The 716 area code serves Buffalo, Niagara Falls, and Western New York. In service since 1954, 716 covers the state’s second-largest metropolitan area along with the scenic Niagara Frontier and the shores of Lake Erie. If a 716 number has appeared on your caller ID, this guide explains where it comes from, how to dial it, and how to stay safe from spoofed calls.
Quick Summary: Area Code 716 at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Area Code | 716 |
| State | New York (NY) |
| Major Cities | Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Cheektowaga, Jamestown |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time (ET) |
| Country Code | +1 (USA) |
| Overlay Codes | None (single area code) |
Geographic Coverage & Major Cities
Area code 716 covers the westernmost corner of New York State, including Erie, Niagara, Chautauqua, and Cattaraugus counties. It stretches along the Lake Erie shoreline and the Niagara River, taking in both a major metropolitan area and rural Southern Tier communities.
Cities and areas served by the 716 area code include:
- Buffalo — Western New York’s largest city and cultural and economic hub
- Niagara Falls — the world-famous waterfalls and tourism center
- Cheektowaga, Tonawanda, and Lockport — Buffalo-area suburbs
- Jamestown and Dunkirk — Chautauqua County communities near Lake Erie
Because it covers such an established region, a 716 number signals a genuine Buffalo-area and Western New York presence for residents and local businesses.
A Brief History of Area Code 716
Area code 716 was created in 1954 and historically covered all of Western New York, including the Rochester area. As demand for numbers grew, the Rochester and Finger Lakes region was split off into the new 585 area code in 2001, leaving 716 to serve the Buffalo–Niagara Frontier. To date it has remained a single area code without an overlay, though 10-digit dialing is now standard across New York.
Time Zone & Best Time to Call
Numbers in the 716 area code operate on Eastern Time (ET). The region observes Daylight Saving Time, switching from EST (UTC−5) to EDT (UTC−4) between March and November.
How to Dial Phone Numbers in Area Code 716
Ten-digit dialing is now standard throughout New York, so always include the area code.
Calling within the United States or Canada
- 10-digit dialing: Dial the full number — 716-XXX-XXXX.
- 11-digit dialing: You can also dial 1-716-XXX-XXXX; the leading 1 is the NANP country code.
Calling from outside the United States
- Format: [exit code] + 1 + 716 + XXX + XXXX
- From the UK, Europe, or most of Asia/Africa: 00 1 716 XXX XXXX
- From any mobile phone worldwide: +1 716 XXX XXXX
Is Area Code 716 a Scam? Safety & Protection Tips
Area code 716 is a legitimate New York area code — a call from it is not fraudulent by default. However, scammers frequently spoof the code, faking the caller ID so their number appears to come from a trusted local Buffalo-area line. Neighbor spoofing, which mimics your own number’s first six digits, is especially common.
Common scam tactics linked to this region
| Scam type | What to watch for |
|---|---|
| Government impersonation | Callers posing as the IRS or SSA threatening arrest or fines |
| Utility shut-off threats | Demands for immediate payment to keep power or gas on |
| Bank & card fraud alerts | Claims of “suspicious activity” seeking your account details |
| Auto-warranty robocalls | Recorded warnings that your vehicle warranty is expiring |
How to report, block, and look up 716 callers
- Never share personal or financial details with an unexpected caller, however urgent they sound.
- Block the number using your phone’s built-in call-blocking feature or a reputable call-screening app.
- Look up the number with a trusted reverse phone lookup before returning any call.
- Report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and register at DoNotCall.gov.
Nearby & Related Area Codes in New York
Area code 716 sits at the western edge of the state, near several other codes:
- 585 — Rochester and the western Finger Lakes, 716’s former territory (see our 585 area code guide)
- 315 & 680 — Central and Northern New York (see our 315 area code guide)
- 814 — neighboring northwestern Pennsylvania (Erie)
- 905 — the Canadian region across the Niagara River in Ontario
Explore more codes across the state on our New York area codes hub, or browse every prefix in our US area codes directory.
↑ 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 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 About Area Code 716
Where is the 716 area code located?
Area code 716 covers Buffalo, Niagara Falls, and Western New York, including Cheektowaga, Tonawanda, and Jamestown. It operates on Eastern Time.
Is 716 a landline or cell phone area code?
Both. Area code 716 serves landlines, mobile phones, and VoIP numbers across the Buffalo–Niagara region and Western New York.
Does 716 have an overlay area code?
No. 716 remains a single area code without an overlay, though 10-digit dialing is now standard statewide.
Should I answer a call from an unknown 716 number?
If you are not expecting the call, let it go to voicemail. Legitimate callers leave a message, while spoofed or robocall numbers usually will not. Verify any unfamiliar number with a reverse lookup before calling back.
Related 716 Guides
- Is a 716 call safe? Read Is area code 716 a scam? Spam & safety guide.
- Local coverage: see the Buffalo area code guide.
- Worried about spam or robocalls? Browse our Scam Alerts directory.