The 228 area code serves the Mississippi Gulf Coast, the string of cities along the Gulf of Mexico including Biloxi, Gulfport, and Pascagoula. Created in 1997 when it split from 601, 228 covers the three coastal counties of Harrison, Hancock, and Jackson.
Quick Summary of the 228 Area Code
| Area Code | 228 |
| State | Mississippi (MS) |
| Region | Mississippi Gulf Coast (Biloxi & Gulfport) |
| Major Cities | Gulfport, Biloxi, Pascagoula, Ocean Springs, Long Beach, Bay St. Louis, Pass Christian, Moss Point |
| Time Zone | Central Time (CT) – CST / CDT |
| Dialing Format | 7 or 10-digit dialing |
Geographic Coverage
The 228 area code covers the Mississippi Gulf Coast, including the cities of Gulfport and Biloxi in the center, Pascagoula and Moss Point to the east in Jackson County, Ocean Springs across the bay from Biloxi, Long Beach and Pass Christian to the west, and Bay St. Louis in Hancock County. It stretches along the Gulf of Mexico between Louisiana and Alabama.
Time Zone
The 228 area code observes Central Time (CT). Clocks follow Central Standard Time (UTC−6) in winter and shift to Central Daylight Time (UTC−5) from mid-March through early November. All of Mississippi is on Central Time. From the West Coast, this region is two hours ahead of Pacific Time, so a 9:00 AM call in California reaches a 228 number at 11:00 AM local time.
Tip: Business hours across the 228 region generally run 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Central Time, Monday through Friday, though Gulf Coast casinos and hospitality businesses often operate around the clock.
How to Dial a 228 Number
Area code 228 is not part of an overlay, so it has traditionally allowed 7-digit local dialing. However, 10-digit dialing is now the recommended nationwide standard, and dialing the full 10-digit number (228 + the line number) always works reliably. For international callers, dial your country’s exit code, then +1 (the North American country code), then 228, followed by the seven-digit local number.
Scam Alerts for the 228 Area Code
Like every U.S. area code, 228 has been used by scammers who spoof local numbers to appear trustworthy. Residents in Gulfport, Biloxi, Pascagoula, Ocean Springs, Long Beach, Bay St. Louis, Pass Christian, Moss Point should stay alert to the following common tactics:
| Scam Type | What to Watch For |
|---|---|
| IRS / Tax Scams | Callers claiming you owe back taxes and threatening arrest unless you pay immediately. |
| Utility Shut-off | Fake Mississippi Power reps demanding payment to avoid disconnection. |
| Storm Repair Scam | Fake contractors demanding upfront payment for hurricane or flood damage repairs. |
| Casino / Prize Scam | Calls claiming you won a Biloxi casino jackpot but must pay a “processing fee” to collect. |
If you receive a suspicious call from a 228 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 Mississippi 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 (Mississippi Power or Coast Electric) will never demand immediate payment by gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency. Any 228 caller making such a demand is a scammer.
History and Economy of the 228 Region
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Area code 228 was created in 1997, split from 601, to serve the three coastal counties of Mississippi. The regional economy is anchored by casino gaming and tourism – Biloxi is lined with beachfront casino resorts – along with a deep maritime tradition of seafood and shrimping. Shipbuilding is the coast’s largest industrial employer, with Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula building warships for the U.S. Navy, while Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi and the nearby NASA Stennis Space Center add major federal and aerospace employment. The Port of Gulfport supports shipping and trade across the region.
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Looking Up a 228 Number
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To identify a 228 caller, use a reverse phone lookup or search the full 10-digit number online. Businesses, casinos, and government offices across the Mississippi Gulf Coast publish their 228 numbers, so a legitimate caller is often easy to confirm with a quick search. For unknown numbers, let the call go to voicemail – genuine callers usually leave a message, while robocallers and scammers rarely do.
Nearby & Related Area Codes
Mississippi is served by four area codes. If you are researching 228, these neighboring and overlay codes are worth knowing:
- 601 – Central & Southern MS / Jackson Metro
- 769 – Central & Southern MS overlay
- 662 – Northern Mississippi / Tupelo & Southaven
You can also browse our full directory of Mississippi 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 Mississippi:
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the 228 area code located?
The 228 area code covers the Mississippi Gulf Coast, including Gulfport, Biloxi, Pascagoula, Ocean Springs, Long Beach, Bay St. Louis, Pass Christian, and Moss Point.
Does 228 have an overlay?
No. The 228 area code covers the Gulf Coast on its own and currently has no overlay code.
Do I need to dial 10 digits for 228?
Because 228 has no overlay, 7-digit local dialing has historically worked, but dialing the full 10 digits is now the recommended standard and always works.
What time zone is the 228 area code in?
The 228 area code observes Central Time (CST/CDT), like all of Mississippi.
Related 228 Guides
- Is a 228 call safe? Read Is area code 228 a scam? Spam & safety guide.
- Local coverage: see the Gulfport area code guide.
- Worried about spam or robocalls? Browse our Scam Alerts directory.