Area Code 217

So you got a call from a 217 number and you're wondering where it came from? That's Illinois. More specifically, 217 covers Springfield and places like Champaign.

This area code has been around for 78 years now - it was created in 1947. That makes it one of the original area codes from when the phone system was first being organized.

Here's Something Worth Knowing

Just because you see 217 on your caller ID doesn't guarantee the person is actually sitting in Illinois right now. Since 2003, people can take their phone numbers with them when they move. Your old college roommate who grew up near Springfield? They might be living in Texas now but still using their 217 number.

That said, a 217 number usually means the person originally got their phone number somewhere in Illinois. Or they specifically chose a 217 number for business reasons - maybe to seem local to customers in the Springfield area.

How to Dial a 217 Number

If you're calling from somewhere else in the country, just dial 1 + 217 + the 7-digit number. Calling from overseas? Use your country's exit code (usually 00 or +), then 1 for the US, then 217 and the rest.

Should You Be Worried About Scams?

Here's the honest truth: scammers can fake any area code they want, including 217. It's called "spoofing" and it's frustratingly common. So if you get a call from 217that feels off - someone asking for your Social Security number, claiming you won a prize, or demanding immediate payment for something - trust your gut and hang up.

Real businesses and government agencies don't cold call asking for sensitive info. If you're unsure whether a call was legit, look up the company's official number yourself and call them back.

Cities and Towns Using 217

The 217 area code serves quite a few places across Illinois. Here's where you might find someone with this area code: