Movie phone numbers. 555-xxxx?

[FrustratedUser]

In every (american) movie the phone numbers are always 555 and then something else.
Who came up with that?

 

[Platypus]

Pick up a phone and dial 555 and you'll see why.

 

[toph99]

any phone # that starts with 555 doesn't exist, so they use it so that they don't accidentally get sued by someone who ends up getting called by people after they see a phone number in a movie

 

[Viper GTS]

Haven't 555 numbers recently started being used?

Viper GTS

 

[FrustratedUser]

I know the 555 numbers don't exist, but why?

 

[jlee]

Originally posted by: toph99
any phone # that starts with 555 doesn't exist, so they use it so that they don't accidentally get sued by someone who ends up getting called by people after they see a phone number in a movie

Up in NH, 555-1212 was directory assistance, I think....but that's about it.

 

[her209]

I think 555 numbers are for tv shows.

You know, like 555-FILK

 

[Supermercado]

I feel sorry for the people with the number 867-5309....

 

[notfred]

555 is information, all the different numbers after 555 (555-XXXX) are different parts of the country.

 

[Electrode]

555-1212 is the local information number for most places in the USA, and probably Canada too. Dial as a local call for your area's info, or with an area code for that area's info.

411 is the national information number.

I don't think there are any other 555 numbers. Knowing this, phone numbers beginning in 555 can be used in movies, tv shows, and games when a realistic-looking number is needed, without the risk of being sued by someone who mught be unfortunate enough to own that number, just as toph99 said.