is on Eastern Time. From the West Coast, this region is three hours ahead of Pacific Time.
How to Dial a 624 Number
Because area code 624 operates as part of an overlay, 10-digit dialing is mandatory for every local and long-distance call. You must dial the full 10-digit number (624 + the seven-digit line number) even when calling a neighbor across the street. For international callers, dial your country’s exit code, then +1, then 624, followed by the seven-digit local number.
Scam Alerts for the 624 Area Code
Like every U.S. area code, 624 has been used by scammers who spoof local numbers to appear trustworthy. Western New York residents should stay alert to these common tactics:
| Scam Type | What to Watch For |
|---|---|
| IRS / Tax Scams | Threatening calls demanding immediate tax payment via gift cards or wire transfer. |
| Utility Shut-off | Impostors claiming to be National Grid or NYSEG threatening to cut power. |
| Snow Removal / Home Repair Scam | Fake contractors demanding upfront payment for winter driveway or roof work. |
| Tech Support Fraud | Pop-ups or calls claiming your computer is infected and asking for remote access. |
Red Flag: Legitimate agencies such as the IRS, Social Security Administration, or your utility company (National Grid or NYSEG) will never demand immediate payment by gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency. Any 624 caller making such a demand is a scammer.
History and Economy of the 624 Region
The 624 area code entered service in 2024 as an overlay for the entire 716 region. Overlays let regulators add a fresh supply of phone numbers without forcing existing customers to change their established numbers, so 624 covers precisely the same cities as 716. Western New York’s economy is anchored by Buffalo – the second-largest city in the state – with strengths in healthcare and the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, higher education at the University at Buffalo, advanced manufacturing, banking, and tourism centered on nearby Niagara Falls. Because 624 is brand new, it appears almost exclusively on recently activated phone lines. Buffalo remained on a single area code (716) for seventy years – one of the longest single-code runs in the Northeast – before growth in mobile and business lines finally required the 624 relief overlay, which now serves the same Erie and Niagara county footprint.
Looking Up a 624 Number
To identify a 624 caller, use a reverse phone lookup or search the complete 10-digit number online. Because 624 is the newest code in Western New York, many numbers will have little public footprint yet, so treat unexpected 624 calls with extra caution and never share sensitive information with an unverified caller. Legitimate Buffalo-area businesses, hospitals, and government offices publish their contact numbers publicly, so you can always confirm a caller by looking up the official number and calling back.
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Nearby & Related Area Codes
New York is served by several area codes. If you are researching 624, these neighboring and overlay codes are worth knowing:
- 716 – Western New York (overlay partner)
- 585 – Rochester & the Finger Lakes
- 315 – Syracuse & Central New York
You can also browse our full directory of New York area codes for more regional guides.
Explore Neighboring States
Researching area codes just across the state line? Start with these codes in the states that border New York:
- New Jersey – area code 201
- Pennsylvania – area code 215
- Connecticut – area code 203
- Massachusetts – area code 617
- Vermont – area code 802
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the 624 area code located?
The 624 area code serves Western New York as an overlay of 716, covering Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Cheektowaga, Tonawanda, West Seneca, Amherst, and Lockport.
Why does 624 cover the same area as 716?
624 is an overlay added in 2024 because the 716 region ran short of available phone numbers. Both codes serve the exact same Western New York region.
Do I have to dial 10 digits for 624?
Yes. Overlay area codes like 624 always require 10-digit dialing for local calls.
Is 624 a new area code?
Yes. Introduced in 2024, 624 is the newest area code in Western New York and observes Eastern Time (EST/EDT).
Related 624 Guides
- Worried about spam or robocalls? Browse our Scam Alerts directory.