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On the old “Seinfeld” TV sitcom, there was a classic episode where Elaine got a new home phone number and, in the process, lost her cherished “212” area code. The bit was played for a lot of laughs, but for some folks in the San Francisco area, the same event is no laughing matter.

Last weekend, the phone company started rolling out the new “628” area code in what had formerly been an exclusive “415” area code region. In this case, hilarity has not ensued.

“The change has confused dozens of people, who called San Francisco's 911 center because they're having trouble dialing out,” KGO-TV reported. "Sometimes when people are confused, they call a government number, and 911 is one that's easy to remember. But again, the key thing to remember is 911 is for emergencies," San Francisco city spokesperson Francis Zamora said.

The change came about because the “415” area code ran out of numbers. The new number means that everyone will now have to add an area code when dialing out.

“Existing phone numbers are not affected, but now everyone will have to dial an area code before a local number,” the San Jose Mercury News reported. “Officials advise customers to reprogram all services, automatic dialing equipment or gear with a seven-digit number, in order to incorporate the new area code procedure. Examples include life safety systems, fax machines, Internet dial-up numbers, alarm and security systems, call forwarding settings and voicemail systems.”

But the change is not just limited to homes. Those in the telemarketing business are now going to have to take a closer look at their lists as well, to see if prospective clients are in the 415 or 628 region. If they don’t check and continue to call as usual, they’re likely to reach a recording telling them to hang up and try again, this time adding the correct area code.

No one said it was going to be easy.