The 681 area code is a statewide overlay covering the entire state of West Virginia. Introduced in 2009, it was layered directly on top of the long-standing 304 area code to supply fresh phone numbers as the state ran short of available numbers under a single code.
Quick Summary of the 681 Area Code
| Area Code | 681 |
| State | West Virginia (WV) |
| Region | Statewide West Virginia |
| Major Cities | Charleston, Huntington, Morgantown, Parkersburg, Wheeling, Weirton, Martinsburg, Beckley |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time (ET) – EST / EDT |
| Dialing Format | 10-digit dialing required |
Geographic Coverage
The 681 area code shares an identical statewide footprint with 304, covering all of West Virginia – the capital of Charleston, Huntington and Parkersburg on the Ohio River, Morgantown in the north, Wheeling and Weirton in the northern panhandle, Martinsburg in the eastern panhandle, and Beckley in the southern coalfields. Because it is an overlay rather than a separate region, a 681 number and a 304 number can exist on the same street anywhere in the state.
Time Zone
The 681 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 West Virginia is on Eastern Time. From the West Coast, this region is three hours ahead of Pacific Time, so a 9:00 AM call in California reaches a 681 number at 12:00 PM local time.
Tip: Business hours across the 681 region generally run 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.
How to Dial a 681 Number
Because area code 681 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 (681 + the seven-digit line number) even when calling a neighbor across the street. For international callers, dial your country’s exit code, then +1 (the North American country code), then 681, followed by the seven-digit local number.
Scam Alerts for the 681 Area Code
Like every U.S. area code, 681 has been used by scammers who spoof local numbers to appear trustworthy. Residents in Charleston, Huntington, Morgantown, Parkersburg, Wheeling, Weirton, Martinsburg, Beckley should stay alert to the following 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 Appalachian Power or Mon Power threatening to cut power. |
| Tech Support Fraud | Pop-ups or calls claiming your computer is infected and asking for remote access. |
| Prize / Lottery Scam | Calls saying you won a prize but must pay a “fee” or “tax” to claim it. |
If you receive a suspicious call from a 681 number, take these steps to protect yourself:
- Do not share personal information such as Social Security numbers, bank details, or passwords over the phone.
- Hang up and verify by calling the organization back using an official number from its website.
- Report the call to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and to the West Virginia Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division.
- Block the number and consider registering with the National Do Not Call Registry.
Red Flag: Legitimate agencies such as the IRS, Social Security Administration, or your local utility company (Appalachian Power or Mon Power) will never demand immediate payment by gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency. Any 681 caller making such a demand is a scammer.
History and Economy of the 681 Region
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The 681 area code entered service in 2009 as a statewide overlay for the entire 304 region. For more than sixty years West Virginia was served by a single area code, but the growth of mobile phones and demand for new numbers finally exhausted the 304 supply, prompting regulators to add 681 across the whole state rather than splitting it into separate regions. The regional economy is anchored by the chemical industry of the Kanawha Valley around Charleston, higher education and healthcare at West Virginia University in Morgantown and Marshall University in Huntington, coal and natural-gas energy production, the growing Washington-area commuter belt in the eastern panhandle, and tourism in the New River Gorge and the Appalachian mountains. Because 681 is the newer of the two codes, it appears most often on recently activated mobile numbers and new business lines.
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Looking Up a 681 Number
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To identify a 681 caller, use a reverse phone lookup or search the complete 10-digit number online. Because 681 is a newer code often used for mobile numbers, some callers may have a smaller public footprint, so never share personal or financial details with an unverified caller.
Nearby & Related Area Codes
West Virginia is served by two area codes, which together form a statewide overlay. If you are researching 681, the companion code is worth knowing:
You can also browse our full directory of West Virginia area codes for more regional guides.
↑ See the complete list of All US Area Codes by State – every area code across all 50 states in one directory.
Explore Neighboring States
Researching area codes just across the state line? Start with these codes in the states that border West Virginia:
- Ohio – area code 216
- Pennsylvania – area code 215
- Maryland – area code 410
- Virginia – area code 804
- Kentucky – area code 502
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the 681 area code located?
The 681 area code is a statewide overlay covering all of West Virginia, so a 681 number can be based anywhere in the state – from Charleston and Huntington to Morgantown and Martinsburg.
Why was the 681 area code created?
681 was added in 2009 as a statewide overlay because West Virginia ran short of numbers under the original 304 code. Both codes now serve the whole state.
Do I have to dial 10 digits for 681?
Yes. As an overlay code, 681 always requires 10-digit dialing for local calls, as does 304.
What time zone is the 681 area code in?
Like 304, the 681 area code is in the Eastern Time Zone (EST/EDT), covering the whole state of West Virginia.
Related 681 Guides
- Is a 681 call safe? Read Is area code 681 a scam? Spam & safety guide.
- Local coverage: see the Charleston area code guide.
- Worried about spam or robocalls? Browse our Scam Alerts directory.